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Zidane’s Paris Visit: Championing ELA and Raising Awareness for Leucodystrophies
Zinédine Zidane in Paris: A mission beyond football
Paris, October 2023 – While many expected to find Zinédine Zidane negotiating contracts or attending high-profile matches in the French capital, he was instead on a mission of a different kind. The former football legend was spotted in the 19th arrondissement, at Suzanne Lacore College, not for football but for a cause that has been close to his heart for a quarter of a century.
A cause greater than the field
Zidane’s visit was centered on education and awareness. He read from “L’oubliée,” a piece penned by Valérie Perrin, to a group of fifth-grade students. This reading was part of the launch for the campaign “Put on your sneakers and beat the disease”, an initiative engaging over 580,000 students across France. Zidane has been a staunch supporter of the European Leukodystrophy Association (ELA), which fights against genetic diseases that attack the nervous system’s myelin. In France, three to six babies are diagnosed with these conditions each week.
After the reading, Zidane engaged in dialogue with the students. They discussed the illness, its impact on families, and the role of ELA. Zidane’s involvement goes beyond just answering questions; he educates and raises awareness about disability, embracing differences, and promoting solidarity—values he has championed long before his fame on the football field.
Two and a half decades with ELA
Since 1999, Zidane has been an active advocate for ELA. His efforts have included climbing Mont-Blanc, skydiving, reading dictations, and hosting charity auctions. Through his dedication, he has brought attention to these often-overlooked diseases, amplifying the voices of those affected. ELA, recognized as a public utility since 1996, has funded 586 research programs with a total of 50.5 million euros. Zidane’s fame has significantly contributed to the association’s reach and impact.
While many anticipate Zidane’s return to the football pitch as a coach for the French national team or a major European club, his presence was felt elsewhere this morning. In a quiet Parisian classroom, he revealed a side that demonstrates football is not the entirety of his life. Some battles require commitment, dedication, and a willingness to fight without seeking the spotlight.
