Every World Cup final is iconic — a rare treat every four years, now only the 23rd edition spanning nearly a century. But how to quantify the 'best'? BBC Sport senior journalist Alex Bysouth has attempted to take into account goals, drama, superstars at their peak, as well as the showpieces that provided the most compelling storylines and delivered the most enduring legacies.
His ranking includes Pele and Brazil at the Azteca in 1970, England winning on home soil in 1966, and Lionel Messi's first World Cup triumph. But two finals stand out for their gripping narratives.
“BBC Sport's Alex Bysouth ranks the top 10 World Cup finals, including Ronaldo's 2002 redemption and Zidane's 2006 headbutt.”
The 2002 final in Yokohama was Ronaldo's redemption arc. After the trauma of Brazil's defeat by France four years earlier and career-threatening injuries, Ronaldo — who had only played a handful of games for Inter Milan before the tournament — was at his goalscoring best. Supported by Rivaldo and Ronaldinho, with Roberto Carlos and Cafu flying down the flanks, his second-half double proved decisive as Brazil saw off Germany. No-one in the stadium would have banked on the Selecao not winning another World Cup since.
The 2006 final in Berlin is remembered for a legendary image: Zinedine Zidane trudging past the pitchside World Cup trophy after being sent off. Zidane had enjoyed a stellar tournament and had already Panenka'd Gianluigi Buffon with a spot-kick that kissed the bar. But Marco Materazzi became the main protagonist — first fouling Florent Malouda for France's opener, then levelling with a thundering header from Andrea Pirlo's corner, and finally getting a reaction out of Zidane, the Frenchman landing a headbutt on the Italian's sternum. It was Zidane's last act as a player, having announced his retirement after the World Cup. Zidane walked, and Italy won on penalties. Materazzi, of course, scored his.
The rankings invite readers to form their own opinion, with a chance to rank the finals themselves.
