Who Are the Greatest World Cup Players?
The World Cup, a globally celebrated spectacle, has transformed players like Pelé and Diego Maradona into iconic figures. This event consistently provides a platform for the players to etch their names into the annals of history.
Over 22 World Cups since its inception in 1930, this tournament, held every four years at diverse locations, has seen only 471 players bask in the glory of hoisting the coveted trophy across almost a century of football history.
Our list spotlights champions who’ve left an enduring mark through their stellar performances. It acknowledges the extraordinary, omitting talented players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Johan Cruyff, and Ferenc Puskás, who, despite their brilliance, haven’t claimed a World Cup victory.
10. Gerd Müller (Germany)
Gerd Müller, a prolific German striker, showcased his goal-scoring prowess with 14 goals in 13 appearances across two World Cups – a feat surpassed only by Ronaldo and Miroslav Klose, who played more games.
His remarkable career included 68 goals in 62 matches for (West) Germany and a stunning season with Bayern Munich in 1972-1973, where he scored 66 goals.
Beyond his goal-scoring excellence, Müller’s impact extended to individual honours, winning the Golden Boot and earning a spot in the All-Star Team during the 1970 World Cup.
Despite his impressive achievements, an argument with the German Football Association led to his retirement from international football after the 1974 World Cup.
Notably, Müller’s decision to step away from the sport was influenced by a dispute involving players’ wives not being allowed to attend celebrations.
Standing at 1.76 metres, Müller defied his height with exceptional anticipation, agility, and acceleration. His Ballon d’Or win in 1970 highlighted his status as a clinical finisher and a striker with a unique ability to outmanoeuvre defenders.
9. Ronaldo (Brazil)
Ronaldo from Brazil, known as the “original” Ronaldo, left an indelible mark in football with 15 goals in 19 appearances across World Cups.
Renowned for his dynamic playing style, he melded strength, power, pace, and skill to become a complete striker, often dazzling with his intricate “step-over” moves.
While he was part of the 1994 World Cup squad at just 17, Ronaldo rose to prominence in the 1998 tournament, contributing four goals and three assists (the highest in the tournament). Despite controversially falling ill for the final, he played, and Brazil suffered a 3-0 loss to France.
The 2002 World Cup showcased the formidable trio of Ronaldo, Rivaldo, and Ronaldinho, collectively known as the “three Rs.” Ronaldo’s stellar performance included eight goals, with both strikes in the final against Germany (2-0).
In 2006, past his prime, Ronaldo still managed three goals, breaking Gerd Müller’s scoring record (later surpassed by Miroslav Klose).
8. Giuseppe Meazza (Italy)
Giuseppe Meazza, a standout footballer before World War II, left an indelible mark with 3 goals in 9 appearances across two victorious World Cups for Italy (1934 and 1938).
Recognized for his exceptional creativity, encompassing skills like dribbling, passing, and vision, Meazza often played versatile roles as a supporting striker or winger.
Despite joining the national team in 1930 at the age of 19, Italy missed the first World Cup that year due to travel difficulties.
His international career was limited to two World Cups, both of which Italy won in straight knockout tournaments. In the 1934 World Cup, Meazza’s two goals and inspiring performance in the final against Czechoslovakia contributed to Italy’s triumph.
In 1938, he played a pivotal role, providing two assists in the final as Italy secured a 4-2 victory over Hungary.
7. Garrincha (Brazil)
Garrincha, a legendary winger and possibly the greatest dribbler in football history, made a significant impact with 5 goals in 12 appearances across three World Cups for Brazil.
His dazzling skills, flair, and creativity were instrumental in scoring 12 goals and setting up plays for players like Pelé and Vavá, possibly inspiring the first “olé” chants from football enthusiasts.
Despite making his debut in 1955, Garrincha initially faced exclusion from the first two matches of the 1958 World Cup for excessive showboating.
Teaming up with Pelé, they dominated the tournament, culminating in a 5-2 victory over Sweden in the final, where Garrincha contributed with two assists.
In the absence of Pelé due to injury at the 1962 World Cup, Garrincha took centre stage. He netted four goals, scoring crucially in the quarter-final against England and the semi-final against Chile, leading Brazil to a 3-1 triumph over Czechoslovakia in the final.
By the 1966 World Cup, plagued by injuries at the age of 33, Garrincha scored his fifth World Cup goal in a win against Bulgaria.
Unfortunately, his only defeat and final international match came against Hungary as Brazil exited the tournament, facing defeat against Eusébio’s Portugal.
6. Paolo Rossi (Italy)
Paolo Rossi left an indelible mark on the 1982 World Cup, showcasing his prowess as an opportunistic striker with a keen sense of anticipation and positioning.
Making his Italy debut in 1977, he scored 20 goals in 48 games, earning the prestigious Ballon d’Or in 1982.
Rossi’s versatility was evident as he transitioned from a striker to the right wing, using his technical ability to assist fellow forwards.
Despite a promising performance in the 1978 World Cup with 3 goals and 4 assists, Italy finished fourth after a defeat to the Netherlands.
The 1982 campaign saw Italy struggle in the first group stage, with Rossi not finding the net as they advanced on “goals scored.”
In the second group stage, facing powerhouses Brazil and Argentina featuring Diego Maradona and Mario Kempes, Rossi propelled Italy to victories.
A 2-1 win over Argentina showcased their excellent defence, followed by Rossi’s memorable hat-trick in a 3-2 triumph over Brazil.
Rossi continued his remarkable run, scoring both goals in a 2-0 semi-final victory against Poland and adding another in the 3-1 defeat of Germany in the final.
5. Zinedine Zidane (France)
Zinedine Zidane, an attacking midfield maestro, possessed unparalleled technical prowess, turning football into an art form with his grace, skill, vision, and ball control.
The recipient of the Ballon d’Or in 1998, Zidane’s impact extended to the international stage, where he scored 31 goals in 108 games for France.
Debuting for France in 1994 at the age of 22, Zidane missed the 1994 World Cup. However, the 1998 tournament, held in France, became a showcase of his brilliance.
His creativity and class shone throughout, with two crucial goals in the final leading to a stunning 3-0 victory over favourites Brazil.
In 2002, an untimely injury sidelined Zidane, and France exited the World Cup in the group stage.
Returning from international retirement in 2006, Zidane, at the age of 34, notched three goals (two penalties), earned the Golden Ball and propelled France to the final.
Despite an infamous head-butt resulting in his red card during extra time, France succumbed to Italy in a penalty shootout.
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4. Franz Beckenbauer (Germany)
Franz Beckenbauer, a defender known for his role as a sweeper, showcased exceptional ball-playing skills while anchoring and organizing the defence in formations like the 5-3-2.
In his 18 World Cup appearances, Beckenbauer scored 5 goals and earned spots in the All-Star Team in 1966, 1970, and 1974. His overall contribution included 14 goals in 103 games for Germany, coupled with two Ballon d’Or wins in 1972 and 1976.
Debuting internationally in 1965, Beckenbauer played a pivotal role in the 1966 World Cup, scoring twice in the opener and adding goals in the quarter-final against Uruguay and the semi-final against the USSR. Despite his efforts, Germany fell to England 4-2 in the final.
In the 1970 World Cup, Beckenbauer and Germany sought revenge, overcoming a 2-0 deficit to defeat England 3-2 in the quarter-final, with Beckenbauer contributing a memorable 20-yard strike. However, they faced a 4-3 defeat to Italy in the semi-final.
Beckenbauer’s crowning achievement came in the 1974 tournament. Despite a group stage loss to East Germany, Germany triumphed, meeting Johan Cruyff’s Netherlands in the final.
Beckenbauer and his team emerged victorious with a 2-1 win, overcoming Cruyff’s renowned “Total Football” style.
3. Lionel Messi (Argentina)
secured his status as the world’s best footballer for over a decade, finally clinching a World Cup victory at the age of 35.
Despite his remarkable 100+ international goals and a 2014 Golden Ball, Messi’s Argentina team had faced underwhelming performances.
His redemption came in 2022 when he not only won the Golden Ball again but also became the only player to achieve this honour twice.
Messi’s World Cup journey kicked off in 2006 as Argentina’s youngest player at 18.
Although he contributed a goal and an assist in a 6-0 win against Serbia, Argentina faced elimination by Germany in the quarter-finals.
In 2010, despite Messi not scoring, he received criticism for Argentina’s poor performance, falling once again to Germany in the quarter-finals.
The turning point occurred in 2014, as Messi’s four goals earned him the Golden Ball, yet Argentina suffered another heartbreak, losing to Germany in the final.
In 2018, Messi managed only one goal before Argentina’s exit in the round of 16 against France.
However, Messi’s defining moment arrived in 2022, securing his legacy with seven goals, a Golden Ball, and the ultimate prize – the World Cup trophy, achieved through revenge against France in the final.
2. Diego Maradona (Argentina)
Diego Maradona, an original Messi with exceptional close control, dribbling, passing, vision, and finishing, stood out as a creative midfielder and is widely considered one of the greatest players ever.
In his 21 World Cup appearances, Maradona scored 8 goals, winning the Golden Ball in 1986 and earning spots in the All-Star Team in 1986 and 1990.
His impact extended beyond international play, with 34 goals in 91 games for Argentina and Ballon d’Or wins in 1986 and 1990.
Debuting in 1977 at the age of 16, Maradona missed the 1978 World Cup (which Argentina won) due to being considered too young.
In 1982, despite scoring a brace against Hungary, Argentina faced defeats in the second group stage against Italy and Brazil, with Maradona being sent off against Brazil for retaliating against fouls.
Maradona’s crowning moment came in 1986 when he captained Argentina, scoring five goals and assisting five, essentially leading the team to victory. Notably, his “hand of God” goal and a breathtaking dribble against England showcased his brilliance.
In 1990, despite recovering from injury, Maradona contributed with an assist against Brazil (round of 16). Argentina reached the final but fell to Germany.
In the 1994 World Cup, Maradona played twice, scoring once before being sent home for a failed drug test.
1. Pelé (Brazil)
Pelé, a legendary striker from Brazil, holds the unique distinction of winning the World Cup three times.
His impressive record includes 12 goals in 14 World Cup appearances, earning him the Golden Ball in 1970 and spots in the All-Star Team in 1958 and 1970.
Pelé’s overall impact extends to 77 goals in 92 games for Brazil and an astounding 1,283 goals in 1,363 games, including friendlies—both records.
Making his debut and scoring for Brazil in 1957 at the age of 16, Pelé showcased unparalleled achievements in the 1958 World Cup.
Becoming the youngest player to score, achieve a hat-trick, and score in the final at 17, he played a pivotal role starting from the third game against the USSR.
Pelé contributed with assists, goals against Wales (quarter-final), a hat-trick against France (semi-final), and a brace against Sweden (final).
In 1962, despite an injury during the second game, Pelé managed a goal and an assist in the first.
The 1966 World Cup posed challenges, with Brazil struggling against physical defenders.
Pelé scored in the opening game, faced injury in the second, and endured harsh tackles in the third. Brazil’s elimination led Pelé to contemplate quitting the World Cups altogether.
The 1970 World Cup, with improved officiating, saw Pelé shine. He scored in the opener, provided an assist against England, and netted twice in the third group game.
Pelé continued to contribute with assists against Peru (quarter-final) and Uruguay (semi-final), culminating in a remarkable final against Italy where he scored and provided two assists in a 4-1 victory.
Pelé’s prowess as the ultimate footballer was evident in his speed, strength, skill, creativity, leadership, and powerful finishing with either foot.
Beyond his 12 World Cup goals (ranking fifth), Pelé holds the record for the most assists in the tournament’s history (10), most in a single tournament (6), and most in finals (3).
Honorable Mentions
While crafting this list, some exceptional players didn’t make the final cut. Here are noteworthy mentions:
• Bobby Charlton (England; triumphant and Golden Ball in 1966)
• Rivaldo (Brazil; victorious in 2002)
• Gianluigi Buffon (Italy; champion in 2006)
• Mario Kempes (Argentina; winner and leading goalscorer in 1978)
• Johan Cruyff (Netherlands; Golden Ball in 1974)
• Jairzinho (Brazil; champion and top goalscorer in 1970)
• Ferenc Puskás (Hungary; Golden Ball in 1954)
• Eusébio (Portugal; top goalscorer in 1966)
• Bobby Moore (England; winner in 1966)
• Romário (Brazil; triumphant and Golden Ball in 1994)
• Gaetano Scirea (Italy; champion in 1982)
• Andrés Iniesta (Spain; winner in 2010)
• Miroslav Klose (Germany; champion in 2014 and all-time top World Cup goalscorer with 16 goals)
• Leônidas da Silva (Brazil; leading goalscorer and Golden Ball in 1938)
• Just Fontaine (France; top goalscorer and record-holder with 13 goals in a single tournament in 1958)
Conclusion
Our journey through the top 10 World Cup best players of all time ends with a big cheer for these amazing players. Pelé’s hat-trick, Messi’s redemption – every moment is a gem. Let’s also give a shout-out to the honourable mentions, the players who didn’t quite make the top 10 but brought their A-game.