Zinedine Zidane, one of the classiest players I’ve seen in the last 30 years, always looked like he was built for calm. That smooth first touch, the laser-focused stare, the quiet confidence — it all added up to someone who never lost control.
Well, almost never. The 2006 World Cup final gave us the one moment where his head (literally) got the better of him. But outside that flash of fury, Zidane kept things grounded. Maybe that has something to do with where he came from — and how he was raised.
People have always been curious about Zidane’s background. He’s never been loud about his private life, but certain questions still come up constantly: Is Zidane Muslim? Where is he from? What’s his family story?
Yes — Zidane is Muslim
Zidane was raised in a Muslim household. His parents, Smaïl and Malika, came from Algeria and settled in Marseille before he was born. Like many Algerian families who moved to France during the 1950s, they brought their faith and culture with them. Zidane didn’t talk much about religion during his career, and he still doesn’t. But in rare interviews, he’s acknowledged his faith and his roots.
It’s been reported — though never officially confirmed — that he fasted during Ramadan, even while playing. That wouldn’t be surprising. Many Muslim footballers do it, even during packed schedules.
Zinedine Zidane’s Parents and Upbringing
The Zidane family story is one many French-Algerians can relate to. His parents came from the Kabylie region, a mountainous part of northern Algeria that’s mostly Berber — and mostly Muslim. They moved to France for better opportunities and ended up in La Castellane, a tough part of northern Marseille.
Zidane was the youngest of five kids. Life wasn’t luxurious. His dad worked nights as a warehouseman, while his mother stayed home. It wasn’t the kind of neighborhood where dreams come easy — but it’s where Zidane first kicked a ball, and where his calm, hard-working nature was shaped.
Faith was part of that foundation. Not the loud, public kind — just part of daily life. Algerian traditions mixed with French culture, and Zidane grew up balancing both.
Zidane’s Wife and Family Life
Zidane has been married to Véronique Zidane (née Lentisco) since 1994. She’s of Spanish descent and was born in France, and unlike Zizou, she isn’t Muslim. The two met when Zidane was just 17, early in his Cannes days, and they’ve stayed together ever since.
They have four sons: Enzo, Luca, Theo, and Elyaz. All of them have gone into football, and all have trained with Real Madrid’s academy.
The family keeps a low profile and avoids media as much as possible. Religion doesn’t come up in public, but it’s understood that Zidane continues to live with the same quiet values he was raised with.
What Does “Zinedine” Mean?
His name isn’t random. “Zinedine” comes from Arabic: Zine al-Din, which means “Beauty of the Faith.” It’s a name often given in Muslim families and is used across North Africa and the Middle East. His middle name, Yazid, is also Arabic — it can mean “to grow” or “increase.”
Together, the name Zinedine Yazid Zidane carries religious and cultural meaning. And even if he’s not shouting it from rooftops, he carries that name — and everything behind it — with quiet pride.
Zinedine Zidane Algerian Roots
Even though Zidane was born in Marseille in 1972, he’s always spoken respectfully about his Algerian identity. His family comes from the village of Aguemoune, in Béjaïa province. That’s in Kabylie, a culturally distinct region in Algeria known for its Berber population.
Zidane has visited Algeria and spoken warmly about it. In France, he’s become a symbol for children of immigrants — someone who made it to the top without forgetting where he came from.
As he put it in a 2018 interview with Esquire magazine:
“I have an affinity with the Arabic world. I have it in my blood, via my parents. I’m very proud of being French, but also very proud of having these roots and this diversity.”
FAQ
Is Zinedine Zidane Muslim?
Yes. Zidane was raised Muslim and still follows the faith, though he keeps it very private. He’s never made public religious statements but has confirmed his Muslim background in past interviews.
Are Zinedine Zidane’s Parents Muslim?
Yes. Both his mother and father are Muslim and originally from Algeria. They immigrated to France in the 1950s and raised their family with traditional values, including their faith.
Who Are the 10 Best Muslim Footballers?
Here are 10 Muslim players who’ve made a serious impact on the game:
- Mohamed Salah
- Mesut Özil
- Sadio Mané
- Franck Ribéry
- N’Golo Kanté
- Paul Pogba
- Edin Džeko
- Karim Benzema
- Emre Can
- İlkay Gündoğan
These players have all spoken publicly about their faith or shown it in their careers — whether through goal celebrations, public statements, or the way they carry themselves on and off the pitch.
