A Zidane Masterpiece at New York’s Guggenheim

The Guggenheim Museum and the Art of Zinedine Zidane

At New York’s Guggenheim Museum, a groundbreaking work by Douglas Gordon and Philippe Parreno celebrates former France No. 10 Zinedine Zidane. This piece, created 20 years ago, transforms the champion’s gestures into artistic material, offering a unique perspective on his legacy.

A few days ago, Zinédine Zidane, the real one, was spotted near the museum entrance, riding a rental bike around Central Park with his sons. While he enjoyed some family time, he didn’t step inside the iconic museum. That’s a missed opportunity, as the exhibition could have offered him a glimpse into the work that inspired him, showcased in the Peter B. Lewis Theater beneath the building’s striking architecture.

A Unique Experience at the Guggenheim

Visiting the Guggenheim is an experience in itself. The white ramp designed by Frank Lloyd Wright guides visitors into a gentle, almost surreal spiral. The floors seem to slide into each other rather than follow one another. On the walls, masterpieces by Picasso, Braque, and Van Gogh are displayed, challenging traditional perspectives throughout an exceptional collection.

The museum has always been a place where movement is taken seriously. It is here that Zidane, widely considered a potential successor to Didier Deschamps as the head coach of France, has found a temporary home. On the lower floor, in the Peter B. Lewis Theater, his body is studied, fragmented, and observed to the point of dizziness.

Zidane: A 21st-Century Portrait

The exhibition Zidane, a 21st-century portrait, presented in New York on the occasion of its 20th anniversary, was created by Douglas Gordon and Philippe Parreno in 2006. Unlike a traditional career retrospective, this work focuses on a single match—Real Madrid vs. Villarreal in April 2005 (2-1). The artists aimed to make the soccer player a subject for the museum, capturing every detail of his performance.

At the entrance to the dark room, Toshan Hutton proudly displays his collection of Panini stickers, flipping through them while waiting for the exhibition to begin.

A Personal Connection

Frédéric, a French supporter, shares his experience: “It makes this museum feel familiar, because Zizou is our heritage.” He arrived in the United States the day before, waiting for a friend to join him for the World Cup.

For many, the exhibition offers more than just an artistic experience—it connects them to a shared cultural memory. “I’d obviously already seen the film, but discovering it this way, in this place, with a fixed camera, is hypnotizing,” Frédéric says.

The Exhibition Details

Shot with 17 cameras, the work exists in 17 versions at the Guggenheim. On the left, the cinematic feed common to all versions plays, while on the right, a different camera isolates Zidane in another way. Like the paintings hanging above, the viewer must take time to contemplate, allowing their mind to choose an angle or distance.

Every detail becomes part of the art: Zidane’s closed face, the short bursts of action, the sound of the ball on his boot, the silences, and the sideways glances. These elements transform the soccer player into a subject worthy of artistic exploration.

Final Thoughts

The exhibition will remain at the Guggenheim until July 19, the day of the World Cup final. It serves as a tribute to Zidane, whose legacy continues to inspire both fans and artists alike. Whether you’re a soccer enthusiast or an art lover, this exhibition offers a unique and immersive experience that bridges the worlds of sports and art.