From headbutt to handshake? Marco Materazzi open to truce with Zidane nearly 20 years on

The 2006 FIFA World Cup final is remembered for a moment of sheer drama rather than just football brilliance.

In the 20th minute of extra time, with Italy and France deadlocked at 1-1, Zinedine Zidane responded to Marco Materazzi’s taunts with a thunderous headbutt to the Italian’s chest. The shocking act earned Zidane a red card in what would be the final match of his illustrious career. With their captain gone, France faltered in the penalty shootout. David Trezeguet’s missed spot-kick handed Italy the trophy, with Materazzi walking away a world champion.

The incident became an indelible part of football history, fueled by Zidane’s post-match admission that Materazzi’s comment about his sister, Lila, triggered his reaction. Materazzi, known for his trash-talking, later revealed the insult, comparing it to NBA-style banter: “He offered me his jersey, I say, ‘no, I prefer your sister,” he told Italian Football TV in 2023.

Now, Materazzi has expressed his willingness to reconcile.

“I haven’t spoken to Zinedine Zidane since that day, I had never spoken to him before and have not spoken to him after. We don’t have a relationship,” Materazzi admitted, speaking to Lucky Block.

“He is a legend of the game, and I have a lot of respect for him as a player and a manager, winning three Champions League’s in a row. I’m no longer looking for an apology but would happily have a conversation with him now that so many years have passed. There would be no problem.”

Could this signal the end of football’s most infamous grudge?