“In this edition of Watches for ELA, my contribution is very simple:
I’m donating a watch that I’ve had for 35 years. I felt it was important to offer something dear to me, an object with a history and genuine sentimental value.” – Zinedine Zidane

One of the greatest footballers of all time and now head coach of the France National Team, Zinedine Zidane has been an
official sponsor and dedicated ambassador of the European Leukodystrophies Association (ELA) for over 25 years. Since 2000, he has used his global fame to raise awareness and support families affected by genetic diseases of the nervous system, while helping to fund research into these rare conditions.

This beautiful neo-vintage steel Pasha Chronograph holds immense emotional and sentimental significance for Zidane: it was the very first luxury watch he purchased with his first professional paycheck, at the beginning of his career while playing for FC Girondins de Bordeaux in Ligue 1, 35 years ago. Football fans and watch collectors now have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire ‘Zizou’s’ very first wristwatch – a trophy for Zidane, and an ultimate trophy for its
next owner.

Here in Zidane’s own words quoted from a recent interview with Hodinkee’s Andy Hoffman, he reveals what this Cartier Pasha means to him: “It’s a watch that’s very dear to me. I can’t say much more, except that it’s a watch that touched me when I bought it and still touches me today. Naturally, there’s also a particular emotion because I’m going to part with it. But I’m going to part with it for a good cause. The person who chooses to acquire it will know that they own an object that has been very precious to me.”