Zinedine Zidane Crowned Best Midfielder of the 21st Century by Canal+

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Zinedine Zidane Crowned Best Midfielder of the 21st Century by Canal+

In a move that solidifies his revered status in the pantheon of football greats, legendary French maestro Zinedine Zidane has been named the best midfielder of the 21st century, according to an exclusive ranking compiled by the prestigious French broadcaster Canal+. This accolade reaffirms 'Zizou's' timeless impact on the sport, placing him above a constellation of brilliant talents who have graced the pitch during the first quarter of this century.

Canal+, renowned for its in-depth and comprehensive football coverage, meticulously assembled this prestigious list of 100 players. The ranking was based on an extensive survey that polled a select group of seasoned sports journalists and numerous former footballers who were active during this golden era. While the complete list of the top 100 players is set to be unveiled later this week, the channel has begun releasing position-specific rankings, which have already sparked widespread debate among football enthusiasts globally.

Zidane's top placement among midfielders comes as little surprise to many. The French icon was a symbol of elegance, control, and visionary play in the heart of the midfield. His unparalleled dribbling ability, pinpoint passing, and thunderous shots propelled both Real Madrid and the French national team to historic triumphs, including the 1998 FIFA World Cup, UEFA Euro 2000, and the UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid in 2002, famously sealed with his iconic volleyed goal in the final. His influence transcends mere achievements; Zidane has been an inspiration to an entire generation of players and fans alike, thanks to his unique style and quiet, yet authoritative, leadership.

Canal+'s rankings extended beyond Zidane, spotlighting other prominent names in midfield. Spanish maestro Xavi Hernandez, the architect of Barcelona and Spain's World Cup-winning midfield, secured the third position. This placement acknowledges his pivotal role in redefining midfield play through possession and intricate passing. The elegant Italian deep-lying playmaker Andrea Pirlo, known for his exquisite vision and set-piece prowess, was ranked fifth, while the English legend Steven Gerrard, Liverpool's eternal captain, came in eighth. These three names, alongside Zidane, represent a diverse spectrum of midfield roles, from deep-lying playmakers to box-to-box dynamos, each leaving an indelible mark on the beautiful game.

The broadcaster also paid homage to stars in other positions. In the forward category, there was little contention as Argentine superstar Lionel Messi was crowned the best forward of the 21st century, surpassing his long-standing rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who secured the second spot. The list also featured Thierry Henry in fifth place and Kylian Mbappé in seventh, highlighting the evolution of attacking roles. For goalkeepers, Manuel Neuer, the stalwart for Bayern Munich and Germany, topped the charts, followed by the legendary Gianluigi Buffon in second, Thibaut Courtois in third, and Iker Casillas in fourth. The comprehensive list of shot-stoppers also included Petr Cech (6th), Edwin van der Sar (7th), Fabien Barthez (8th), Gianluigi Donnarumma (12th), and Emiliano Martínez (15th), showcasing the diverse talent and longevity of goalkeepers across different eras.

These rankings are more than just a list of names; they are a celebration of footballing brilliance and the profound impact these legends have had on the sport. They serve as an invitation to reflect on how these stars have shaped modern football and how their legacies will continue to inspire future generations. As the full list approaches its grand reveal, football enthusiasts worldwide eagerly await to discover who else will be inducted into this elite lineup, celebrating the very best that 21st-century football has offered so far.

Ekhbary News Agency