French artist unveils giant bronze sculpture of Zidane's famous head-butt

Marco Materazzi’s Oscar-winning reaction has also been immortalised in five-metres of metallic glory.

ZINEDINE ZIDANE CHOSE the World Cup Final in 2006 to introduce the globe to a new form of fouling – the chest head-butt.

Six years on and the dastardly deed, which marked the end of Zidane’s illustrious football career, has not caught on.

It has not, however, stopped artist Adel Abdessemed from immortalising the moment in a five-metre high bronze sculpture.

The statue, portraying Zidane landing a lusty blow on Marco Materazzi’s torso was erected in front of the Centre Pompidou modern art museum in Paris.

Zidane, who is currently the Director of Football at Real Madrid, received a red card for the foul.

(AP Photo/Remy de la Mauviniere)

‘Headbutt’ was unveiled as part of a retrospective exhibit at the museum, which runs until 3 January next year.

Exhibition organiser Alain Michaud said, “This statue goes against the tradition of making statues in honour of certain victories.

“It is an ode to defeat.”