Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is full of praise for Zinedine Zidane after winning the Champions League.

Promoted from his position as head coach of the club's reserve team to be Rafa Benitez's replacement in January, three-times world player of the year Zidane steered Real to a runners-up finish in La Liga and to their 11th European Cup.

"The key element is Zidane," Perez told Marca on Tuesday.

"He has changed the recent history of Real Madrid. Since 2001 he has created a way to understand football that has helped us win these European Cups."

The Frenchman was an assistant to head coach Carlo Ancelotti when Real beat Atletico in Lisbon in the 2014 final.

"Zidane symbolises the values of Real Madrid like respect, humbleness and talent," Perez said.

"When I spoke to him back in January he told me he was ready to work and that he knew Real Madrid and its changing room very well. He said to me: 'Don't worry president, we will win something. I'm certain'."