Zidane is mobbed by team-mates after heading the first of his brace in the final of the World Cup in 1998 (StuForster/Allsport)

The 1998 tournament is his only appearance in the finals so far as France had failed to qualify for the previous two finals. As a late developer it was Zidane's first really big chance to impress on the international stage and he grasped it.

But things did not get off to a good start. After a good win over South Africa, Zidane was sent-off against Saudi Arabia for stamping on Saudi captain Amin in retaliation. It meant he was banned for the next two games and missed the vital second round game with Paraguay.

The French, already without a recognised striker of any class or experience, struggled until Laurent Blanc bagged the Golden Goal with just seven minutes to play.

Zidane came in for the quarter-final with Italy but was well-shackled by the Azzurri, who defended like dogs but, as always, lost out on penalties. It was in the semi-final where we finally began to see the best of Zizou as France muscled past Croatia with two goals from Lilian Thuram.

At this point there were many who doubted Zidane's reputation as the best play-maker in the world but in the final he took the iniative and scored two rare headed goals as France swept a pallid Brazil side away. It was in the midfield that the game was won as Zidane showed his full repertoire.

With every trick in the book, dead-ball skills and a real eye for goal, there's no doubting that the accolade of best play-maker is deserved. For a big man Zidane has so much skill and invention that defenders are quite often left dumbfounded.

At Euro 2000 he furthered his reputation yet more as France were victorious and it came as no surprise that when Zidane left Italian giants Juventus it was for a world record fee - £46million to Real Madrid.