Best Players in FIFA World Cup History: The FIFA World Cup is the most watched sporting event in the world. Every four years, billions of people watch it. First on TVs, now on smartphones. It’s a spectacle like no other. Over the years, many legends have shined on this stage. But a few have left a mark that will never fade. But there are 5 such stars who have made an impression that will never be forgotten. Who are they? Let’s take a look at the Top Five Best Players in FIFA World Cup History.
1. Pelé (Brazil)
When you think of the FIFA World Cup, you think of PELE. Not many footballers have achieved the dream of playing in the FIFA World Cup, and then there is Pele, who won it a record three times. Bursting onto the 1958 FIFA World Cup in Sweden as a frail-looking 17-year-old, there was no stopping this Brazilian wonder kid. In the final, he scored two more against Sweden. Brazil won their first-ever World Cup, and Pele became a star. A machine in front of goal, Pele was deadly with this right foot, could provide defense-splitting passes, and was lethal in the air. Fast forward to 1970—his last World Cup. He was older but still incredible. He scored in the final against Italy and helped Brazil win their third title. Pele football.
World Cup Stats:
- World Cups featured in: 4 (1958, 1962, 1966, 1970)
- World Cups Won: 3 (1958, 1962, 1970)
- Goals Scored: 12 goals in 14 games
2. Diego Maradona (Argentina)
Right behind Pele is Diego Maradona—the brilliant, Majestic, and sometimes controversial Argentinian Diego Maradona. No player is tied to a World Cup like Maradona is to 1986. Ask anyone about that tournament, and the first name they’ll say is Maradona. If you ask anyone about the 86 World Cup, the first name that comes to mind is Diego Maradona. The reason? Why? Because he carried an average Argentina team to win the World Cup. Against all odds, he made it happen. The quarterfinal against England is pure football history. First, he scored the “Hand of God” goal. Then, he dribbled past almost the whole team to score the “Goal of the Century.” In 1990, he carried Argentina to another final. This time, they lost to Germany. But Maradona’s magic left a mark that will never fade.
World Cup Stats:
- World Cups featured in: 4 (1982, 1986, 1990, 1994)
- World Cups Won: 1 (1986)
- Total Goals Scored: 8 goals in 21 games
3. Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Lionel Messi’s World Cup journey has been like sitting on a rollercoaster—full of ups and downs and finally relief. Despite winning every imaginable trophy during his club career, a FIFA World Cup trophy eluded him. In 2014, he came so close but lost in the final to Germany. The tears from his eyes never stopped. However, all that changed in 2022, when he pulled Argentina from the brink of exit to eventually win the greatest trophy in football. As always, his skills were magical. He scored, he assisted, and he made us all gasp in awe. But this time, his leadership stood out. Messi showed a fire and determination we hadn’t seen before. With this win, Messi can proudly stand amongst other World Cup champions with a legacy as big as it can get.
World Cup Stats:
- World Cups featured in: 5 (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022)
- World Cups Won: 1 (2022)
- Goals Scored: 13 goals in 26 games
4. Ronaldo Nazário (Brazil)
In the football community, it is often said that there is no better player than Ronaldo Nazário at his best. Known as O Fenômeno (The Phenomenon), Ronaldo had blazing speed, unreal dribbling, and deadly finishing. Every Defenders and goalkeepers of that generation feared him. In 1998, Brazil lost the World Cup final to France, and Ronaldo unfairly took the blame. But in 2002, he got his redemption.
Ronaldo was in his prime for the 2002 FIFA World Cup, and he scored a record eight goals, including two in the final against Germany, helping Brazil lift their fifth World Cup title, which is still the last time they’ve won it. For years, Ronaldo held the record for the most World Cup goals. It wasn’t broken until 2014 by Germany’s Miroslav Klose.
World Cup Stats:
- World Cups featured in: 4 (1994, 1998, 2002, 2006)
- World Cups Won: 2 (1994, 2002)
- Goals Scored: 15 goals in 19 games
5. Johan Cruyff
Johan Cruyff is the only name on this list without a World Cup win, but his legacy is one of the greatest ever. Cruyff played in just a single World Cup in 1974, but the tournament is still remembered for his brilliance. A tactical genius, Cruyff always stayed a step ahead of his opponents. That year, he led the Netherlands to the final, but they lost to West Germany. Even so, the tournament is remembered for his brilliance. The same World Cup saw Cruyff perform the mesmerizing “Cruyff turn,” which left Defenders bewildered and befuddled. Despite passing away in 2016, Cruyff is still influential in modern football thanks to his everlasting philosophy and vision.
World Cup Stats:
- World Cups featured in: 1 (1974)
- World Cups Won: 0
- Goals Scored: 3 goals in 7 games
Conclusion
This was our list of the Top Five Best Players in FIFA World Cup History. We did miss out on adding many more greats, but do you agree with us? Comment and let us know.
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