10 Most Shocking World Cup Moments Ever

2. Zidane's Headbutt

One of the most iconic shocking moments in World Cup history came in the 2006 final. Italy were going up against the defending champions, France. The star of the moment was 34-year-old Zinedine Zidane, and the stage was set for him to end his France career on the highest possible note.

Zidane won the Golden Ball award for being the best player of the tournament, but the star midfielder’s international career ended in failure and disgrace after he received a straight red card for a brutal headbutt on Italy’s Marco Materazzi. Zidane had scored a great penalty earlier in the game and had helped France stay in the tie, which finished 1-1 and went into extra time.

It was in the second half of extra-time when Zidane completely lost his cool and lashed out at Materazzi, who later admitted he’d made a rude comment about Zidane’s sister. The Frenchman stood by his act and said he wouldn’t apologise to Materazzi, but was ashamed to have let his nation down as Italy went on to win the game on penalties.