Zinedine Zidane, renowned for his artistry on the football field, has now explored a new arena. The French football legend made a special appearance at the historic 24 Hours of Le Mans, which began at 3 PM UK time.
Honorary Starter at Le Mans
Zinedine Zidane was honored as the honorary starter for the race, a significant event in French sporting history akin to the World Cup and Ballon d’Or he won. Dressed in a white race suit, he took the wheel of an Alpine Alpenglow Hy4, a car capable of reaching speeds of 167 mph. Speaking before the race, Zidane expressed his pride, saying,
“The 24 Hours of Le Mans is beyond compare. It’s an iconic race for anyone who loves motorsport, for people all around the world. It’s a source of immense pride for France. To actually be there will be a first for me, and I’m extremely honored to take on the role of starter.”
Behind the Wheel
Zinedine Zidane was seen preparing for his role, donning a helmet and getting into the car. Alpine claims the prototype car, which is equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged internal combustion engine fueled by hydrogen, can hit a top speed of 167 mph. Although impressive, this speed is still below the highest recorded speeds at Le Mans, such as the 250 mph achieved by Roger Dorchy in 1988.
Zidane 🤝 Alpine Alpenglow Hy4 🤝 24 Hours of Le Mans. 🥰 pic.twitter.com/jISvBTMrke
— 24 Hours of Le Mans (@24hoursoflemans) June 15, 2024
A New Chapter in Zinedine Zidane’s Story
After his illustrious football career, Zidane transitioned to management, leading Real Madrid to numerous titles, including two La Liga championships and a remarkable three consecutive Champions League victories from 2015 to 2018. Now, with his involvement in motorsport, Zidane continues to add new chapters to his storied career.
France’s Euro 2024 journey began with a 5-1 victory over Scotland. Zidane’s legacy, both in football and now in motorsport, remains a source of immense pride for France.
