Montblanc Taps Zidane, Calzedonia at Paris Fashion Week, Rosetta Getty's Art Project

ZIDANE TAKES NOTE: Zinedine Zidane, Montblanc's new ambassador, certainly exemplifies his slogan of leaving a mark .< /p>

Widely regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time, and also one of his most successful coaches, Zidane conveys his composure, intense focus and elegance in the black and white campaign images of Montblanc's latest Mark Maker campaign, which will be released this month.

Zinedine Zidane with a Montblanc leather pouch and a resin fountain pen.

But who knew the beefy French sportsman always had a pen and paper handy? "I'm not just signing autographs," he hesitated. “I like to write down what I have to do, things that come to mind or that are important to me so that I don't forget them. For example, if I have an idea, I immediately put it on paper."

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Indeed, words are crucial for Zidane, especially those composed by his father Smail Zidane, whose the autobiography about his humble beginnings in the mountainous region of Algeria remains an inspiration to many to overcome challenges.

Zidane said he also cherishes his father's handwritten notes "because of the significance they 'they wear'.

"Although he didn't necessarily write them just for me, he passed them on to me, and it's really important to my dad. As a family, we have carefully saved them because these words are important to him and he wants to pass them on to all of us,” he explained.

Spoiling fans with his signature, and sometimes a few extra words, is also something he appreciate.

"I appreciate that the process to come and ask for an autograph can be complicated because they fear a negative answer So I do my best whenever someone asks me to, and I've never refused," Zidane said.

Starting in the late 90s, he started getting fan mail from all over the world . "It was pretty overwhelming," he recalls. “At first, I answered every letter, but it eventually got complicated, but I still made sure someone would answer for me. »

Known as Zizou in his native France, 50-year-old Zidane began his career as a professional footballer in Cannes, going to played for Bordeaux before joining the Italian team of Juventus, then Real Madrid. His sporting achievements include victories in the World Cup, European Cup and Champions League, and he was named FIFA World Player of the Year three times.

"He is an inspiration to many generations," said Nicolas Baretzki, CEO of Montblanc. "He is living proof that following what moves you in life leads you to a place of fulfillment and success."