Zinedine Zidane Scored Two Headers in a World Cup Final

Zinedine Zidane scored twice with his head in the 1998 World Cup final against Brazil, from two separate set pieces in the first half. He was a central midfielder. He won the Ballon d'Or that year and France won its first World Cup.

Four years earlier he had been a talented playmaker at Bordeaux. In 1998 he decided a World Cup final by heading two corners past Claudio Taffarel, then added a European Championship in 2000, then scored the goal that won the 2002 Champions League final. He was named FIFA World Player of the Year three times, in 1998, 2000 and 2003.

The 2002 volley at Hampden Park is the technical high point of the sport. Roberto Carlos hooked a hanging cross toward the edge of the box, the ball dropping over Zidane's shoulder at an awkward height, and he pivoted and struck it first time with his weaker left foot into the top corner to win the European Cup. Most players do not attempt that. He scored it.

The argument for him is not accumulation, it is that he raised his level exactly when the stakes did. His goal tallies are ordinary for a great midfielder and his club trophy count is modest next to the Barcelona generation. What he has instead is a World Cup final, a Champions League final and a European Championship all decided by things he personally did.

The counterarguments are strong and mostly about consistency. Zidane won only one Ballon d'Or, which for a player in this conversation is thin. Xavi and Iniesta controlled games more completely and won far more together, including a World Cup, two European Championships and four Champions Leagues. Johan Cruyff invented the position as it is now understood and then coached the philosophy that still runs Barcelona. Michel Platini won three Ballons d'Or in a row.

On trophies and consistency, the Barcelona midfielders win. On the specific ability to decide the largest match available, with the whole sport watching, nobody in the position comes close to Zidane.

The verdict: Zidane for the biggest moments. Xavi and Iniesta for sustained control. Cruyff for the ideas.