In the everyday world, they call it a “headbutt.” In the soccer world, it’s called a “Zidane.”


The headbutt earned that named in the soccer world after famous soccer star Zinedine Zidane
headbutted Italian opponent Marco Materazzi during the finals of the
2006 World Cup. That act earned Zidane a red card in his final
professional match, and France would eventually lose to Italy in penalty
kicks.
The “Zidane” was once again showcased on the pitch over the weekend, as Montreal Impact defender Nelson Rivas retaliated to what he felt was a dirty takedown by driving his head into the face of Philadelphia Union midfielder Antoine Hoppenot. Rivas would receive a red card for the headbutt, but it was offset by the red card issued to the Union’s Jack McInerney for his involvement in the ensuing altercation between the two teams.


In the end, Montreal would prevail with the 2-0 victory.