Zidane Volley in 2002 Champions League Final Immortalized in Crystal

Former French football player and European Leukodystrophy Association (ELA) patron Zinedine Zidane poses with the ‘Zidane's Crystal Foot’ on June 12, 2018 in Paris. (AFP)
Former French football player and European Leukodystrophy Association (ELA) patron Zinedine Zidane poses with the ‘Zidane's Crystal Foot’ on June 12, 2018 in Paris. (AFP)
TT
20

Zidane Volley in 2002 Champions League Final Immortalized in Crystal

Former French football player and European Leukodystrophy Association (ELA) patron Zinedine Zidane poses with the ‘Zidane's Crystal Foot’ on June 12, 2018 in Paris. (AFP)
Former French football player and European Leukodystrophy Association (ELA) patron Zinedine Zidane poses with the ‘Zidane's Crystal Foot’ on June 12, 2018 in Paris. (AFP)

Zinedine Zidane's stunning volley for Real Madrid in the 2002 Champions League final has been immortalized in crystal.

The World Cup-winning Frenchman unveiled "Zidane's Crystal Foot", a collection of 100 crystal statuettes of his revered left foot that will be sold at 40,000 euros ($47,000) each to raise money for charity.

Zidane was surprised to see his foot, which hammered home a hanging ball against Bayer Leverkusen 16 years ago, was so highly regarded.

"My foot isn't worth anything, no. Not in my view anyway," Zidane said at the launch in Paris on Tuesday.

The figures, made to order by jeweler Baccarat, are cut above the ankle and placed on a black stand with Zidane's signature engraved on it.

Each has an individual number from 1-100 and buyers can choose their own. However, the number "98" recalling Zidane's World Cup victory with France that year has already been sold.

The money raised is going to the European Leukodystrophies Association (ELA), which funds research into the rare disease and provides support for families. Zidane is a patron for the charity. ($1 = 0.8488 euros)

Zidane stepped down as Real Madrid manager last month after winning a third straight Champions League title.

On Monday, he said he was happy to have some time off.

"I've got my feet up and am feeling good," Zidane told AFP at the inauguration of a playground in Saint Denis, the north Parisian suburb that is home to the Stade de France where he starred for the French team that won the 1998 World Cup.

"I don't know what I'm going to do," the 45-year-old added. "The most important thing is the decision I've taken, the rest we'll see."



Reports: Liverpool Agree to Sign Frankfurt Striker Ekitike

Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike (L) is reportedly set to join Liverpool. Daniel ROLAND / AFP
Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike (L) is reportedly set to join Liverpool. Daniel ROLAND / AFP
TT
20

Reports: Liverpool Agree to Sign Frankfurt Striker Ekitike

Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike (L) is reportedly set to join Liverpool. Daniel ROLAND / AFP
Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike (L) is reportedly set to join Liverpool. Daniel ROLAND / AFP

Liverpool have agreed to sign Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike in a deal worth an initial £69 million ($92 million), according to reports on Monday.

The Premier League champions switched their focus to Ekitike following Newcastle's refusal to sell Sweden striker Alexander Isak, who is valued at around £150 million by the Magpies, AFP said.

Newcastle and Manchester United were also interested in Ekitike, but Liverpool look set to win the race for one of Europe's hottest young stars.

It is believed the Reds have agreed to pay a potential further £10 million in add-ons to sign the 23-year-old Frenchman, whose overall price tag could reach £79 million.

Once the transfer is completed, Ekitike will link up with Arne Slot's side on their pre-season tour of Asia.

Ekitike scored 22 goals in 48 games in all competitions for Frankfurt last season after joining the Bundesliga club from Paris Saint-Germain.

He was an unused substitute during his side's pre-season friendly against FSV Frankfurt on Saturday, with Eintracht boss Dino Toppmoller admitting Ekitike's impending departure was "a bitter loss".

Liverpool have an opening in their forward line after Diogo Jota's recent death in a car crash in Spain.

The Reds are also believed to be willing to sell Uruguay striker Darwin Nunez, while Colombia forward Luis Diaz has been the target of a rejected bid from Bayern Munich.

Liverpool have already splashed out £116 million on Germany playmaker Florian Wirtz, as well as signing defenders Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez from Bayer Leverkusen and Bournemouth respectively.

Georgia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili has also linked up with Arne Slot's side since the end of last season after agreeing his move from Valencia in 2024.