Zinedine Zidane Names Nine Legends When Building His Perfect Footballer

Zinedine Zidane named nine icons of the game when building his perfect footballer.

Zidane enjoyed a glittering playing career for both club and country.

He played for the likes of Juventus and Real Madrid, winning league titles in Italy and Spain, not to mention the Champions League in 2002.

Zidane scored a legendary volley against Bayer Leverkusen in the final of the Champions League - one of the greatest goals of his storied career.

The Frenchman also excelled on the international stage, inspiring France to World Cup glory in 1998. He also won the Euros in 2000.

The 1998 Ballon d'Or winner is not only one of the greatest midfielders of his generation but also in the history of the sport given his stellar career.

But if he was to build the perfect footballer, who would he pick?

Zinedine Zidane's perfect footballer

Zidane was asked to name a player for a series of categories to build the ultimate footballer.

And he brilliantly backed himself in not one but four sections, including left foot, right foot, headers and vision.

Zinedine Zidane scored one of the best goals of his career with his left foot. Image: Getty

Zidane opted for Zlatan Ibrahimovic's strength, having come up against him in the Champions League.

He sided with Alessandro Del Piero's dribbling and the goals of Ronaldo Nazario and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Zidane played with Del Piero during his time at Juventus, so he saw the Italian's dribbling prowess day in day out before his move to Real. He also played with Brazil's Ronaldo before coaching Portugal's Ronaldo.

Zinedine Zidane played with Alessandro Del Piero during his time at Juventus. Image: Getty

Zidane went for Luka Modric for long shots and Del Piero again for set pieces, as well as Michel Platini and Andrea Pirlo.

The 53-year-old managed Modric during his spell at Real and faced Pirlo during his playing days, notably in the 2006 World Cup final.

He selected fellow countryman Lilian Thuram for duels and the leadership of Toni Kroos.

Left foot - Zidane

Right foot - Zidane

Headers - Zidane

Strength - Ibrahimovic

Dribbling - Del Piero

Goals - Ronaldo or Cristiano Ronaldo

Vision - Zidane

Long shots - Luka Modric

Set pieces - Del Piero, Platini, Pirlo

Duels - Thuram

Leadership - Toni Kroos

• BBC Launch New Visualised Football Podcast, Hosted By Wayne Rooney
• Zinedine Zidane Didn't Hesitate When Naming The Most Influential Coach of His Career
• Zinedine Zidane 'Couldn't Believe' England Ignored Quality of One Player
• Zinedine Zidane Announces Long-Awaited Football Return