Zidane's iconic UCL final volley from McManaman's perspective
Steve McManaman had a successful football career. He was born in Liverpool in 1972 and at the age of 18 made his official debut for the Reds against Sheffield United at Anfield. It was Kenny Dalglish who gave him the opportunity to make his first team debut in 1990. His adaptation was so good that in his second season he managed to play a total of 39 games for Liverpool. He has always played as a winger on the left flank and has undoubtedly been one of Liverpool's great legends.
The English player managed to play 9 seasons with the Reds and made 329 appearances in total. He managed to score 56 goals and provide 5 assists. However, he did not manage to win many titles during his time in England, only the FA Cup in 1992 and the English League Cup in 1995. With the England national team he had a more discreet participation. He was capped 36 times, but only played 27 games and scored 3 goals. He did not win any trophies but participated in the 1996 and 2000 Euros and the 1998 World Cup.
His big success came when he moved to Real Madrid in 1999. His adaptation to Spanish football and the Madrid team was instantaneous. He stayed only four seasons and managed to win seven titles. In his first season he already played 51 games and in total during his four years he played a total of 158 games. The most remarkable thing was the titles he won in such a short time with 'Los Blancos'. Two Champions League titles, one European Super Cup, one Intercontinental Cup, two Spanish league titles and one Spanish Super Cup. Undoubtedly, a number within the reach of very few.
During those years he was surrounded by a great cast of players and ushered in the era of 'Los Galacticos'. In his first season with Real Madrid he was installed in the starting 11 and helped the team reach the Champions League final. They won 3-0 against Valencia and Steve managed to score the second goal of the game at the Stade de France. Under the orders of Vicente del Bosque and surrounded by teammates such as Roberto Carlos, Fernando Hierro, Raul, Redondo or Morientes, they won the eighth UEFA Champions League for the team at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Just two years later, in 2002, he also played in Real Madrid's ninth Champions League title. In that match he started on the bench and came on in the 61st minute in place of Luis Figo. However, the final will always be remembered for a spectacular volley by Zinedine Zidane. In the 44th minute, Roberto Carlos delivered a high, arcing cross from the left wing. Zidane watched it perfectly and, with his weaker left foot, unleashed a truly unstoppable volley from the edge of the box to give his side the lead.
This would prove to be the winning goal in a final that will also be remembered for the positive impact a young Iker Casillas had after coming on. The keeper had to replace the injured Cesar in goal during the second half, but looked right at home on the biggest stage as he kept out everything Leverkusen's attackers threw at him... a sign of things to come, some would say. In this Betway Insider video, Steve McManaman looks back on his spell at Real Madrid and talks about the squad and his teammates.
In the video, he talks about his Real Madrid teammates and highlights the captain, Fernando Hierro, and others such as Helguera or Roberto Carlos. He says that Zidane's first months were complicated and that despite proving to be a great player, he did not adapt quickly because he could not find his ideal position. You can see what Steve thinks about the winning goal in the final, which he was absolutely delighted with. Undoubtedly one of the moments and goals that will always remain in the history of football and the Champions League.