Marco Materazzi was the dirtiest defender in Serie A — and that is REALLY saying something in Italian football! But he is famous for one moment above all others: he insulted Zinedine Zidane's mother and sister so badly that Zidane HEADBUTTED him in the 2006 World Cup Final. Materazzi fell to the ground, Zidane got a red card, and Italy won the World Cup. The ultimate provocation!
Country: Italy Position: Centre-back Career: 1990-2011 Clubs: Perugia, Carpi, Everton, Inter Milan
The Rap Sheet
- Provoked Zinedine Zidane into a headbutt in the 2006 World Cup Final by insulting his family
- Zidane's red card changed the final — Italy won on penalties after Materazzi's provocation
- Was known as one of the hardest tacklers in Serie A — feared by every striker
- Once threw an opponent's shirt on the ground after a shirt swap and stamped on it
- Despite being a villain, he scored the equalizer in the 2006 World Cup Final AND scored a penalty in the shootout
The Verdict
Materazzi was dirty, provocative, and nasty on the pitch. But his masterplan in the 2006 World Cup Final was pure evil genius — get Zidane sent off with words alone, and win the biggest trophy in football. Is it villain behavior? Absolutely. Did it work? Absolutely!
Tomorrow: #11 — Stay tuned for the next villain!
