On May 7, 2006, football fans witnessed a poignant chapter in the beautiful game as Zinedine Zidane played his final match at the Santiago Bernabéu. The iconic Frenchman, who had dazzled fans with his artistry since arriving at Real Madrid in 2001, bid farewell in a La Liga clash against Villarreal — a night that blended elegance, nostalgia, and raw emotion.
A Hero’s Send-Off
As Zidane emerged from the tunnel, the Bernabéu crowd rose in unison. Banners reading “Gracias Zizou” filled the stands, and chants of his name echoed around the stadium. The match itself, a 3-3 draw, was largely overshadowed by the occasion — a celebration of one of the game’s greatest ever players.
Zidane, donning the all-white kit for one final home appearance, produced a typically graceful performance. Though the match was competitive, there was a mutual understanding on the pitch — this was Zidane’s night.
A Moment Between Maestros – Zidane and Riquelme
One of the most touching moments came after the final whistle, when Zidane swapped shirts with Villarreal’s own midfield genius, Juan Román Riquelme. The image of the two No.10s — both artists of the game, albeit in different palettes — embracing and exchanging jerseys was a symbolic passing of the torch, and a show of mutual respect between two of football’s most cerebral playmakers.
07/05/06 - Real Madrid vs Villarreal
— My Greatest 11 (@MyGreatest11) May 7, 2024
Zidane & Riquelme swapping shirts on his Final Game at The Bernabéu pic.twitter.com/u7kcbv8gnI
Riquelme, at the peak of his powers, had just helped Villarreal reach the Champions League semi-finals that season. Zidane, meanwhile, was preparing for his swansong at the 2006 World Cup in Germany. Their post-match gesture transcended rivalry; it was about admiration.
Legacy of Zidane at Real Madrid
Zidane’s time at Madrid brought unforgettable moments: a Champions League crown sealed with his legendary volley in the 2002 final, a La Liga title in 2002–03, and countless displays of sublime control and vision. But beyond the statistics, Zidane represented a level of technical brilliance and composure that elevated the game itself.
His departure left a void that wasn’t just felt in Madrid, but across the footballing world. The Bernabéu faithful that night weren’t just saying goodbye to a footballer — they were bidding farewell to a footballing poet.