Zidane's Volley at Hampden

Zidane's volley is the goal Zinedine Zidane scored for Real Madrid against Bayer Leverkusen just before half-time of the 2002 Champions League final at Hampden Park. He struck a looping cross on the volley with his weaker left foot into the top corner. It won Real Madrid their ninth European Cup and is often called the greatest goal ever scored in a final.

The setting

Real Madrid had signed Zidane from Juventus in 2001 for a world-record fee, and 2002 was the club's centenary year. Glasgow was a fitting stage: Hampden Park had hosted the 1960 final, when Real Madrid beat Eintracht Frankfurt 7-3. The opponents were Bayer Leverkusen, a brilliant side who had already lost the Bundesliga and the German Cup in the previous fortnight (read their story).

Raúl gave Madrid the lead after eight minutes. Lúcio headed Leverkusen level five minutes later. The game was finely balanced as half-time approached.

The goal

Santiago Solari found Roberto Carlos on the left. The Brazilian's cross was not a good one: it rose high and dropped steeply on the edge of the penalty area. Zidane, waiting, adjusted his feet, kept his eyes on the ball and swung his left foot through it as it fell. The volley flew into the top corner past Hans-Jörg Butt. It looked effortless, which is exactly what made it extraordinary.

Casillas finishes the job

Leverkusen dominated much of the second half. When goalkeeper César was injured, 20-year-old Iker Casillas came off the bench and made a string of saves in the closing minutes to protect the lead. Real Madrid won 2-1: La Novena, their ninth European Cup.

Why the volley endures

Great goals are usually about power or a dribble. Zidane's volley was about timing and touch on a difficult ball, on his weaker foot, in a final. It captured everything that made him special, and it is still the first thing many fans think of when they hear his name.

Frame Zidane's volley

Our framed poster Pure Perfection captures the volley at Hampden with the fixture and date, in A4 or A3. The same moment, seen from Leverkusen's heartbreak, is The Stroke of Grace. For the full career, see the four-frame Grace and Fury set and our Zidane posters. Free shipping across India.

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