On 24 February 2007, before a crowd of 10,000 fans at a match in northern Thailand for the Keuydaroon children's AIDS charity, Zidane scored the first goal and set up the second for a Malaysian teammate as the match ended 2-2.
The event raised ฿260,000 ($7,750).
This money paid for the building of two schools and 16 three-bedroom houses.
On 19 November 2008, Zidane took part in the fifth annual Match Against Poverty in Málaga, Spain, which also ended in a 2-2 draw; he went scoreless but set up his team’s second goal.
He and former Real Madrid teammate Ronaldo, who collaborated in conceiving the yearly event to benefit the United Nations Development Programme, regularly captain their respective teams consisting of active footballers, other professional athletes and celebrities. Zidane, a U.N. goodwill ambassador since 2001, stated before the game that “everyone can do something to make the world a better place.”
In June and July 2009, Zidane toured across Canada with stops in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver.
Although billed as Zidane and "Friends", the likes of which included Fabien Barthez and Samuel Eto'o, the exhibition matches featured local players.
Tournament organisers cited lack of sponsorship and support from the Canadian Soccer Association for the disorganized rosters.
Some proceeds were given to Unicef.
On June 6, 2010, Zidane took part in the bi-annual charity event Soccer Aid. He played for the Rest Of The World Team, managed by Liverpool and Celtic hero Kenny Dalglish against England alongside former Real Madrid teammate Luis Figo, and Celtic legend Henrik Larsson.
He played against former players such as Teddy Sheringham, David Seaman and Alan Shearer, as well as celebrities such as Robbie Williams.
He played well, and his skill and control were still apparent to the fans in the stadium.
He passed well and dribbled around the English team, and nutmegged English celebrity midfielder Damian Lewis.
The Match took place at Old Trafford in Manchester and was won by The Rest of the World for the first time, by penalties after a 2-2 draw.