Zinedine Zidane's touch was so soft the ball seemed to calm down when it reached him. Every turn and pass looked considered, and in the biggest matches he produced moments beautiful enough to make grown men cry.
Two headers and a volley
The most famous goals of his career came on the biggest nights. In the 1998 World Cup Final he scored two headers to give France their first world title. In the 2002 Champions League Final against Bayer Leverkusen he hit a volley that is widely considered the best goal ever scored in a final.
The rest of the record:
- The 1998 World Cup, Euro 2000 and the Champions League with Real Madrid, every major trophy there is
- The Ballon d'Or in 1998
- FIFA World Player of the Year three times, in 1998, 2000 and 2003
- The roulette, or Marseille turn, which became one of the best-known skill moves in football
People have called him football's Picasso, and it is not a bad comparison. His vision was exceptional, and he produced his best when the stakes were highest.
He may be the most elegant midfielder who ever played. Only two names rank above him on this list.
Tomorrow: number 2.
