Payet, currently on the books of Premier League club West Ham United, is reportedly a transfer target for several of the biggest clubs in Europe after a fantastic season with the Hammers.
On top of that, he has also been France's best player at the Euros so far and the chances of him remaining at West Ham for next season seem to be diminishing by the day.
"It is a great story - he (Payet) has always always had talent, but now at 29 he is getting the respect he deserves," Zidane told journalists.
"There is so much pressure on young players to perform on the biggest stage, Dimitri has shown things don't always have to happen early.
"When he wasn't in the French team he never gave up, and now he is proving he is one of the most important and talented players, not just in the French side, but in Europe.
"He had an incredible season with West Ham, and now at The Euros is showing that no occasion is too big for him. He would improve any side in Europe, that is how talented he is.
"From a coaches perspective he is everything you look for in an attacking midfield player.
"He can score goals, he can create goals, he has real quality from set pieces. Any club would want him, he is improving all the time."