The infamous “Zidane Headbutt” happened during the 2006 FIFA World Cup. France captain Zinedine Zidane headbutted Italy defender Marco Materazzi in the chest during the final in Berlin.
The incident occurred in extra time, with the score tied 1–1 after goals from Zidane and Italy’s Marco Materazzi. Zidane was sent off after the fourth official alerted referee Horacio Elizondo, and France ultimately lost the final to Italy on penalties.
The exact words exchanged between the players became a major subject of discussion. Materazzi acknowledged insulting Zidane, while accounts differed over the precise language and provocation. Zidane later said the comments involved his family, but the dispute did not change the disciplinary outcome.
The headbutt was especially memorable because it came in Zidane’s final professional match. He had already scored France’s goal with a Panenka-style penalty, but his dismissal overshadowed the rest of the match and became one of football’s defining World Cup images.