Sociologist Stéphane Beaud explores Zinedine Zidane's journey in new essay
Sociologist Stéphane Beaud publishes a new essay analyzing Zinedine Zidane's life not just as a footballer, but as a sociological phenomenon in French society.
Le sociologue Stéphane Beaud. (Roberto Frankenberg/L'Équipe) Zinédine Zidane lors de la demi-finale de la Coupe du monde 1998, contre la Croatie. (L'Équipe) L'ouvrage « Zinédine Zidane » de Stéphane Beaud, est édité par La Découverte, Collection Repères. (Roberto Frankenberg/L'Équipe) En 1998 face à l'Arabie saoudite, puis en 2006 contre l'Italie : deux fois, ZZ a été exclu en Coupe du monde pour des gestes d'humeur. Une autre facette de sa personnalité. (L'Équipe)
Sociologist and professor at Sciences Po Lille, Stéphane Beaud, has released a new essay dedicated to the life and career of Zinedine Zidane. The author analyzes the legendary figure not merely through his sporting achievements, but as a complex sociological object reflecting the shifts in French society during the 1980s and 1990s.
Beaud examines Zidane's origins in the La Castellane neighborhood of Marseille, highlighting the role of his family and upbringing in shaping the character of the future superstar. The researcher notes that Zidane became a standout representative of the so-called 'Beur generation'—young people of Algerian descent who sought integration and recognition.
Zinedine is the youngest in the family, with an older sister who pursued higher education and three brothers who guided him a lot. That plays a huge role in the construction of his personality. Stéphane Beaud
In his work, the sociologist also explores the duality of Zidane's persona: from a quiet, introverted player to a public figure who became a symbol of national success. Beaud compares him to modern stars, suggesting that Zidane managed to become an ideal that unified society due to his modesty and values.
The book delves into controversial moments of his career, such as the famous headbutt in 2006, hypothesizing that such actions may be linked to his background in a tough social environment. This publication offers a fresh perspective on a man widely anticipated to be a future coach of the French national team.