Today, voting for the player of a tournament is effortless. A few taps on a smartphone, a social media poll, perhaps an official FIFA app. Back then, however, British football fans were presented with something that felt remarkably interactive for its time: a teletext phone poll asking viewers to choose the best player of the 1998 World Cup.
Appearing on BBC Ceefax just days after France had lifted the trophy at the Stade de France, the poll invited viewers to dial a number and cast a vote from a shortlist of ten stars who had illuminated France '98.
It may seem primitive now, but in 1998 it felt revolutionary. For younger readers, teletext was much more than a rolling information service. It was an essential companion for football supporters.
Long before smartphones delivered instant updates, fans sat in front of their televisions waiting for pages to load. Transfer rumours, classified football results, league tables, pools information, fixture lists and breaking sports news all appeared in blocky coloured text.
Ceefax and Oracle (and, from 1992, Teletext) effectively provided a national online information network years before broadband became commonplace. The World Cup poll demonstrated how broadcasters were beginning to experiment with audience participation. Rather than simply consuming news, viewers could influence it.
Admittedly, participation involved finding a telephone, dialling an 0891 number and spending up to 10p, but the principle was remarkably similar to modern online voting. In many ways, it was social media before social media existed.
The shortlist itself acts as a fascinating snapshot of who captured the imagination during one of football's greatest World Cups.
Gabriel Batistuta (Argentina, Fiorentina)
Argentina's iconic number nine arrived in France already regarded as one of the world's deadliest strikers. Playing for Fiorentina in Italy's Serie A, Batistuta combined power, precision and aerial dominance. He scored five goals during the tournament, including a hat-trick against Jamaica, reinforcing his reputation as one of football's elite finishers.
Dennis Bergkamp (Netherlands, Arsenal)
Representing both the Netherlands and Arsenal, Bergkamp produced perhaps the defining moment of the tournament. His remarkable last-minute winner against Argentina in the quarter-final remains one of the greatest World Cup goals ever scored. Elegant, intelligent and technically superb, Bergkamp was at the height of his powers.
Oliver Bierhoff (Germany, AC Milan)
Germany's captain and leading striker played for AC Milan. Two years earlier he had scored the golden goal that won Euro 96, and he remained one of Europe's most feared forwards. Although Germany's World Cup ended disappointingly in the quarter-finals, Bierhoff's status as a world-class centre-forward remained intact.
Paul Ince (England, Liverpool)
England's representative on the shortlist was Liverpool midfielder Paul Ince. The former Manchester United captain played every match as Glenn Hoddle's side reached the second round before suffering penalty heartbreak against Argentina. Ince's relentless energy, leadership and determination made him one of England's standout performers.
Patrick Kluivert (Netherlands, AC Milan)
Still only 22, Kluivert was developing into one of European football's brightest talents. The Dutch striker was on the books of AC Milan and scored crucial goals during the tournament, including the dramatic late equaliser against Argentina's rivals Belgium in the group stage. Strong, athletic and technically gifted, he formed part of a superb Dutch side.
Michael Owen (England, Liverpool)
Perhaps the breakout star of France '98. At just 18 years old, Owen exploded onto the world stage with a stunning solo goal against Argentina in Saint-Étienne. Playing for Liverpool, he had already become one of England's most exciting young talents, but this tournament transformed him into a global superstar overnight.
Rivaldo (Brazil, Barcelona)
Barcelona playmaker Rivaldo was central to Brazil's journey to the final. Combining creativity with a goalscoring threat, he scored three times and consistently influenced matches. Overshadowed slightly by Ronaldo's celebrity status, Rivaldo was arguably Brazil's most important performer throughout the competition.
Ronaldo (Brazil, Internazionale)
The biggest football star on the planet. At just 21, Ronaldo was already playing for Internazionale and widely regarded as the world's best player. His explosive pace, devastating dribbling and remarkable goalscoring record made him the face of France '98. The mystery surrounding his illness before the final only added to the tournament's enduring mythology.
Davor Šuker (Croatia, Real Madrid)
Croatia's extraordinary run to third place owed much to the brilliance of Real Madrid striker Davor Šuker. He finished as the tournament's leading scorer with six goals and became a national hero. Clinical, composed and blessed with a wonderful left foot, Šuker was the revelation of the World Cup.
Christian Vieri (Italy, Atlético Madrid)
Italy's powerful centre-forward was playing for Atlético Madrid during the tournament. Vieri scored five goals and often carried Italy's attacking threat almost single-handedly. Strong, direct and ruthless in front of goal, he emerged from France '98 with his reputation significantly enhanced.
Who Would Have Won?
Looking back, several candidates can make a compelling case. Šuker won the Golden Boot and inspired Croatia's fairy-tale run. Bergkamp delivered the tournament's most memorable goal. Rivaldo was magnificent throughout. Ronaldo remained the biggest attraction.
Yet many British viewers likely cast their votes for Michael Owen. His electrifying goal against Argentina became one of those moments every football fan remembers exactly where they were when they saw it. The final result of the Ceefax poll may have faded into history, but the page itself survives as a reminder of a unique era.
Did you vote in the Ceefax poll? If so, who got your call? Looking back nearly three decades later, would you choose Owen, Bergkamp, Šuker, Ronaldo, or someone else entirely as the player of France '98?
This is an original teletext page recovered from television programmes recorded on VHS videotape as the teletext code - although not visible when watching a recording - was embedded on the tape. Find out more about the project to recover these pages at www.teletextarchaeologist.org.