A decade of fallen heroes - The French Headmaster

2000-2010 has provided us with some of the greatest footballing talent the world has ever seen. But what has happened to honest professional who is revelled in for his human nature as well as his footballing talent? Why is that in our age of mass media where sportsmen are revered as role models that every hero appears to be in someway tainted? Let's take a look at the greats of our decade who have suffered from the 'Maradonna syndrome' and decide whether we are to 'forgive' or 'forget' them.

Zinedine Zidane

For me Zizou was the great of the early 21st century. He came into the year 2000 on the back of marking himself as the ultimate victor, leading his France team to World Cup Glory in 1998 to the delight of the hosting fans. His two first half headed goals in the Stade de France final against then 4 time winners Brazil were just one example of Zidane's all round ability. In a period where football personnel obsess with the idea of specific role assignment - there can be little argument that the Juventus and Real Madrid galactico was a playmaker, a ball winner, a link man and a defensive shield all elegantly rolled into one phoenomenal player.

Unlike many in his mould he certainly has the honours to back up his weighty claim to being an all time great. At the age of 23 Zidane showed his hunger for Continental success by punching above his weight with a Bordeaux outfit that advanced to the 1996 UEFA Cup Final through the UEFA Intertoto Semi Finals. Not for the last time in his career Zinedine was the victim of the German 90's dynasty with his Bordeaux side containing names such as Lizarazu and Duggarry succumbing to a 5-1 aggregrate hammering by rock solid Bayern Munchen. After underachieving with his French team in Euro 96 and being denied an opportunity for revenge at Wembley by the steadiness of the Czech penalty taking and being edged out by Boroussia Dortmund in 1997 with a Juventus side that he fast became the linchpin of - Zizou was more than a little bit fed up of second best. Despite rubbing shoulders with the likes of Del Piero, Inzaghi and Davids, Zidane and company were unable to repeat the success of 1996 and after being runner-up again in 1998 at the hands of Real Madrid - Zidane began angling for one of European footballs most noted transfers. After his move to Real Madrid which saw him become the maestro of Los Galacticos with Figo, Raul, Ronaldo and Casillas for company Zidane finally began to rack up the trophies. The ever elusive European Cup medal  came in 2002 where Madrid triumphed over outsiders Leverkusen at Hampden Park, with Zidane finally putting the German spectre to rest with a spectacular volley which clinched the win. By 2006 the Frenchmen had won it all. The World Cup in 98, the European Championships in 2000, a string of Italian and Spanish league titles and of course the European Cup of 2002.

The reason this outrageous individual falls into this category of debate is for the legendary headbutt in the Final of the 2006 World Cup which stole the limelight and provided the world with a point of remembrance for what was a dismal tournament. Zidane still walked away from Germany with the Golden Ball for leading an average French side to the final against Italy before being dismissed for violent conduct after headbutting Marco Matterazzi who is supposed to have made a personal comment which greatly offended Zizou. His stature as a role model to all young football supporters was marred by this act of rashness and unfortunately it was his last contribution to the beautiful game and what those who were not as honoured as I to watch his majesty on top form.

Forgive or Forget?

A verdict of some conviction I would imagine for most. Yes he was wrong and yes he put a blot on the otherwise impeccable landscape that was his career with his moment of madness. In some ways however it can be said that Zidane showed his humanity with his reaction to the jibes of the Italian centre half and he was punished appropriately by being denied the opportunity to slot a penalty away in the ensuing shootout. The great man is by far and away - Forgiven.