Zinédine Zidane was crowned FIFA World Player for a record-equalling third time at the Gala organised by FIFA on 15 December in Basel, Switzerland. Fresh from orchestrating Real Madrid's 2-1 victory over RC Deportivo La Coruña in the Spanish league on Sunday, reminding everyone there is still lots of magic in his legs yet, Zidane continues to pick up awards and extend his record of success.
A FIFA World Cup™ and European Championship winner, the last time Zidane lifted the FIFA World Player of the Year title, he was missing a vital piece from his trophy cabinet, the Champions League. And now he has it, thanks to his brilliant volley in the Final against Bayern Leverkusen in Glasgow. Following disappointment at the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan™, Zidane still had an ace up his sleeve, matching Ronaldo's record as a three-time winner of the FIFA World Player Award. The Frenchman, who already scooped the prize in 1998 and 2000, could scarcely contain his elation on hearing the news. This time, he was up against some stiff opposition: on the one hand, last year's winner, Ronaldo, and on the other, his French team-mate, Henry, one of the most in-form players in Europe at the moment. Zidane was keen to tell FIFA.com all about his excitement at winning an award that means so much to him.
FIFA.com: Are you happy at taking the FIFA World Player Award again?
Zidane: Very much so. This trophy is hugely important to any player, and more so because it's decided by all the national coaches from around the world. I dedicate it to my family, because it's a reward for all the hard work put in over the years.
FIFA.com: Why do you think Zidane has clinched it over Ronaldo and Henry?
Zidane: I think it's down to my career as a whole and all the effort I've put in over the years. I don't think I've won because I'm better than the rest, but rather because of all the effort, for a job well done.
FIFA.com: What do think about snatching it from your team-mate and friend Ronaldo?
Zidane: It's good to beat Ronaldo (laughs). I'm thrilled, not for getting one over on Ronaldo, but for having won this award for the third time in my life.
FIFA.com: Do you think you have deserved it more this time than on the previous occasions?
Zidane: I don't know if I deserve it more or not. What I can tell is that I'm better now than I was in 1998 and 2000, I'm in better form.
FIFA.com: So you are a bit like a fine wine, you getter better with age?
Zidane: The most important thing for a football player is to keep himself in peak form, and that isn't easy when we're playing games every three days. The truth is I feel fine, though it's also true that I'm nearer to the twilight of my career than the dawn.
