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Number 10 of the 98 world champion French team and author of a double in the final, Zinédine Zidane seems a logical 98 Ballon d’Or. And yet, the best player in the world was Ronaldo!
Before being destroyed by its partnership with Fifa from 2010 to 2016, the France Football Ballon d’Or acquired its prestige over the decades by leaving it to a jury of European journalists to reward the great players who scored each year . Thus, during the World Cup years, the best player of the world champion was very often elected (if he was European before 1995). Logically, Zinédine Zidane, the star of the 98 world champion French team at home, became the fourth French Ballon d’Or (after Raymond Kopa, Michel Platini and Jean-Pierre Papin).
However, Julien Müller on “indisputable”. He recalls that the playmaker revealed in Bordeaux is not the best player of Juventus, since Alessandro Del Piero is clearly the star of Juventus crowned champion of Italy that year. Filippo Inzaghi and Edgar Davids are as important as the French international wearing number 21. Zidane also fails to carry the Bianconeri to the final of the Champions League, lost against Real Madrid (1-0).
Zidane
Comes the 98 World Cup. What is indisputable is that the number 10 of Aimé Jacquet, author of an improbable double header in the final against Brazil (3-0), does not have a great competition . And for good reason, he was excluded during the second match against Saudi Arabia and thus missed two matches. “At the 1998 World Cup, THE most important thing of the year, Zidane was not even in the 5 best players in his selection. No ranking but Petit, Thuram, Desailly, Djorkaeff and Barthez are ahead of him. Crisp and clear. Before the final, Zidane’s World Cup is standard »says Julien Müller. It’s a fact: the French defenders and Youri Djorkaeff carry the team to the final.
In 1998, the best player in the world was simply named Ronaldo, 21 years old, a powerful striker for Inter and Brazil. And “Il Fenomeno” is having a crazy year, not only by scoring 25 goals in Serie A (he is beaten by Oliver Bierhoff), but above all by offering the UEFA Cup to the Nerazzurri (with this incredible goal scored in the final against Lazio at the Parc des Princes) and by being sparkling at the French World Cup (four goals and three assists). “R9” scored a double in the 8th against Chile and opened the scoring for the Seleçao in the half against the Netherlands (qualification on penalties). Sick on the day of the final, he will be muzzled by Frank Leboeuf…
Written by:
Manu Tournoux is a passionate and knowledgeable football enthusiast with a special focus on French football. Born and raised in France, Manu discovered his love for the beautiful game at a young age and developed a deep understanding of the ins and outs of "Le Championnat." His French roots and extensive experience in football journalism have made him an invaluable asset to the French Football Weekly team.
 
 As an author for the website, Manu's expertise includes not only in-depth analysis of Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 matches but also insightful profiles of up-and-coming talents, detailed transfer news, and engaging coverage of the French national team. His captivating writing style and undeniable passion for the game have earned him a loyal following among our readers.
 
 When he's not crafting engaging articles for French Football Weekly, Manu enjoys attending live matches whenever he can, exploring football culture in various French cities, and engaging in spirited debates with fellow fans. Feel free to follow Manu on Twitter and interact with him as he shares his expert opinions, insights, and love for French football.
