Flashback: No 18. Germany 2006: Zidane loses his head – and his last game

(GETTY IMAGES)

Zinedine Zidane headbutts Italy's Marco Materazzi during the World Cup final in the Olympiastadion, Berlin in 2006. Zidane, who had given France an early lead only for Materazzi to equalise, was sent off as his side lost 5-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

Rarely can a career as touched with greatness have ended in such controversial and dramatic fashion. The final was Zidane's last game and instead of inspiring France's second triumph, the off-the-ball incident with Materazzi in the final minutes of extra-time meant the three times World Player of the Year was ordered off, forlornly walking past the World Cup as he went.

Zidane later claimed the Italian defender had insulted his mother and refused to apologise to him. Without their captain, France were edged out, David Trezeguet missing the vital penalty.