Rodez and Zinedine Zidane share a bond that goes beyond football. The Ligue 2 club, which finished 5th last season with 58 points (15 wins, 13 draws, and 6 losses), has always had a special relationship with the former player and coach. The mayor of Rodez, Stéphane Mazars, recently expressed his best wishes to Zidane in his new role as the French national team's manager. A sign of respect for someone who has always maintained a discreet but strong connection with the region.
A family story
Zidane discovered Aveyron in the 1990s when he met Véronique Fernandez, his future wife, who is from Onet-le-Château. Since then, the couple has invested in the region, including buying a house in Onet-le-Château. The 1998 World Cup champion was even named an honorary citizen of the town and inaugurated the lighting of the Stade Georges-Vigne.
A sporting commitment
In 2012, Zidane became a shareholder in RAF, the Rodez club. Despite the club's ups and downs, including relegation to CFA2, Zidane has always believed in its potential. In 2019, RAF finally reached Ligue 2, making Zidane a shareholder in a professional club. His son, Enzo, even signed with the club in 2021 before leaving later.
A controversial project
Despite this idyllic relationship, a padel complex project led by Zidane in Onet-le-Château has sparked controversy. Some accuse the town's mayor of favoring the project, which is located on an agricultural plot. A blemish on the love story between Zidane and Rodez.
The club, which faces Guingamp at home on February 12, 2027, continues to progress under the leadership of its shareholders and supporters. With 45 goals scored and 39 conceded last season, Rodez remains an ambitious club, even if the gap with leaders Estac Troyes (9 points) is still significant.
