Zidane’s Iconic No 5: A Choice That Raised Eyebrows
In the illustrious annals of football legends, Zinedine Zidane‘s legacy at Real Madrid stands as a testament to greatness. From his mesmerizing skills on the pitch to his astute strategic acumen as a manager, Zidane’s influence has left an indelible mark on the storied club. One facet of his fascinating career that has piqued the curiosity of fans and contemporaries alike is his choice to don the No 5 jersey during his playing days at the iconic club.
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Behind the Jersey Choice: Zidane’s Revelation
In an exclusive and revealing interview with none other than Lionel Messi, Zidane finally unveils the mystery behind his selection of the No 5 shirt. The World Cup-winning maestro, who graced the hallowed grounds of Real Madrid from 2001 to 2006, elucidates this peculiar choice during his transition from a legendary player to a coaching luminary at the Bernabeu.
Zidane’s connection with Los Blancos was so profound that even in his managerial role, he continued to shape the destiny of the club. His coaching stints, particularly between 2016 and 2018, and later from 2019 to 2021, saw Real Madrid bask in the glory of two LaLiga titles, two Supercopa trophies, and an impressive three Champions League triumphs.
President’s Influence: Numbers That Matter
Delving into the intricacies of Zidane’s journey, he sheds light on the pivotal influence of Real Madrid’s president, Florentino Perez, on the choice of jersey numbers. Perez, with a traditional mindset steeped in football history, discouraged players from adorning themselves with unconventional numbers like 25, 30, or 35. Instead, he preferred the classic range from 1 to 10, symbolizing the traditional positions on the football field.
Zidane fondly reminisces about the moment he first donned the Real Madrid jersey, stating, “‘Sanchis had number 5 for Madrid, he left, and when I got there, the president told me ‘wouldn’t you like to have a number from 1 to 10?’ and we picked the number 5 because he didn’t want the 25, 30, 35. This is not football, it is American football, so in the end, I got number 5.“
Zidane’s No 5: A Legacy Passed Down
Beyond being a mere numerical choice, Zidane’s selection of the No 5 jersey not only defined an era but also established a legacy that carries weight for those who follow. The symbolic nature of the number adds an extra layer of significance, creating a sense of responsibility and expectation for those who inherit it.
Jude Bellingham’s Light-hearted Approach to the No 5 Legacy
Fast-forward to the present, where young English talent Jude Bellingham proudly sports the No 5 jersey for Real Madrid. The 20-year-old, having made a stellar £113 million move from Borussia Dortmund, has embraced the challenge without reservations and has quickly become a key figure in the squad.
Bellingham’s incredible performance on the pitch, marked by an impressive 13 goals in his initial 14 appearances, starkly contrasts with Zidane’s debut season goal tally of 12 across all competitions. When questioned about his choice during the prestigious Ballon d’Or Ceremony, Bellingham responded with a touch of humor, stating, “There wasn’t much else left!” However, he added, “It adds a little bit of pressure, but I wanted to pay homage to one of my idols.“
A Number Woven Into Real Madrid’s Tapestry
In the intricate tapestry of Real Madrid’s rich and storied history, the No 5 jersey worn by Zinedine Zidane remains a thread that connects generations. From Zidane’s strategic brilliance to Bellingham’s youthful vigor, the legacy of the iconic number continues to unfold on the hallowed grounds of the Bernabeu, weaving a narrative that transcends time and etches its place in the heart of every Real Madrid enthusiast.
