He gained more votes than Barcelona's Brazilian forward Rivaldo and Real Madrid's Portuguese winger Luis Figo.

This is the second time that 28-year-old Zidane has gained the prestigious award. He was also named the world's greatest player in 1998.

Zidane, who plays his club football for Juventus in Italy's Serie A, added the European Championship crown to his 1998 World Cup winners medal in 2000.

He was the player of the tournament in the view of many observers, displaying fantastic dribbling skills, incisive passing and a goalscoring touch.

Player of the century

Zidane also proved a key presence for Juventus, whom he joined from Bordeaux in 1995.

The Turin giants came runners-up in Serie A after being pipped by Lazio for the title in the final game of the season.

The Fifa grand jury woman footballer of the century was American Michelle Akers, with China's Sun Wen getting the Fifa internet equivalent.

Spanish giants Real Madrid were named team of the century, while the team of the year was Holland.

Lucas Radebe, who plays for South Africa and Leeds United, was given the fair play award.

Fifa commended Radebe, 31, for his work with children in the Soweto township near Johannesburg.