Zinedine Zidane's top 5 memorable France World Cup matches

With Zinedine Zidane succeeding Didier Deschamps as France manager, FIFA looks back on five of the midfield magician’s most dazzling World Cup displays. The talismanic superstar's crowning moment came when he hoisted the trophy in Paris in 1998. Eight years later, he guided Les Bleus to the final, where they suffered a shoot-out defeat to Italy. Zidane’s World Cup legacy spans three editions and features numerous memorable performances.

1998 World Cup Final: France vs. Brazil

Zidane played an instrumental role as France won their first World Cup on home soil. In a hosts-versus-holders showdown at the Stade de France, the French No. 10 scored a headed brace to help his nation defeat a Brazil side led by Ronaldo. He opened the scoring in the 27th minute, powering Emmanuel Petit’s inswinging corner past Claudio Taffarel. Just before halftime, he doubled the lead with a near-identical header from Youri Djorkaeff’s corner. Brazil were handed a lifeline when Marcel Desailly was sent off in the 68th minute, but Petit sealed the victory with a late counter-attacking goal.

“That match changed the course of my life,” Zidane told L’Équipe in 2018. “There’s no getting away from the fact that I wrote my name into French football folklore on the back of that performance. The way people treated me and looked at me changed. I noticed that every time I bumped into someone. It was ever so special.”

2006 World Cup Final: France vs. Italy

After being coaxed out of international retirement by Raymond Domenech, Zidane had the chance to win a second World Cup. He had announced the tournament would be his last, and he strained every sinew to bow out on a high. In the final in Berlin, he gave France the lead in the seventh minute with a Panenka-style penalty that kissed the underside of the bar before crossing the line. The audacity of the effort against Gianluigi Buffon was a measure of the man. However, the match ended in a 1-1 draw, and Italy won on penalties. Zidane was sent off in extra time for headbutting Marco Materazzi.

1998 Group Stage: France vs. Saudi Arabia

Zidane scored his first World Cup goal in France’s 4-0 group-stage win over Saudi Arabia. He opened the scoring with a left-footed strike from the edge of the box, showcasing his technical ability. The victory helped France top their group.

2006 Quarterfinal: France vs. Brazil

In a rematch of the 1998 final, Zidane produced a masterclass as France defeated Brazil 1-0. He provided the assist for Thierry Henry’s winning goal with a perfectly weighted free kick. His performance was widely regarded as one of the best of his career, controlling the midfield against a star-studded Brazilian side.

1998 Quarterfinal: France vs. Italy

Zidane scored the winning penalty in a 4-3 shootout victory over Italy in the quarterfinals. The match had ended 0-0 after extra time, and Zidane calmly converted his spot-kick to send France into the semifinals, where they would beat Croatia.