Enzo Zidane Retires from Professional Football at Age 29

Foto: Arce/getty Images

Enzo Zidane, the eldest son of football legend Zinedine Zidane, has officially decided to retire from professional football. At only 29 years old, Enzo has not participated in competitive football for the past year, signaling the end of his playing career. His final club was Fuenlabrada, a Spanish third-division team, where he played 29 matches during the 2022/2023 season.

A Brief Career with Notable Highlights

Despite his young age, Enzo’s football journey has been full of notable moments. He attempted to follow in the footsteps of his illustrious father, starting in the youth academies of Juventus and Real Madrid, where his father became a global icon. His professional debut came in 2016 when he played for Real Madrid's senior team in a Copa del Rey match against Cultural Leonesa. In that game, Enzo made a memorable contribution by scoring a goal, in what was also Martin Odegaard’s debut match for the club.

A Journey Through European Clubs

After leaving Real Madrid, Enzo had stints at several clubs across Europe, including Alavés, Aves, and Almería. While he struggled to find the same level of success as his father, he continued to play in Spain's lower leagues, eventually landing at Fuenlabrada, where his professional career seemingly reached its conclusion in May 2023.

International Prospects and Choices

Enzo Zidane had the opportunity to represent multiple countries at the international level, including Spain, France, and Algeria. His youth career saw him earn one cap for Spain's U-15 team and two caps for Spain's U-19 squad, but he never made a senior appearance for any national team.

A Legacy Continued

With his retirement, Enzo passes the baton to his younger siblings, who are still active in football. Luca Zidane plays as a goalkeeper for Granada, Theo Zidane is a rising talent at Cordoba, and Elyaz Zidane is currently developing at Real Betis. While Enzo's playing career may have concluded, the Zidane name remains prominent in the world of football through his younger brothers.

Enzo’s retirement marks the end of an era for a player who once carried the weight of great expectations due to his family name. Despite the challenges, his journey across several clubs and countries highlights his passion for the game and his attempt to carve his own path in the world of football.