2006 World Cup final: Zidane's headbutt and Italy's fourth title

The 2006 World Cup final on 9 July in Berlin ended Italy 1-1 France, with Italy winning 5-3 on penalties to claim their fourth title. But the match is remembered for one moment: Zinedine Zidane’s red card.

The goals

Zidane opened the scoring with a chipped penalty in the 7th minute — his last act on a football pitch. Marco Materazzi equalised in the 19th. The game stayed level through extra time.

The headbutt

In the 110th minute, Zidane headbutted Materazzi in the chest and was sent off — the only red card of his career, and a stunning end to a glittering one. Italy held their nerve in the shootout.

Why it’s iconic

It was a final of contrasts: Italy’s collective resilience against France’s individual genius, cut short. Zidane’s exit remains one of the most debated moments in World Cup history.

Sources

• Wikipedia — 2006 FIFA World Cup final: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006_FIFA_World_Cup_final
• FIFA — 2006 World Cup: https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/germany2006