Top 10 Ballon d'Or winners of all time

#8 Zinedine Zidane (1998)

Zidane became a national hero after guiding France to their first World Cup

He played like a ‘general’ in midfield. He has technique, tricks, passing and also has an ability to score some of the best goals.” — Marco Van Basten

If you have every thought of watching how magic looks like when being performed, just have a look at Zinedine Zidane. That's what he actually does. He just makes people believe magic exists.

The beautiful game will never see another elegant, exquisite and graceful player like the legendary Frenchman. He clearly was a cut above the rest. It was a treat to watch the French midfielder and his sleek ball control skills.

Zinedine Zidane played at the highest level during his career. But, one particular year was responsible for helping him carve his name in the topmost echelons of the game.

It was the year 1998 and France were pitted against Brazil in the World Cup final. Brazil were being touted as the favourites with the likes of Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Cafu and Roberto Carlos walking out on the pitch in the canary yellow. However, the holders failed to control the wizardry of Zidane, who scored two similar headers in the first half. With Petit adding a third, the French touched the World Cup for the first time in their history and the bald-headed legend was awarded the man-of-the-match.

Zidane beat Davor Suker and Luis Ronaldo to win his first and only Ballon d'Or with Juventus. He won the Fifa World Player of the Year three times in a glorious career.

The French magician accumulated a host of trophies in 1998, winning the league title with Juventus. He was also honoured with awards such as UEFA Club Midfielder of the Year and the L'Equipe Champion of Champions.

As if that isn't enough glory, the bald genius still continues to mesmerise the football world with his management skills at the Santiago Bernabeu.