World's Best Playmaker 2006 – IFFHS

Zinedine Zidane is considered one of the greatest players in football history. Born on June 23, 1972, in Marseille, the former French attacking midfielder established himself as a global benchmark thanks to his elegance on the field, his exceptional vision of the game, and his unique ability to lead his team's attack.

In 2006, the IFFHS (International Federation of Football History & Statistics) introduced a new international distinction: the title of World's Best Playmaker, intended to reward players capable of organizing their team's offensive play through their creativity, tactical intelligence, and passing quality. For this inaugural edition, Zinedine Zidane was named the award winner, thus confirming his status as a master of the game and a global reference in this position.

An Exceptional Career at the Highest Level

Zinedine Zidane began his professional career at AS Cannes, before revealing his full talent at Girondins de Bordeaux, where he quickly became one of the best midfielders in the French league.

In 1996, he joined Juventus Turin, with whom he notably won two Italian league titles (Serie A) and established himself as one of the best players in the world. His exceptional performances caught the attention of Real Madrid, who signed him in 2001 for a then-record transfer fee.

Wearing the Madrid jersey, Zidane won several major titles, including the UEFA Champions League in 2002. In the final against Bayer Leverkusen, he scored a left-foot volley that went down in football history, often considered one of the most beautiful goals ever scored in a competition final.

Thanks to his unique playing style, combining technique, ball control, and exceptional vision, Zidane received numerous individual awards, including the 1998 Ballon d'Or and the title of FIFA World Player of the Year in 1998, 2000, and 2003.

A National Hero with the French Team

With 108 caps for the French national team, Zinedine Zidane played a central role in the golden age of French football.

During the 1998 World Cup, hosted in France, he scored two decisive goals in the final against Brazil, allowing Les Bleus to win their first world title. This triumph made him a true national hero and earned him the Légion d'honneur the same year.

Two years later, Zidane again led the French team to major success by winning the 2000 European Championship, where he was voted best player of the tournament.

In 2006, during his last World Cup, he had an exceptional tournament and received the Golden Ball for the best player of the tournament, despite the famous final against Italy which marked the end of his international career.

A Global Football Legend

After his playing career, Zidane embarked on a remarkable transition to coaching. At the helm of Real Madrid, he became the first coach in history to win three consecutive Champions Leagues (2016, 2017, 2018), confirming his status as a global football icon, both on the field and on the bench.

Thanks to his elegance, his football intelligence, and his influence on several generations of players, Zinedine Zidane remains today one of the most prestigious symbols in the history of football.

Available products

Discover the official IFFHS LEGEND editions dedicated to Zinedine Zidane, celebrating one of the greatest playmakers in football history.