Zidane beat off competition from Arsenal striker Thirerry Henry and Brazilian forward Ronaldo.

The Frenchman also claimed the presitious prize in 1998, when his French side won the World Cup, and 2000, when Les Blues were crowned European champions.

The 31-year-old received 264 points with Henry second on 186 and Ronaldo third on 176 following the poll which sees 142 national team coaches decide the winner.

Pavel Nedved was in fourth place with Roberto Carlos fifth, Ruud van Nistelrooy sixth and david beckham seventh.

2003 FIFA World Player of the Year



1. Zinedine Zidane (Real Madrid & France, 264 pts)
2. Thierry Henry (Arsenal & France, 186 pts)
3. Ronaldo (Real Madrid & Brazil, 176 pts)
4. Pavel Nedved (Juventus & Czech Republic, 158 pts)
5. Roberto Carlos (Real Madrid & Brazil, 105 pts)
6. Ruud van Nistelrooy (Man Utd & Holland, 86 pts)
7. David Beckham (Real Madrid & England, 74 pts)
8. Raul Gonzalez (Real Madrid & Spain, 39 pts)
9. Paolo Maldini (Milan & Italy, 37 pts)
10. Andrei Shevchenko (Milan & Ukraine, 26 pts)