Zinédine Zidane Puts His First Cartier on Auction For Charity: A Insight into His Passion for Watches

Published: 03 Jul 2026
Unveiling a different side of his passions, French football legend Zinédine Zidane is auctioning his first Cartier watch for a noble cause.

Zinédine Zidane, a football legend beyond compare, has raised the bar with a recent noble venture. Auctioning his first ever Cartier watch, he is exhibiting a significant blend of his love for intricate timepieces and dedication to philanthropic endeavors./n Known globally as ‘Zizou’, Zidane has earned an iconic status through an illustrious soccer career, playing for European powerhouses like Juventus and culminating his odyssey with a management position at Real Madrid. However, it is not his on-field exploits but his off-field passion for horology that has become a focal point at present. The Cartier Pasha watch, his first investment in the world of luxury watches, was purchased during his time at FC Girondins de Bordeaux - a chapter of his life that also marked a critical rise in his football career. Tracing back this nostalgic timeline, Zidane has decided to relinquish ownership of this cherished timepiece./n The cause for this generous step is ELA International, an organization battling against leukodystrophies, rare genetic disorders devastating the central nervous system. The auction proceeds will fund medical research, aid affected families, and expand public awareness. Zidane’s philanthropic spirit correlates directly with his sustained support for ELA International’s objectives over the past 25 years. Despite his soccer commitments, Zidane has consistently provided support to organizations seeking visibility and assistance./n Operating under the banner ‘Watches for ELA’, the auction will unfold at Christie’s in Geneva on November 9. The sale of Zidane’s Cartier Pasha watch goes beyond vintage timepieces exchanging hands; it’s a testament to the shared values of sport and horology, underscored by philanthropic spirit. Uniting these multiple dimensions of passion honours Zinédine Zidane’s legacy.