Timeline Sunday 9 July 2006

Events on Sunday 9 July 2006 6

• 2006 2006 FIFA World Cup A Summer Fairytale Italy won their fourth title in a final remembered for Zidane’s headbutt. Winner: Italy.
• 2006 Germany 2006 World Cup A Summer Fairytale A major international event that showcased a modern, welcoming, and unified Germany to the world.
• 2006 2006 World Cup final: penalty and headbutt Zidane's final match ends in a red card as France loses on penalties In his last professional match, the 2006 World Cup final against Italy on 9 July 2006, Zidane opened the scoring with an audacious "Panenka" chipped penalty in the seventh minute. In extra time, he headbutted Italian defender Marco Materazzi in the chest after an exchange of words and was sent off; France went on to lose the final 5-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. The incident became one of the most infamous moments in World Cup history and dominated global headlines for weeks.
• 2006 Italy wins the World Cup amid Zidane headbutt Final marked by Zidane's red card Italy defeated France on penalties in the World Cup final in Berlin to win its fourth title. The match is remembered for French captain Zinedine Zidane headbutting Marco Materazzi and being sent off in his final international appearance. It became one of the most replayed moments in football history.
• 2006 Retires from professional football Zidane ends his playing career after the 2006 World Cup Zidane had announced in April 2006 that he would retire from professional football at the end of the season, and his final match came in the World Cup final on 9 July 2006. He walked away from the game as a World Cup winner, European champion, Champions League winner, and three-time FIFA World Player of the Year. His retirement closed one of the most decorated careers in football history.
• 2006 Wins the Golden Ball Zidane is named best player of the 2006 World Cup Despite his sending-off in the final, Zidane was awarded the Golden Ball as the outstanding player of the 2006 World Cup, based on voting conducted before the final whistle. The decision proved controversial given the headbutt incident, but voters recognized his overall performances, including a standout display against Brazil in the quarterfinal. It stood as a fittingly complex final act to his international career.