Qatar plans to re-install a sculpture of French-Algerian soccer player Zinedine Zidane at 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, that was removed in 2013, according to HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bin Hamad Al-Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums.

The 5-metre bronze sculpture "Coup de tête" was dismantled few days after it was unveiled.

"Societies undergo evolution. It takes time, and people may criticize something at first, but they will eventually comprehend and accept it "Sheikha Al-Mayassa stated.

Sheikha Al-Mayassa said the aim of displaying the work was to promote conversations about "stress on athletes...and the importance of dealing with issues of mental health".#Qatar #Culture #321Museum #Zidane #Sculpture https://t.co/ONq0svwwuE

— The Peninsula Qatar (@PeninsulaQatar) June 7, 2022

Sheikha Al-Mayassa stated that the sculpture's initial location on the capital's beachfront Corniche was "not proper," and that it would be reinstalled at the new sports museum 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum.

Adel Abdessemed's sculpture captures the moment during extra time in the 2006 World Cup final when Zidane head-butted Italy's Marco Materazzi. After Zidane was sent off, Italy defeated France on penalties.

The goal of showing the piece, according to Sheikha Al-Mayassa, is to foster dialogues about "stress on athletes...and the significance of dealing with concerns of mental health."

"Qatar has a special relationship with Zidane. And he is an excellent role model for the Arab world "She stated. "Art, like everything else, is a question of personal preference. Our mission is to empower individuals."

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Source credits: Peninsula

Cover Image credits: Reuters