Position: Midfielder
Born: 23.06.72
Club: Real Madrid

Since springing to prominence with a series of irresistible displays during Euro 96, Zinedine Zidane has stood almost unchallenged as the world's best midfielder.

Now into his 12th year with the France national side, Zidane has won all of the major honours in world football in a glittering career for club and country.

The descendant of Algerian immigrants, he began at Cannes before being snapped up by Bordeaux in 1992 and after helping them to the UEFA Cup final he moved on to Juventus, where he won his first domestic titles.

In a mesmerising spell with the Turin giants, Zidane claimed the prestigious FIFA World Player of the Year award on two occasions, in 1998 and 2000.

He also spearheaded his country's march to the World Cup title in 1998, capped by two goals in the final against Brazil at the Stade de France.

His sublime skills helped Roger Lemerre's side win Euro 2000 as well, before Real Madrid president Florentino Perez shelled out a world-record £46.5million to add him to the burgeoning stable of Bernabeu 'Galacticos' in 2001.

Despite a lean spell of late, his unique talents have meant Real have seen a handsome return on their investment, with 'Zizou' the architect of triumphs in the Primera Liga and Champions League.

Yet despite his fond memories of France 98, an early exit from the 2002 World Cup plays on Zidane's mind and was probably the key motivation for him reversing his decision to retire from international football to help France qualify.