Jonathan Zebina

Jonathan Zebina (born 19 July 1978) is a French retired footballer. Having started his career as a striker, he played right-back for much of his career before being increasingly used as a centre-back. An athletic defender, with good man-marking skills, he was however criticised at times throughout his career for being error-prone.[2]

Jonathan Zebina

Zebina training with Toulouse in 2012
Personal information
Full name	Jonathan Zebina
Date of birth	(1978-07-19) 19 July 1978
Place of birth	Paris, France
Height	1.84 m (6 ft 0 in)[1]
Playing position(s)	Right back, centre back
Youth career
1995–1996	Cannes
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
1996–1998	Cannes	27	(0)
1998–2000	Cagliari	48	(0)
2000–2004	Roma	88	(1)
2004–2010	Juventus	98	(0)
2010–2011	Brescia	28	(0)
2011–2012	Brest	28	(0)
2012–2014	Toulouse	37	(0)
2014	Arles-Avignon	6	(0)
Total		360	(1)
National team
2005	France	1	(0)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only

He spent his club career with several French and Italian clubs, most notably Roma – with whom he won a Serie A title and a Supercoppa Italiana in 2001 – and Juventus. At international level, he obtained his only senior cap for the France national football team in 2005.

Zebina also owns a large collection of contemporary art,[3] and owns an art gallery in Milan.

Club career

Cannes

Zebina began his career with AS Cannes in the French Championnat National in 1996 making his professional debut in Ligue 1 in a home game against Metz which ended 0–0. The 1996–97 season saw him make 6 league appearances. The following year he continued to develop and he made 21 league appearances as Cannes were relegated to Ligue 2.

Cagliari

Zebina was then signed by Cagliari Calcio, whose president had spotted him during a match against Marseille while scouting Cyril Domoraud. He was given a chance at right-back after injuries to two other defenders and soon made the position his own, in the process establishing a reputation as one of the most promising defenders in Europe. Zebina made 48 appearances for the Sardinian club between 1998 and 2000, at which point Cagliari were relegated to Serie B.

Roma

In 2000, Zebina moved to A.S. Roma in a co-ownership deal for 9.5 billion Italian lire,[4][5] linking up with countryman and fellow full-back Vincent Candela. In his first season with the Rome club, he played 22 games and won the Scudetto, followed by the Italian Supercup at the beginning of the next season. Manager Fabio Capello saw his skill and he soon became Roma's first-choice right-back. Roma bought him outright in July 2001.[6] Between 2001 and 2004, he made 94 appearances for Roma in both domestic and European competitions. While at Roma, he was involved in a minor car crash, but escaped with cuts and bruises.[7]

Juventus

Towards the end of his spell in the Italian capital, bigger clubs in Italy began to take notice of him and, after nearly signing with Milan,[8] Zebina elected to join Juventus on a free transfer, where he was reunited with departing Roma manager Capello.[9] Zebina revealed that he had rejected moves to Chelsea, Liverpool and Milan.[10][11] In his first season, Zebina made 24 appearances in Serie A and six in the Champions League, a total of 30 appearances in all competition.[12]

Primarily a backup player, Zebina occasionally played in the right-back position. The 2005–06 season was not his finest as a professional due to an argument with the Juventus management over his request for a pay rise[13] and rumours linking him with English club Tottenham Hotspur.[14] His move to Tottenham collapsed after Capello persuaded him to stay.[15] He was sent off in Juventus' Champions League quarter-final loss to Arsenal, along with Mauro Camoranesi. Juventus claimed the Scudetto to compensate for the European disappointment, but were stripped of their title after a match-fixing scandal that saw the club relegated to Serie B.

Despite coming under fire several times for his perceived inconsistency, Zebina stayed with Juventus following their relegation.[16] His first-team opportunities increased after the sale of Gianluca Zambrotta to Barcelona, but he was still criticised by Juventus fans. In spite of this, in the 2007 winter transfer window he turned down prospective moves to Marseille or Real Madrid; following Juventus' Serie B title success, he signed a new four-year deal that would keep him at the club until 2011.[17]

In the 2007–08 season, Zebina faced competition from Zdeněk Grygera for the right-back position. In September 2007 he was banned for four games and ordered to pay a €15,000 fine after slapping a flight attendant, after being sent off for two bookable offenses in the match against Cagliari. He ultimately only played in 16 league games because of disagreements with coach Claudio Ranieri[18] and an injury suffered in January.

He suffered an Achilles tendon rupture at the start of 2008–09 season, which caused him to only make 8 appearances.[19] He denied a possible transfer to Bordeaux during the transfer window.[20]

In the 2009–10 season, Zebina wore number 15 instead of number 5, following former captain Fabio Cannavaro's return to the club. He lost his starting place to Martín Cáceres that season, despite Cáceres also being seen as inconsistent. After Cáceres' injury, Zebina returned to the starting XI, but Juventus also faced a landslide slip in their results, starting with a shock exit from the 2009–10 UEFA Europa League by losing to Fulham, a match in which Zebina was sent off.[21] He apologised for gesturing to Juventus supporters but claimed he was driven to act inappropriately by their behaviour.[22] He remained in the starting XI ahead of Cáceres despite the latter recovering from injury. That season Juventus finished 7th and numbers of players were sold or their contracts were not renewed, including Cannavaro. On 29 March 2010, he was hit by a fan as he was about to board the team's bus ahead of Juventu's match against Atalanta Bergamo. He stated: "Surely it is racism. […] It is a bad thing for the image of Italian football that does not deserve this. The Federation has to do something […]".[23][24]

At the end of season Juventus decided not to buy Cáceres outright, but signed Marco Motta from Udinese on loan as new right-back. He was included in Juventus's 25-man squad list A for 2010–11 UEFA Europa League play-offs round (he was suspended in the qualifying round due to his red card at the end of last campaign)[25][26] He also did not attend the pre-season camp as he had an international duty which delayed his vacation.[27][28] Motta quickly became the starting right-back for Juventus in the first four matches of the season in the Europa League, and Zebina was not called up for the first Serie A game of the new season.[29] On the last day of transfer window, his contract was mutually terminated after Juventus strengthened their options in defence by signing Arsenal defender Armand Traoré on loan for the rest of the season, with a view to a permanent move.[30][31] On the same day Juventus also released Mauro Camoranesi, and David Trezeguet a few days before.

Brescia

On the same day he was released, he signed a two-year contract with Serie A newcomer Brescia Calcio.[32] After signing for the club, Zebina suffered an injury on his knee and had an operation on it which kept him out for about 5 weeks. After recovering from his knee injury, Zebina finally made debut for Brescia against Udinese in a 1–0 loss. Unfortunately, Zebina had a frustrating campaign that ended with the club being relegated. Zebina went on to make 28 appearance for Brescia.

On 8 July 2011, he mutually terminated his contract.[33]

Brest

After being released by Brescia, Zebina returned to France on 4 August 2011 after eleven years in Italy, joining Ligue 1 newcomers Stade Brestois 29 on a one-year contract with an option on the following season.[34][35] After joining Brest, he revealed that he had desired a move to England in the summer but that a lack of interest shown in his services forced him to turn his attentions elsewhere.[36] He was previously linked with two other club in his country, Ligue 1 rival's Saint-Étienne and Nice.[37] On 20 August 2011, the opening day of Ligue 1, he made his debut for Brest in a 1–1 draw against Lyon. After Brest finished the season in 15th place, the club announced on 22 May 2012 that he would not extend his contract, which was due to expire at the end of June.[38]

Toulouse

After one season in Brittany, he joined Toulouse FC as a replacement for the outgoing Daniel Congré.[39] He was given the number 11 jersey, and became the club captain.[40] In a season hampered by injuries,[41][42] Zebina was at fault for a few goals in the few matches he played that season.[43] His experience, however, was still seen as important, and he remained a key member of the squad. On 30 March 2012, he scored an own-goal, against Ajaccio, to give the opposition the lead. Eventually, Toulouse would win 3–2 after a comeback fight.[44]

Arles-Avignon

Having joined AC Arles-Avignon in early October 2014, he had his contract terminated at the end of the year.[45][46]

International career

Despite being a regular during his time at Roma and Juventus, he has earned only one cap for France; on 9 February 2005 in a 1–1 draw against Sweden.[47] Zebina remained in Jacques Santini's plans throughout his tenure. However, after Santini departed the national side, Zebina was never called up for France again after falling out of favour with new coach Raymond Domenech.

Personal life

He was born to a father named Denis and a mother named Martine. He has a brother and sister, named Alexis and Julia respectively.[48]

Career statistics

Club

Source:[49][50]

Club	Season	League			Cup		League Cup		Continental		Total
		Division	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
Cannes	1996–97	Division 1	6	0	1	0	0	0	–		7	0
	1997–98		21	0	3	0	1	0	–		25	0
	Total		27	0	4	0	1	0	0	0	32	0
Cagliari	1998–99	Serie A	22	0	4	0	–		–		26	0
	1999–00		26	0	6	0	–		–		32	0
	Total		48	0	10	0	0	0	0	0	58	0
Roma	2000–01	Serie A	22	0	0	0	–		4	0	26	0
	2001–02		24	0	2	0	–		10	0	36	0
	2002–03		19	0	4	0	–		8	0	31	0
	2003–04		23	1	2	0	–		7	0	32	1
	Total		88	1	8	0	0	0	27	0	123	1
Juventus	2004–05	Serie A	24	0	1	0	–		6	0	31	0
	2005–06		10	0	2	0	–		2	0	14	0
	2006–07	Serie B	24	0	0	0	–		–		24	0
	2007–08	Serie A	16	0	1	0	–		–		17	0
	2008–09		8	0	0	0	–		0	0	8	0
	2009–10		16	0	1	0	–		5	1	22	1
	Total		98	0	5	0	0	0	13	1	116	1
Brescia	2010–11	Serie A	28	0	0	0	–		–		28	0
Brest	2011–12	Ligue 1	28	0	0	0	1	0	–		29	0
Toulouse	2012–13	Ligue 1	17	0	1	0	0	0	–		18	0
	2013–14		20	0	2	0	1	0	–		23	0
	Total		37	0	3	0	1	0	0	0	41	0
Arles-Avignon	2014–15	Ligue 2	6	0	1	0	1	0	–		8	0
Career total			360	1	31	0	4	0	40	1	435	2

International

Source:[51]

France national team
Year	Apps	Goals
2005	1	0
Total	1	0

Honours

Club

Roma[1]

• Serie A: 2000–01
• Supercoppa Italiana: 2001

Juventus[1]

• Serie B: 2006–07

References

1. "J. Zebina". Soccerway. Retrieved 5 February 2016.
2. "Roma - Squad profiles". ESPN. 13 February 2003. Retrieved 22 February 2017.
3. "ART CONTEMPORAIN COLLECTION JONATHAN ZEBINA" (PDF).
4. "BILANCIO D'ESERCIZIO E CONSOLIDATO DI GRUPPO AL 30 GIUGNO 2000" (PDF). AS Roma (in Italian). Borsa Italiana Archive. 28 June 2001. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 24 March 2015.
5. "RELAZIIONE SEMESTRALE AL 31 DIICEMBRE 2000" (PDF). AS Roma (in Italian). Borsa Italiana Archive. Retrieved 24 March 2015.
6. "Comunicato Stampa". AS Roma (in Italian). 6 July 2001. Archived from the original on 18 November 2001.
7. "Roma defender in car crash". Sky Sports. 19 September 2002. Retrieved 23 May 2013.
8. "Stam signs for Milan". Sky Sports. 17 May 2004. Retrieved 23 May 2013.
9. "Zebina seals Juve move". Sky Sports. 19 May 2004. Retrieved 23 May 2013.
10. "Zebina snubbed top trio for Juve". Sky Sports. 20 May 2004. Retrieved 23 May 2013.
11. "Zebina explains Juve choice". Sky Sports. 4 July 2004. Retrieved 23 May 2013.
12. "Juve move in for Zebina". UEFA.com. 19 May 2004. Retrieved 29 August 2010.
13. "Zebina to quit Juventus". Sky Sports. 3 January 2006. Retrieved 23 May 2013.
14. "Juventus : Zebina vers Londres" (in Italian). footmercato.net. 26 January 2006. Retrieved 5 June 2012.
15. "Zebina move collapses". Sky Sports. 30 January 2006. Retrieved 23 May 2013.
16. Stefano Bedeschi (19 July 2016). "Gli eroi in bianconero: Jonathan Zebina" (in Italian). Tutto Juve. Retrieved 31 May 2017.
17. "Zebina agrees Juventus extension". UEFA.com. 6 June 2007. Retrieved 29 August 2010.
18. "Zebina enfonce Ranieri" (in Italian). foot01.com. 25 May 2009. Retrieved 5 June 2012.
19. "Juventus sign Zebina off until 2009". UEFA.com. 18 November 2008. Retrieved 29 August 2010.
20. "Zebina refuse Bordeaux" (in Italian). lequipe.fr. 20 July 2009. Retrieved 5 June 2012.
21. "Juve floored by Fulham comeback". UEFA.com. 19 March 2010. Retrieved 29 August 2010.
22. "Zebina unhappy with Juventus fans". Sky Sports. 18 March 2010. Retrieved 18 February 2012.
23. "Zebina: "E' razzismo Voglio essere difeso"". Repubblica (in Italian). 28 March 2010. Retrieved 21 August 2016.
24. "Juve, i tifosi contestano Zebina: "Aggressione razzista"". Gazzetta Dello Sport (in Italian). 28 March 2010. Retrieved 21 August 2016.
25. "The UEFA list for the Europa League preliminaries". Juventus FC. 23 July 2010. Archived from the original on 27 July 2010. Retrieved 29 August 2010.
26. "Marchisio salta la gara di giovedì per squalifica". Juventus FC (in Italian). 25 August 2010. Archived from the original on 28 August 2010. Retrieved 29 August 2010.
27. "Bianconeri meet up. Off we go!". Juventus FC. 1 July 2010. Archived from the original on 3 August 2012. Retrieved 29 August 2010.
28. "29 players leave for training camp in Varese". Juventus FC (in Italian). 20 July 2010. Archived from the original on 3 August 2012. Retrieved 29 August 2010.
29. "I convocati di Del Neri per Bari". Juventus FC (in Italian). 28 August 2010. Archived from the original on 31 August 2010. Retrieved 29 August 2010.
30. "Zebina's contract rescinded". Juventus FC. 31 August 2010. Archived from the original on 27 January 2013. Retrieved 31 August 2010.
31. "Zebina poised for Juve exit". Sky Sports. 30 August 2010. Retrieved 18 February 2012.
32. "Ufficiale: Zebina è un giocatore del Brescia". Brescia Calcio (in Italian). 31 August 2010. Retrieved 31 August 2010.
33. "Ufficiale: rescissione consensuale con Zebina". Brescia Calcio (in Italian). 8 July 2011. Retrieved 15 July 2011.
34. "Zebina makes Brest move". Sky Sports. 4 August 2011. Retrieved 18 February 2012.
35. "STADE BRESTOIS SIGN JONATHAN ZEBINA WHILE DAVID TREZEGUET TURNS DOWN OGC NICE – LIGUE 1 NEWS". Blog Bettor. 4 August 2011. Archived from the original on 11 July 2012. Retrieved 18 February 2012.
36. "England appealed to Zebina". Sky Sports. 16 August 2011. Retrieved 18 February 2012.
37. "Transfers Brescia - Zebina to return to France" [Transferts,Brescia-Zebina deretouren France] (in French). Goal.com. 22 June 2011. Retrieved 23 May 2013.
38. "Zebina left Brest" [Foot - Transferts : Zebina quitte Brest] (in French). L'Equipe. 22 May 2012. Retrieved 23 May 2013.
39. "Zebina two years in Toulouse" [Foot - Transferts : Zebina, deux ans à Toulouse] (in French). L'Equipe. 19 June 2012. Retrieved 23 May 2013.
40. "Captain Zebina" [Foot - Ligue 1 - Toulouse : Zebina capitaine] (in French). L'Equipe. 5 July 2012. Retrieved 23 May 2013.
41. "Zebina this to recovery" [Foot - Ligue 1 - Toulouse : Zébina présent à la reprise] (in French). L'Equipe. 26 June 2012. Retrieved 23 May 2013.
42. "Zebina injured" [Foot - Ligue 1 - TFC : Zebina blessé] (in French). L'Equipe. 14 January 2013. Retrieved 23 May 2013.
43. "Jonathan Zebina". Squawka.com.
44. "AC Ajaccio 2-3 Toulouse". ESPN.FC. 30 March 2013. Archived from the original on 29 June 2013. Retrieved 23 May 2013.
45. "Ligue 2 : Zebina signe à Arles-Avignon" [Ligue 2: Zebina signs at Arles-Avignon]. RTL (in French). 6 October 2014. Retrieved 10 February 2017.
46. Grégoire, Christian (31 December 2014). "A Arles-Avignon, Zvunka arrive, trois joueurs s'en vont" [At Arles-Avignon, Zvunka arrives, three players leave]. Francetvsport (in French). Retrieved 10 February 2017.
47. "Jonathan Zebina". EU-Football.info. Retrieved 9 March 2014.
48. Jonathan Zebina Archived 21 July 2009 at the Wayback Machine Juventus' Official Site
49. "Jonathan Zebina career stats". Football Database.eu. Retrieved 11 August 2012.
50. "Jonathan ZEBINA - Football : la fiche de Jonathan ZEBINA". L'Equipe (in French). Retrieved 21 August 2016.
51. "Jonathan Zebina". National Football Teams. Benjamin Strack-Zimmerman. Retrieved 11 August 2012.

External links

• Jonathan Zebina at ESPN FC