Get ready to zigzag through a lineup of football’s most zesty talents whose monikers all begin with the ultimate buzzer-beating letter – Z!
From iconic goal celebrations to gravity-defying kicks, these Z-named phenoms have dashed across the green, etching their names in the hearts of fans worldwide.
Most Famous Football Players Whose Name Starts With Z:
- Zinedine Zidane
- Zlatan Ibrahimović
- Zico
- Zvonimir Boban
- Zbigniew Boniek
- Zé Roberto
- Zé Maria
- Zlatko Zahovič
- Zvonimir Soldo
- Zoran Tošić
Table of Contents
#1 Zinedine Zidane
- 🎂 Birthday: June 23, 1972
- 🌎 Nationality: French
- ⚽ Position: Midfielder
Zinedine Zidane, often referred to as “Zizou,” is universally recognized as one of the greatest footballers of all time. His elegance on the ball, vision, and exquisite control defined an era in football.
With world titles for both country and club, including the iconic 1998 World Cup win, Zidane’s legacy is profound, immortalizing his status through pivotal moments like his masterful volley in the 2002 Champions League final.
#2 Zlatan Ibrahimović
- 🎂 Birthday: October 3, 1981
- 🌎 Nationality: Swedish
- ⚽ Position: Forward
Known for his incredible physicality, technical skill, and unique personality, Zlatan has dominated leagues across Europe, with successful stints at clubs like Ajax, Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Manchester United.
His ability to score from almost any situation has made him one of the most dynamic strikers in modern football.
#3 Zico
- 🎂 Birthday: March 3, 1953
- 🌎 Nationality: Brazilian
- ⚽ Position: Midfielder
Often called the “White Pelé,” Zico is regarded as one of the best playmakers and free-kick specialists ever.
His vision and scoring ability were pivotal for Flamengo and Brazil, leading to numerous domestic and international honors, including three World Cup tournaments.
#4 Zvonimir Boban
- 🎂 Birthday: October 8, 1968
- 🌎 Nationality: Croatian
- ⚽ Position: Midfielder
A key figure in the Croatian national team and a legend at AC Milan, Boban’s technical skills and leadership helped Croatia to a third-place finish in the 1998 World Cup and Milan to several Serie A and Champions League titles.
#5 Zbigniew Boniek
- 🎂 Birthday: March 3, 1956
- 🌎 Nationality: Polish
- ⚽ Position: Midfielder/Forward
Boniek was one of the stars of the Polish national team that achieved a third place in the 1982 World Cup.
Known for his pace and intelligence, he also enjoyed success at Juventus and AS Roma, becoming one of the top Polish players to play in Italy.
#6 Zé Roberto
- 🎂 Birthday: July 6, 1974
- 🌎 Nationality: Brazilian
- ⚽ Position: Midfielder
Zé Roberto’s versatility allowed him to excel in multiple midfield roles throughout his career.
With stints at Real Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich, and Santos, his skill set and fitness levels kept him at the top of the game well into his 40s.
#7 Zé Maria
- 🎂 Birthday: July 25, 1973
- 🌎 Nationality: Brazilian
- ⚽ Position: Defender
Known for his speed and crossing ability, Zé Maria played a key role in Inter Milan’s defense and also represented Brazil in several international tournaments, contributing his skills on the right flank.
#8 Zlatko Zahovič
- 🎂 Birthday: February 1, 1971
- 🌎 Nationality: Slovenian
- ⚽ Position: Midfielder
Zahovič is the most capped player and the top scorer in the history of the Slovenian national team.
He played a crucial role in Slovenia’s campaigns during Euro 2000 and the 2002 World Cup, and had a successful club career in Portugal and Spain.
#9 Zvonimir Soldo
- 🎂 Birthday: November 2, 1967
- 🌎 Nationality: Croatian
- ⚽ Position: Defender
A stalwart defender, Soldo spent much of his career in Germany with VfB Stuttgart.
He was known for his tackling, aerial ability, and leadership, both for club and country, playing an integral part in Croatia’s strong defensive lineup during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
#10 Zoran Tošić
- 🎂 Birthday: April 28, 1987
- 🌎 Nationality: Serbian
- ⚽ Position: Winger
Known for his pace, dribbling, and ability to deliver precise crosses, Tošić had notable spells with CSKA Moscow and a brief stint at Manchester United.
His performances on the wing have been crucial for both his clubs and the Serbian national team.
Other football players whose name starts with Z
- Zakaria Bakkali – Belgian, Winger
- Zat Knight – English, Centre-Back
- Zdravko Kuzmanović – Serbian, Midfielder
- Zdeněk Grygera – Czech, Defender
- Zé Luís – Cape Verdean, Striker
- Zé Eduardo – Brazilian, Forward
- Zenon Caravella – Australian, Midfielder
- Zé Turbo – Guinea-Bissauan, Forward
- Zesh Rehman – Pakistani, Defender
- Zhang Linpeng – Chinese, Defender
- Zheng Zhi – Chinese, Midfielder
- Zinho Vanheusden – Belgian, Centre-Back
- Zlatko Junuzović – Austrian, Midfielder
- Zoltán Gera – Hungarian, Midfielder
- Zoumana Camara – French, Centre-Back
FAQ
Which famous football players have names that start with “Z”?
Zinedine Zidane, Zlatan Ibrahimović, and Zico are some of the most famous football players whose names start with “Z”. Their exceptional skills and achievements have elevated them to legendary status in the sport.
Which Premier League players have names that start with “Z”?
As of my knowledge in early 2023, no players with the initial “Z” are listed as the most famous in the provided article, hinting at a lesser presence of “Z” names in the Premier League history during that time.
