Zinedine Zidane is part of a football elite that includes the preternaturally gifted Pelé and Maradona (both of whom the Frenchman appeared alongside in Louis Vuitton’s 2010 campaign). And while many great players have gone without silverware, Zidane solidified his iconic status by captaining his country to wins at the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000. Throughout his career Zidane has held a close relationship with Adidas, and after hanging up his boots in 2006 became the ambassador for Y-3, a line the sportswear brand developed in collaboration with Japanese designer Yohji Yamamoto. NOWNESS caught up with Zidane at the opening of Y-3’s new London store.

You’ve been with Adidas for most of your career. What appealed to you about Y-3?
It’s a natural extension, as I’d worn Adidas on the pitch for performance for so many years. Adidas had this genius and subtle idea of bringing sports into fashion with Y-3, and they managed this fusion perfectly. 

You took to the catwalk for Y-3’s SS10 collection––how was that?
It was a special moment because on this same day I was able to meet Yohji Yamamoto. I’d never done anything like that before in the past. For me it was something completely new but exciting. 

Have you learned anything style-wise from Yamamoto?
I’ve been lucky to find that Y-3 fits the way I live on a daily basis. I have not changed as Y-3 is just a perfect match.

Have you kept any memorabilia or jerseys from your footballing days?
I gave a lot away but I kept some key ones. I still have my jersey from the 1998 World Cup final with Brazil, and the gold and white Predators [Adidas football boots] I was wearing at the 2006 World Cup that were created specially for me. If I’d listened to my friends I would have nothing left!

What is your average day like now that you’ve finished playing professionally?
Everyday I’m training a little and that’s why I wear Y-3. I want to be fit for life.