Zinedine Zidane’s football career ended on a sour note.
The Frenchman’s final game of his career came in the 2006 World Cup final.
Zidane opened the scoring in the first-half of the game against Italy with a delightful ‘Panenka.’
However, he did not see out the game as he was sent off for head-butting Marco Materazzi in extra-time.
Zidane could do nothing as Italy went on to prevail in a penalty shootout.
Despite that disappointment, Zidane, who turned 34 during the tournament, was given the Golden Ball, an award given to the best player of the tournament.
The legendary midfielder, despite being in his mid-30s, was absolutely unplayable throughout.
(Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
His best performance in the tournament – and one of the best of his career – came in France’s quarter-final against Brazil.
Brazil were the defending champions. They boasted world-class players all over the pitch, including Cafu, Roberto Carlos, Kaka, Ronaldinho and Ronaldo Nazario.
But Zidane taught them a football lesson in a quite dominant display. The former Real Madrid star was untouchable from start to finish.
He didn’t get on the scoresheet but he did set up Thierry Henry’s goal as France won 1-0.
His highlights from the game have gone viral again and you can watch them below…
Brazil VS France.
When Zidane turned the World Cup into a street football match. pic.twitter.com/pF5R6JUTQ2
— RMZZ (@RMBlancoZz) April 1, 2022
View some of the best reaction below…
Zidane was just something else.
He was past his prime but was still capable of making some of the world’s best players look like amateurs.
It’s a shame that he retired following the World Cup as he was still one of the world’s best. But you have to respect his decision to hang up his boots while still at the top of the game.
His performance against Brazil remains not only one of the best World Cup performances ever, but one of the best individuals displays of all-time.
The ultimate Ronaldinho quiz: How much do you know about football’s greatest entertainer?
