New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani gives his unfiltered take on Zinedine Zidane’s controversial moment.
In the 2026 FIFA World Cup, France has proven to be the outright favorite to lift the trophy after losing the finals in 2022.
Prior to France’s Round of 32 matchup against Sweden, it was NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani who gave a hot take on legend Zinedine Zidane’s controversial headbutt in the 2006 World Cup final.
Zohran Mamdani says Zinedine Zidane’s headbutt was ‘justified’
In ‘The Morning Pitch,’ where Mamdani gave traffic and weather updates ahead of France vs. Sweden’s game at the New York/New Jersey stadium, the NYC Mayor used the chance to talk about Zidane.
Mamdani spoke about how watching Zidane tear through the pitch in the World Cup made him a fan of his game. But it also gave him confidence that immigrants could be welcomed in countries.
He then dropped an unexpected take on Zidane’s infamous headbutt against Italy’s Marco Materazzi in the 2006 World Cup final.
“[Zidane’s] headbutt of Materazzi, which was justified if you ask me,” Mamdani said.
Initially, Zidane was painted as the villain, but it was later revealed that Materazzi insulted the French legend’s sister, and that’s why he exploded with anger.
France destroyed Sweden by carrying Zinedine Zidane’s will
Over the years, France has welcomed a plethora of immigrants to its soccer team. While some may question that, the decision has helped the French dominate.
It was proven once again when France dismantled Sweden during their Round of 32 matchup in the World Cup.
The game finished 3-0 with Kylian Mbappe scoring a brace, while Bradley Barcola scored his first-ever World Cup knockout goal.
The dominant win has helped France book a spot in the Round of 16, where they will take on Paraguay. They are the heavy favorites with players like Michael Olise playing with Zidane’s flair throughout the competition.
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