Who was the athlete who starred in the Olympic opening ceremony video?

Zinedine Zidane to the rescue.

Widely regarded as one of the best soccer players in the sport’s history, Zidane is responsible for 31 goals in 108 international appearance for the French national soccer team. He wasn’t a keeper, but Zidane made a heck of a ‘save’ on Friday.

‘Zizou’ made an appearance in the Olympic opening ceremony prologue video, rescuing the Olympic flame from the Stade de France, instead running it to other torch bearers on way to its proper place on the Seine.

Get Olympics updates in your texts! Join USA TODAY Sports’ WhatsApp Channel

The Olympic opening ceremony was certainly one for the ages. While the Parade of Nations took place, it actually occurred in boats on the River Seine on a number of boats and barges.

2024 Olympic medals: Who is leading the medal count? Follow along as we track the medals for every sport.

Zidane wrapped up his playing career in 2006 and would later coach Real Madrid between 2019 and 2021.

Despite leading the French national team to a World Cup win in 1998 and Euro success in 2002, Zidane never touched the pitch in the Olympics. At least he made the most of his opportunity during the ceremony.