After 3 years, Zidane officially returns to the pitch

09/10/2025 07:21:00 PANDATV

After over three years away from elite football, Zinedine Zidane is set to return to the field in a special game organized in Marseille, the hometown linked to his early years.

According to Universe Football, Zidane will participate in the “third edition” of the Universe Football event series at the Orange Velodrome, home stadium of Olympique Marseille. This community-driven project gathers many football legends and celebrities for a charity football night. Besides Zidane, the event will feature Franck Ribery, Samir Nasri, Djibril Cisse, along with his three sons - Theo, Elyaz, and Luca.

This is not Zidane’s first appearance in Universe Football, but it marks his first match since the charity friendly in March 2024. Therefore, French fans are eagerly awaiting “Zizou’s” return on the land where he was born. The event is scheduled for the end of this year and is expected to draw tens of thousands of spectators at Velodrome – one of Europe’s most vibrant stadiums.

Zinedine Zidane will make his comeback at the Universe Football event in Marseille

Since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, Zidane has almost withdrawn from professional football despite receiving coaching offers from many major clubs, including the French national team and several teams in the US. Instead of returning to the sidelines, he chose to reappear in a community-focused event – a gentle comeback that matches his calm and composed nature.

Although he never played for Olympique Marseille, Zidane has a special connection with the city. He was born and raised in La Castellane, where his love for football was nurtured through street games with friends. Velodrome was where he and his father watched major matches together, making this return a deeply emotional homecoming.

After 3 years away from football, Zidane officially steps back on the pitch

French media refer to this as “an event recalling Zidane’s childhood,” and an opportunity for fans to see the 53-year-old legend take the field once again. Although not competitive, this comeback attracts attention across Europe because “Zizou” remains a symbol of elegant football and a golden generation that the French will never forget.

After three silent years, Zidane returns – not to coach or win, but to play with heart. Marseille welcomes him not just as a legend, but as a son returning home after a long absence.

Related articles