What Is 2000 FIFA World Player of the Year

Overview

The 2000 FIFA World Player of the Year award honored the most outstanding male footballer of the year, as voted by national team coaches and captains worldwide. It was the 10th edition of the prestigious award, which began in 1991 and quickly became one of the highest individual honors in soccer.

Zinedine Zidane emerged as the winner, reclaiming the title he first won in 1998. His performances for both club and country, particularly during France’s successful Euro 2000 campaign, solidified his status as the world’s best player at the time.

• Zidane earned 488 points in the final tally, significantly outpacing runner-up Luís Figo, who received 359 points, demonstrating a clear global consensus on his dominance.
• The award ceremony was held on December 11, 2000, in Zürich, Switzerland, a traditional location for FIFA’s annual awards gala.
• Zidane became only the second player at the time to win the award twice, joining Ronaldo Nazário, who had won in 1996, 1997, and 1998.
• His leadership helped France win UEFA Euro 2000, where he scored two crucial goals and provided multiple assists, earning tournament honors.
• Zidane played a pivotal role for Real Madrid during the 1999–2000 season, contributing to their Champions League semifinal run and strong domestic campaign.

How It Works

The FIFA World Player of the Year award was determined through a global voting process involving national team coaches and captains from FIFA-recognized member associations. Each voter submitted a ranked list of their top five players, with points assigned accordingly to determine the winner.

• Term: The award was open to any male professional footballer active during the calendar year. Only performances from January to December 2000 were considered for the 2000 edition.
• Voting Pool: Over 150 national team coaches and captains participated in the vote, each submitting a ranked ballot, ensuring a broad international perspective.
• Scoring System: First-place votes earned 5 points, second-place earned 4, down to fifth-place earning 1 point, with totals aggregated to determine the winner.
• Eligibility Criteria: Players had to be active in professional leagues during 2000; retired or suspended players were excluded from consideration.
• Announcement: The winner was revealed at a live ceremony in Zürich, broadcast globally, with Zidane accepting the trophy in person.
• Historical Context: The 2000 award marked a transition period, as FIFA began to formalize its global recognition systems before later merging with the Ballon d'Or in 2010.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the top five finishers in the 2000 FIFA World Player of the Year voting, highlighting points and national affiliations.

This table illustrates the dominance of Real Madrid players in the 2000 rankings, with three of the top three hailing from the Spanish club. Zidane’s lead was decisive, with a 129-point margin over Figo, underscoring his global acclaim.

Why It Matters

The 2000 FIFA World Player of the Year award was more than just a personal accolade—it symbolized the peak of individual excellence in global football and influenced legacy, marketability, and national pride. Winning elevated a player’s status beyond club achievements, placing them in the pantheon of soccer greats.

• Winning the award often led to increased endorsement deals, as seen with Zidane, who signed major contracts with brands like Adidas after his 2000 win.
• It enhanced a player’s legacy and historical ranking, with multiple winners like Zidane often cited among the greatest of all time.
• The award influenced national team morale and identity, as France celebrated Zidane’s win as a national triumph following their Euro 2000 victory.
• Clubs used the honor in marketing and recruitment, with Real Madrid highlighting Zidane’s win in promotional campaigns.
• It helped shape future award structures, eventually leading to the creation of The Best FIFA Men's Player award after the Ballon d'Or split.
• The recognition also impacted young players’ aspirations, with Zidane becoming a role model for a generation of midfielders worldwide.

Ultimately, the 2000 FIFA World Player of the Year award not only recognized Zinedine Zidane’s brilliance but also reflected the growing globalization and commercialization of football at the turn of the millennium.