Zinedine Zidane to be starter for the Le Mans 24 Hours 2024
After LeBron James for the Centenary, a world champion will be waving the French flag at the start of the 92nd Le Mans 24 Hours. Zinédine Zidane has been appointed to this role.
A footballer starting the 24 Hours of Le Mans: an event that won’t happen often (although). The Automobile Club de l’Ouest has chosen a player well established in the hearts of the French, as it is none other than one of the 1998 World Cup champions: Zinedine Zidane.
LeBron James, a legend of American basketball, had been chosen last year to give the start of the 100th edition. Zidane, on the other hand, will become the first footballer to have this honor.
All the more reason that the attendance is once again expected to be incredibly high. The French public will even hear the former Real Madrid coach say these few words: “Drivers, start your engines” at the moment of the formation lap.
A French pride
The tradition has continued since 1949, when Christian Pineau, Minister of Transport at the time, lowered the tricolor flag in the first post-war edition.
The ACO does not lack recognition and praise for Zinédine Zidane, through the voice of the president, Pierre Fillon.
« I sincerely thank Zinedine Zidane for accepting the role of Starter. The 24 Hours of Le Mans are known worldwide and throughout their history have always welcomed great names from all walks of life. Zinedine Zidane is an icon, an athlete who, through his genius, has marked generations of enthusiasts. In this historic year for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, with an exceptional sports field, we could not dream of a greater Starter. »
The first interested party, hardly familiar with the world of motorsport, remains nonetheless touched and honored to have such a symbolic role in the biggest car race on the planet.
« The 24 Hours of Le Mans is unique. For all those who love motor sports, for the whole world, it is a legendary race. It is a source of French pride! I obviously have a lot of images in my mind, of the race, the legendary drivers, the incredible stories, whether in front of my TV (laughs) or through cinema! So it will be a great first for me to be there. Needless to say, I am truly honored to take on this role as the starter, I can’t wait to be at the start of these 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 15th!
