France captain Zinedine Zidane won the adidas Golden Ball award as the best player of the World Cup despite being sent off for headbutting Marc Materazzi during yesterday’s final. The results were released today by FIFA. Zidane edged Italy’s captain, Fabio Cannavaro, for the award, earning 2,012 points compared to Cannavaro’s 1,977. Italian midfielder Andrea Pirlo was third with 715 points. Zidane was shown a red card for slamming his head into the sternum of Italy center back Marco Materazzi. The two had exchanged words though it’s unclear what was said prior to the incident. The headbutt would be Zidane’s last act as a professional player, and one that was understandably criticized in France and abroad. Despite the despicable act, Zidane deserved the award for his sparkling displays in the knockout stages against Spain, Brazil and then Portugal. He had a good game in the final against Italy, but everything before and after will forever be overshadowed by the manner of his sending off. Many pundits tipped Cannavaro as the winner. He led a defense that conceded just two goals in seven games. “Fabio Cannavaro was the best player of this World Cup,” Argentine great Diego Maradona said. “Yes, it was a tournament without one dominant player, but Fabio was huge.” Germany goalkeeper Oliver Kahn won the Golden Ball in 2002; Brazilians Ronaldo and Romario won the award in ’98 and ’94, respectively.