ZINEDINE ZIDANE has confirmed his return to the football world after a long absence.The legendary Frenchman, 53, has stayed away from the game since leaving Real Madrid for a second time in 2021, following a season without silverware. GettyZidane won the Champions League as a player and coach of Real Madrid[/caption]APHe also won France the World Cup in 1998 and is adored by a generation of French players[/caption]Despite numerous coaching rumours surrounding him, including turning down the chance to manage the US national team, Zidane has remained on the sidelines.Recently, he was in New York with Adidas to unveil the new World Cup ball ahead of the 2026 tournament, but reports from Fabrizio Romano reveal that the former Ballon d’Or winner is now preparing for his next big move.Zidane is set to return to his hometown of Marseille, where he will team up with Universe Football for what’s described as a “special family project.”While specifics are still under wraps, the organisation’s website hints at a legends match, with Zidane expected to play a starring role.The French icon has already featured in two previous charity events organised by Universe Football with his last match in March 2024.A third edition of the event is in the works, promising to bring together top football stars and high-profile celebrities for a memorable night.Previous editions have seen Marseille legends like Franck Ribery, Samir Nasri, and Djibril Cissé take part, along with Zidane’s sons Theo, Elyaz, and Luca.Returning to the Stade Velodrome, the iconic stadium of his beloved Marseille, will no doubt stir up emotional memories for Zidane, who never played for the club but grew up supporting them.BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKDespite starting his professional career at Bordeaux, Zidane’s heart has always been with Marseille, especially after their historic Champions League victory in 1993. Speaking to Mamadou Niang for Canal+ Afrique last year, he recalled his childhood visits to the Velodrome. He said: “From the age of 11 to 14, I used to go there with my friends to the Virage Nord, under the scoreboard.“I watched my idols, like Enzo Francescoli and Karl-Heinz Forster. I was a Marseille supporter, and I still am.”Zidane was at the heart of the France team that won the World Cup in 1998 and he’s inspired a generation of young French footballers who would later win the World Cup again in 2018.AFP or licensorsHe last played in a charity game in 2024 – competing alongside former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger[/caption]