Janice R. Andrews
Zinedine Zidane has raised eyebrows by not including Cristiano Ronaldo among his top three Real Madrid players coached. Despite Ronaldo’s crucial contributions, Zidane instead highlighted Karim Benzema, Toni Kroos, and Luka Modric as the most impressive during his tenure.
Zidane’s Impactful Reign at Real Madrid
As both a player and coach, Zinedine “Zizou” Zidane left an indelible mark on Real Madrid. His coaching career spanned two periods (2016-2018 and 2019-2021), during which the team achieved remarkable success, including an unprecedented three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles.
Ronaldo’s Significant Impact Under Zidane
Cristiano Ronaldo was instrumental in Madrid’s triumphs during Zidane’s leadership. Transfermarkt data shows Ronaldo scored 112 goals and provided 30 assists in 114 appearances under Zidane, earning two Ballon d’Or awards in this period. His performances were crucial to the team’s numerous trophy wins.
Zidane’s Chosen Trio: Benzema, Kroos, and Modric
In a recent Canal+ interview, Zidane praised Karim Benzema, Toni Kroos, and Luka Modric for their football intelligence and technical skills. He particularly admired their ability to control games without losing possession.
Benzema, who joined Madrid in 2009, scored 354 goals in 648 matches before moving to Al-Ittihad in 2023. Kroos, known for his precise passing, has been with the club since 2014, scoring 28 goals in 465 games. Modric, at 39, recently became Real Madrid’s oldest-ever player, showcasing his enduring quality.
Ronaldo in the Spotlight
While omitted from Zidane’s top three, Ronaldo remains a global football icon. Recently, he’s been the subject of social media discussions, particularly in comparison to Lionel Messi’s performances for Inter Miami.
Zidane’s surprising selection emphasizes the exceptional talent pool at Real Madrid during his coaching tenure, with Benzema, Kroos, and Modric solidifying their status as club legends alongside Ronaldo.
