According to Center Presse, the former football star is in turmoil over a project to build a sports complex named after him in the town of Auney-le-Château.
After Aix-en-Provence, Istres and Turin in Italy, Zinedine Zidane wants to settle in Aunes-le-Chateau, in Aveyron. More precisely, the former French national team player intends to build his next sports complex “Z5” there.
A project that, however, faces difficulties, as our colleagues from Center-Press.
Divided municipality
Indeed, the 20,000 m² future complex, which includes nine padel courts, a “small” football field and a restaurant, will be located opposite La Roca High School.
But according to Aveyron Land Development and Rural Making Company (Safer) rules, the land was classified as an agricultural zone when it was sold to Zinedine Zidane in February 2025. In addition, a building permit has already been issued, the same source adds.
Appeal to the prefecture failed
A situation that has since gotten worse. In November 2025, an appeal was submitted to the Prefect of Aveyron, stating that “The mayor of Aunay-le-Château made a clear error in judgment.” regarding the date of issue of the building permit and the agricultural nature of the land.
Ultimately, the prefecture chose not to act against the original decision and confirmed the legality of the construction.
However, the arrival of the Z5 complex in the city is still expected to this day. Note that the former football player chose Auney-le-Chateau because of its proximity to his relatives, originally from the Aveyron commune.
The mayor’s opponents are challenging the project’s legality, and the Routenois Agricultural Land Defense Collective has filed two appeals to the Toulouse administrative court. Thus, a question that is far from being resolved.