Football legend Zinedine Zidane has reignited China's passion for the beautiful game, wrapping up an electrifying tour last month that mixed sports mastery with cultural discovery. The 53-year-old icon last visited in 2018, making this 2025 comeback a nostalgic moment for fans.
From Stadiums to Street Games
Zidane kicked off his November tour in Shanghai, hosting youth training sessions at Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Qibao High School. 'The footwork here rivals Parisian academies,' he joked during a masterclass that trended on Weibo with 🎯🔥 emojis.
World Cup Warm-Up Mode
With the 2026 World Cup approaching, Zidane promoted global football unity at promotional events. His visit coincided with China's ongoing efforts to boost youth sports participation – a synergy not lost on aspiring players.
Shuttlecocks > Stepovers?
The French maestro surprised locals by joining traditional shuttlecock kicking sessions in Shanghai parks. 'It's like header practice with feathers!' he quipped, seven years after his viral mahjong-watching moment during his 2018 visit.
As Zidane departs, one question lingers: When will we see his signature roulette move adapted into a mahjong strategy? 🀄⚽
