Zidane: golden ball

He was playing less than prime. He was set to retire. Then he led France to the finals in an explosion of skills.
...Then he was ejected for an intentional headbutt.

Nonetheless, Zinadine Zidane has been awarded the Golden Ball; World Cup best player award.

Unlike previous tournaments, voting for the Golden Ball player continued until after the final match.
So voters could vote fully aware of Zidane's send off.

Many expected Italy's Fabio Cannavaro to win. He came in runner up.

This only further cements Zidane's legacy as one of the finest footballers ever.

And if reports in the French media are true and Materazzi did provoke Zidane with racist slurs, I only give more respect to Zidane.