Zizou and Paolo: A Tribute to Two of the Greatest Ever

Taken from The Red and Black Forum

I was supposed to write this post on Zidane’s birthday, which passed a few days ago. It was meant to be a tribute, a dedication, and a meaningful (I hope) piece on one of the greatest players to have ever graced the game.

Zinedine Zidane, a player I grew to be very fond of ever since I was a young, six year old, just beginning to get the grips of this beautiful game. It was 1998, a year which launched Zinedine Zidane a 26 year old, to absolute stardom in the process of becoming a hero, a role model, a symbol to his nation and to millions, including me, around the world.

The Scientist, the maestro, the genius with magical feet, who made football seem so effortless, gliding and breezing his way past players, like it were on thin ice. He was a conductor, the heartbeat and soul for whichever team he played; domestic or international. Zizou, as he is fondly called, is the player who’s name I first uttered, a player who’s one of the reasons why I fell in love with this bloody sport we all call football.

The skill, control, poise, finesse, and outright brilliance that he oozed, was a joy to behold and cherish. Not only was this man outrageously brilliant, but he was just as successful. Zizou was a three time World Player of the Year and a Ballon d’Or winner. He has won countless titles which include that memorable 1998 World Cup win in his homeland of France as well as leading the French to European glory in 2000, where he was named the best player of the tournament.

He has won almost everything in football, be it club level or international, with the most memorable instance – arguably – being THAT stunning volley against Bayer Leverkusen that led to Real Madrid’s record ninth Champions League triumph. One of the greatest goals ever, a display of his flawless and outrageous technique that gained him many admirers, is idolized till date.

Now to a player remembered for his flawless, seamless defending and brilliant leadership throughout his 20+ years as a player, where he captained for both club and country – AC Milan and Italy, respectively.

The “Il Capitano” is highly regarded for his longevity and ability to maintain high standards of play throughout his career, even as he got older. He made the art of defending look so easy and effortless when creating chances that it made his opponents look foolish and dumbfounded.

Maldini, like Zidane, won numerous titles and honors especially at the club level; a whopping 5 time Champions League winner with his long serving club, AC Milan. Unfortunately, he didn’t get much luck with the Azzurri, reaching two runners-up positions in the 1994 World Cup and the European Championship in 2000 – losing both the times to Brazil and France on penalties and the golden goal – respectively.

One of the finest defenders of all time, his failure to win at least a Ballon d’Or during his illustrious and fantastic career, truly remains one of football’s greatest mysteries. He is admired and respected by many, and I wish him a joyous and a very happy birthday.

Both these players touched and inspired the hearts of many with their ability and their character. The accolade ‘legend’ is often misused, however, these two men fully deserve that acclaim.

Taken from Xtra Time

Zizou and Paolo, take a bow. You two will never be forgotten, and will live long in the memory of those who have been lucky enough to witness you two grace the pitch and bring a smile to their faces.

Written by Omar Almasri
Follow me on Twitter @OAlmasri or @OPosts

Please like O-Posts on Facebook
Follow the site on Twitter