Zidane said players like Japan's Shunsuke Nakamura, who has earned rave reviews with Scottish league-leaders Celtic, were helping to inspire a generation.

"Asian football is in the process of making a big step forward," Zidane, speaking in French through a translator, said before the match.

"When you see players like Nakamura who are playing in Europe ... they are bringing something positive to Asian football.

"It is also good for future players who are here among us today, who could make this step forward and play in a big European team."

The former French captain delighted local reporters by greeting them in Thai, and said he had come for a holiday with his family as well as the charity match.

"Today sports and even life, it's more than a game," he said.

"I wanted to share time with these children, to try to do certain things which could bring happiness to the people," he added.

Crowds of supporters queued for hours to see the three-time World Player of the Year, whose image was blemished by his infamous headbutt in last year's World Cup final.

Zidane, 34, who retired after the World Cup, will play 20 minutes for both teams of Southeast Asian players in northern Thailand's biggest city.

About 10,000 fans watched the match, which will raise money for children with HIV/AIDS and started at 4:15 pm (0815 GMT).

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to watch a superstar," gushed nursing student Tirada Haengkoat, 20, who had queued since 9:00 am (0200 GMT) for tickets.

"I love Zidane, he is my hero. I am very excited," said 13-year-old Ittiphol Buachom.

Entrance to the game was free, with donations going to Chiang Mai HIV/AIDS charity Keuydaroon, which helps hundreds of HIV-infected children like 11-year-old Ton, who will accompany his hero on to the pitch.

"I am very excited when I found out that the foundation chose me to accompany him on the pitch. Zidane inspired to me to become a professional footballer, I want to be like him," said Ton.

Among the Asian players joining the match were Thai legend Piyapong Pue-On and his compatriot Kiatisak "Zico" Senamuang. Other players were from Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Tens of thousands turned out to see Zidane play in an exhibition match in Bangladesh last November, while a December trip to Algeria -- his parents' homeland -- triggered a scrum at the airport, with some visiting dignitaries nearly squashed in the stampede.

His hero's welcome across the globe contrasts with last year's controversy over his career-ending head-butt on Italy's Marco Materazzi after a verbal exchange, which divided French opinion.

Although Southeast Asian football teams are not among the best in the world, the region is passionate about the game. International competitions spark widespread betting, which is illegal in Thailand.