Referee Reveals Zidane's Final Words After 2006 World Cup Red Card

Twenty years after the 2006 FIFA World Cup final, referee Horacio Elizondo has shared new details about the famous moment that saw Zinedine Zidane sent off against Italy in Berlin. The dramatic match ended with Italy lifting the trophy after a penalty shootout, but Zidane's red card remains one of football's most unforgettable incidents.

Elizondo explained that he initially did not witness the clash between Zidane and Marco Materazzi. After noticing Materazzi on the ground, he consulted his assistant referees before receiving confirmation from fourth official Luis Medina Cantalejo that Zidane had headbutted the Italian defender.

With that information, Elizondo decided to show the red card, although he briefly paused to create the impression that the officiating team had fully discussed the incident. The decision ended Zidane's final appearance as a professional footballer in one of the sport's most iconic matches.

Before leaving the pitch, Zidane accepted the referee's decision but indicated that there had been events leading up to the incident that had not been noticed. He then walked off the field, bringing an extraordinary playing career to a controversial conclusion.

While Italy celebrated their fourth World Cup title that night, the national team has struggled to replicate that success in the years since. The triumph in Berlin remains a defining moment in Italian football history, especially after missing several recent World Cup tournaments and failing to return to the knockout stage.