Zidane, Lizarazu and Papin reunited in Bayonne for charity match supporting sick children

Zinédine Zidane, Bixente Lizarazu and around ten other major figures from French sport hosted the « Match of Legends » Tuesday evening at Stade Jean Dauger in Bayonne, in front of a large crowd coming to support Pascal Olmeta’s charity association, « A Smile, A Hope for Life ».

On the football side, the evening brought together several 1998 World Cup champions: besides Zidane and Lizarazu, Fabien Barthez, Jean-Pierre Papin, Ludovic Giuly, Sydney Govou, Dimitri Payet and Steven Savidan answered the call. Rugby was also represented by Sébastien Chabal, Richard Dourthe, Dimitri Yachvili and Imanol Harinordoquy.

Bixente Lizarazu did not hide his enthusiasm after the match. « Seeing the stadium full, it’s really impressive. And that everyone answered this call, that there’s so much public… The lineup is great, there are plenty of great athletes », he said. He also praised the presence of his former teammate: « Zizou’s presence, it’s really great for Pascal Olmeta and his association. It’s a very, very beautiful evening. »

Zinédine Zidane, who did not take to the pitch but wanted to be present in the stands, explained his approach. « We had to be here. Knowing that all these people came… It was important for the sick children. We think of them », he confided.

Olmeta’s association, a former professional goalkeeper, aims to bring smiles back to hospitalized children. The Bayonne evening, driven by an exceptional lineup of athletes, fits within this objective.