`President` of Field – Zinedine Zidane

July 14, 1998. As the son of an Algerian immigrant, Zinedine Zidane, entered downtown Paris on a parade the day after the 16th France World Cup victory, even the proud people of Paris expressed their love by shouting `Z1zou (Zidane’s nickname) for president!`. The French people’s craze for Zidane was due to the fact that they thought Zidane was a representative, who dynamically expressed the French disposition of resisting infringement of personal rights.

Zidane had overcome the restriction against the colored skin, and triumphed to be the one to symbolize France’s `artistic football`. Although he is only 29 years old, this year, his name is always followed by the title `Maestro` (master). This is rare even in the world of sports, where talents usually blossom in early years. But his competence is so matured that the best title does not sound awkward on him.

In such sense, the 2002 World Cup is a perfect chance for Zidane to leap from `The French Pride` to `The World’s Best Star`.

His biggest rival is Brazil’s `neo-football king` Ronaldo. The two great rivals each won FIFA’s `player of the year` title for twice. However, what distinguishes Zidane from Ronaldo is that he already led France to win the World Cup title. Also, while Ronaldo suffered from severe injury, Zidane’s self-management kept him away from being hurt.

Zidane’s play is hot. His dribbling that easily passes through 3 or 4 defenders and lightening one-touch pass are his trademarks. In spite of his `humbleness` outside the field, he suddenly changes into a wild horse once he steps into the field. There was even one player, who fouled and was hit by Zidane on the head. The reason for his exclusion from the semifinals in the 1998 France World Cup upon accumulated warnings was also due to such temper. He cannot withstand injustice that he dreamt of being a policeman since the childhood.

“In football culture, there were the fancy Brazilian style and the powerful East-European culture. Now, there is France’s smooth culture. Like Zidane who can suddenly turn the match upside down…” (Cameroon’s national player Onguene)

“France becomes a unity and overwhelms the other team. The problem is that it is helpless when they come pressurizing with Zidane in the middle.” (Japanese coach Troussier)

The world is in fear of Zidane’s destructive power, which is certainly beyond our imagination.

Sang-Ho Kim hyangsan@donga.com