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WHAT A STEAL

Zinedine Zidane pays £48m Real Madrid transfer fee back in prize money in just 18 months as boss

The Bernabeu chief's two glorious Champions League victories have netted the La Liga giants nearly £77m... a lot more than he cost from Juventus

Zinedine Zidane has proved to be an absolute bargain signing for Real Madrid

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REAL MADRID'S £48million outlay on Zinedine Zidane back in 2001 may have raised eyebrows - but it has turned out to be the deal of the century.

The La Liga side smashed the world transfer record to bring the World Cup winner to the Bernabeu from Juventus.

 Zinedine Zidane has proved to be an absolute bargain signing for Real Madrid
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Zinedine Zidane has proved to be an absolute bargain signing for Real MadridCredit: AP:Associated Press
 The La Liga side splashed out £48m to sign him from Juventus 16 years ago
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The La Liga side splashed out £48m to sign him from Juventus 16 years agoCredit: AFP - Getty

12 months prior they had shocked the planet by splashing out £37m to sign Luis Figo from bitter rivals Barcelona.

But they upped the ante by £11m to secure the French talisman - and it has proved to be one of their best business deals in history.

And that is not just down to his antics on the pitch for the club during his playing days.

Zidane called time on his career in 2006 after helping Madrid to win the title and Champions League, plus the Super Cup twice, Uefa Super Cup and the Intercontinental Cup.

However, just over 18 months ago he was appointed manager of the Spanish giants for his first senior role as boss when replacing now-Newcastle chief Rafa Benitez.

And since then he has earned more cash in prize money for Madrid than the fee they paid to Juve 16 years ago.

 He fired Madrid to Champions League glory as a player
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He fired Madrid to Champions League glory as a playerCredit: PA:Press Association
 And now he has led the club to two successive Champions League successes as a coach
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And now he has led the club to two successive Champions League successes as a coachCredit: EPA

Under his guidance, they have gone on to enjoy successive Champions League triumphs - banking his side a fortune from Uefa.

Although he was not in charge for the full 2015/16 European campaign, he netted the club a cool £27m for the games he was at the helm from January all the way to the victorious final against neighbours Atletico in Milan.

Last season his men retained their crown as the kings of the continent.

 Zinedine Zidane was appointed Madrid manager back in January 2016
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Zinedine Zidane was appointed Madrid manager back in January 2016Credit: Getty Images - Getty
 Many doubted his credentials to replace Rafa Benitez
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Many doubted his credentials to replace Rafa BenitezCredit: Reuters
 But his two Champions League triumphs have netted the club £77m in prize money... nearly £30m more than the fee they paid for him 16 years ago
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But his two Champions League triumphs have netted the club £77m in prize money... nearly £30m more than the fee they paid for him 16 years agoCredit: AFP

And taking into account their 2-1 Uefa Super Cup win over Manchester United and the dosh received from the upcoming Club World Cup, that will have banked another £50m.

Despite doubts about his lack of managerial experience, Zidane has already proven that in his coaching career that he was well worth the money Madrid paid for him.

And if his side continue their dominance of Europe once again this season, he will push the earnings up to nearly double the fee that he cost.

£48m... What a bargain!



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