Please note: This book trailer does not have a publication date at present. As with any pre-announced books, plans can change, with projects sometimes being delayed or even cancelled entirely. Book Review: Zidane by Patrick Fort and Jean Philippe
Note: This edition appears to be an update of the paperback published in May 2018, with the same authors and publishers. Final details about any new content are pending confirmation.
In the pantheon of football legends, few figures are as enigmatic as Zinedine Zidane. Fort and Philippe's biography attempts to pierce the veil of mystery surrounding the man known for "speaking only with the ball", offering readers a glimpse into the mind of one of soccer's most compelling personalities.
The biography traces Zidane's extraordinary journey from his humble beginnings to his ascent as a global football icon. While the narrative framework is familiar to those who've followed Zidane's career, what sets this book apart is its attempt to understand the psychological makeup of a man whose public persona has always been one of studied silence.
Both respected French journalists, Patrick Fort and Jean Philippe, contribute their considerable experience to the subject. Patrick Fort and Jean Philippe have followed Zidane's career extensively, lending authenticity to their insights. However, the book's greatest strength—and occasionally its weakness—lies in its handling of Zidane's notorious complexity.
The narrative hits its stride when exploring the pivotal moments of Zidane's career: his record-breaking £46 million transfer to Real Madrid, his masterful performances that earned him recognition as one of the greatest players of all time, and, of course, the infamous 2006 World Cup final head-butt incident. The authors provide context and depth to these well-known events, though at times they struggle to fully penetrate Zidane's carefully maintained private world.
The book's latter sections, covering Zidane's transition to management, are particularly relevant given his remarkable success at Real Madrid. His evolution from player to coach is well-documented, though recent developments suggest there's more to come—Zidane has recently expressed his intention to return to coaching, adding an interesting dimension to this biography's exploration of his character.
Where the book occasionally falls short is in its ability to truly reveal "the man behind the legend". Despite the authors' best efforts, Zidane's essence remains somewhat elusive—perhaps fitting for a man known for his reticence. The biography sometimes reads more like a detailed career retrospective than an intimate portrait, though this may say more about its subject's guardedness than the authors' capabilities.
The writing style is accessible and engaging, effectively balancing technical football analysis with human interest. The authors' journalistic background shows in their attention to detail and fact-checking, though some readers might wish for more personal anecdotes and behind-the-scenes revelations.
For football fans and students of the game, this biography offers valuable insights into one of the sport's most influential figures. While it may not completely unlock the mystery of Zidane's inner world, it provides a thorough and respectful examination of his career and impact on football. The book serves as a reminder that sometimes the most fascinating aspects of legendary figures lie not in what we discover about them but in what remains tantalizingly just out of reach.
This biography is recommended for anyone interested in football history, sports leadership, or the psychology of elite athletes. While it may not answer every question about its enigmatic subject, it offers a compelling portrait of a man who let his feet do most of his talking—and what eloquent conversations they were.
Please note: This book does not have a publication date at present. As with any pre-announced books, plans can change, with projects sometimes being delayed or even cancelled entirely. We'll update this review when more information becomes available about the publication timeline.
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Published: UnknownPrice: £UnknownPaperback: UnknownISBN-13: 978-1785038495Dimensions: 197 x 127 (mm)
