Legendary football star Zinedine Zidane kicked off his much-anticipated China tour in late November 2025, marking his first visit in seven years and captivating fans with a mix of football insights and cultural discoveries.
His journey began in Shanghai with a series of promotional events for the upcoming World Cup, where Zidane shared tactical tips and personal anecdotes from his storied career. He then headed to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, leading a masterclass attended by dozens of aspiring players from the university and Qibao High School, sparking excitement on social media as young athletes tested new drills under his guidance.
Off the pitch, Zidane embraced local traditions, trying his hand at shuttlecock kicking alongside residents in a bustling Shanghai park. Reflecting on his last China visit, he recalled watching mahjong games on the streets and expressed in a recent interview, "I have always wanted to learn more about Chinese culture and connect with fans beyond football."
By combining on-field expertise with cultural exploration, Zidane’s tour is building bridges between global sports stars and local communities, inspiring a new generation of football lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
