The FIFA World Cup is the most prestigious international football tournament in the world, and it has been graced by some of the greatest players to ever grace the sport. Over the years, we have witnessed remarkable performances, unforgettable moments, and legendary players who have etched their names into the annals of World Cup history. In this article, we will explore the top 10 best players in world cup history who have left an indelible mark.
Ranking of Best Players in World Cup History
| # | Player | World Cup Awards |
| 1 | Lionel Messi | Golden Ball (2014, 2022) |
| 2 | Pelé | Golden Ball (1970), All-Star Team (1958, 1970) |
| 3 | Diego Maradona | Golden Ball (1986), All-Star Team (1986, 1990) |
| 4 | Ronaldo de Lima | Golden Ball (1998), Golden Boot (2002), All-Star Team (1998, 2002) |
| 5 | Miroslav Klose | Golden Boot (2006), All-Star Team (2002, 2006) |
| 6 | Gerd Müller | Golden Boot (1970), All-Star Team (1970) |
| 7 | Zinedine Zidane | Golden Ball (2006), All-Star Team (1998, 2006) |
| 8 | Franz Beckenbauer | Best Young Player (1966), All-Star Team (1966, 1970, 1974) |
| 9 | Paolo Rossi | Golden Ball (1982), Golden Boot (1982), All-Star Team (1978, 1982) |
| 10 | Garrincha | Golden Boot (1962), All-Star Team (1958, 1962) |
| 11 | Kylian Mbappe | Best Young Player (2018), Silver Ball (2022), Golden Boot (2022), All-Star Team (2018) |
Lionel Messi
Messi’s World Cup Journey
Lionel Messi is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, and his performances in the World Cup have been nothing short of sensational. Despite not winning the coveted trophy until the 2022 edition, Messi’s impact on the world’s biggest stage has been undeniable.
Messi’s World Cup Records
- World Cup titles: 1
- Appearances: 26 (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022)
- Goals: 13
- Assists: 8
- Golden Ball: 2014, 2022
Messi’s World Cup journey has been a roller coaster of emotions, from the heartbreak of losing the 2014 final to Germany to the ultimate triumph of lifting the trophy in 2022. His ability to single-handedly carry Argentina on his shoulders has been truly remarkable.
Pelé
Pelé’s World Cup Dominance
Pelé is a Brazilian football legend who is often considered to be the greatest player of all time. His exploits at the World Cup have cemented his legacy as one of the most iconic figures in the history of the tournament.
Pelé’s World Cup Records
- Appearances: 14 (1958, 1962, 1966, 1970)
- Goals: 12
- Assists: 9
- World Cup titles: 3 (1958, 1962, 1970)
Pelé’s impact on the World Cup stage was unparalleled. He won three World Cups with Brazil (1958, 1962, and 1970), and his goalscoring prowess, combined with his exceptional playmaking abilities, made him a force to be reckoned with.
Diego Maradona
Maradona’s Legendary Moments
Diego Maradona is another Argentine football legend who is considered to be one of the greatest players of all time. His performances at the 1986 World Cup, where he led Argentina to victory, have become the stuff of legend.
Maradona’s World Cup Records
- Appearances: 21 (1982, 1986, 1990, 1994)
- Goals: 8
- Assists: 8
- World Cup titles: 1 (1986)
- Golden Ball: 1986
Maradona’s famous “Hand of God” goal against England in the quarter-finals of the 1986 World Cup, followed by his mesmerizing solo run for the second goal, is widely regarded as one of the greatest moments in World Cup history.
Ronaldo de Lima
Ronaldo’s Goalscoring Prowess
Ronaldo de Lima is a Brazilian football legend who is considered to be one of the greatest strikers of all time. His goalscoring exploits at the World Cup have etched his name into the annals of the tournament’s history.
Ronaldo’s World Cup Records
- Appearances: 19 (1994, 1998, 2002, 2006)
- Goals: 15
- Assists: 4
- World Cup titles: 2 (1994, 2002)
Ronaldo was a prolific goalscorer, but he was also a great dribbler and playmaker. His performances in the 1998 and 2002 World Cups, where he led Brazil to victory, cemented his status as one of the greatest strikers in World Cup history.
Miroslav Klose
Klose’s Goalscoring Prowess
Miroslav Klose is a German football legend who holds the remarkable record of being the all-time leading goalscorer in World Cup history. His ability to find the back of the net on the biggest stage has earned him a place among the greats.
Klose’s World Cup Records
- Appearances: 24 (2002, 2006, 2010, 2014)
- Goals: 16
- Assists: 4
- World Cup titles: 1 (2014)
Klose was a great header of the ball, and he was also a clinical finisher from close range. His performances in the 2002, 2006, and 2014 World Cups were instrumental in Germany’s success, culminating in their triumphant campaign in 2014.
Gerd Müller
Müller’s Prolific Goalscoring
Gerd Müller is a German football legend who is considered to be one of the greatest strikers of all time. His goalscoring exploits at the World Cup have earned him a place among the all-time greats.
Müller’s World Cup Records
- Appearances: 13 (1970, 1974)
- Goals: 14
- World Cup titles: 1 (1974)
Müller was a prolific goalscorer, and his ability to find the back of the net was unparalleled. His performances in the 1970 and 1974 World Cups, where he scored a remarkable 14 goals, were instrumental in Germany’s success, including their triumph in 1974.
Zinedine Zidane
Zidane’s Midfield Artistry
Zinedine Zidane is a French football legend who is considered to be one of the greatest midfielders of all time. His performances at the World Cup were a showcase of his unparalleled skill, vision, and creativity.
Zidane’s World Cup Records
- Appearances: 14 (1998, 2002, 2006)
- Goals: 5
- Assists: 3
- World Cup titles: 1 (1998)
- Golden Ball: 2006
Zidane’s brilliance on the World Cup stage was exemplified by his two goals in the 1998 final against Brazil, where he led France to their first-ever World Cup triumph. His performance in the 2006 World Cup, despite the heartbreaking finale, further solidified his status as one of the greats.
Franz Beckenbauer
Beckenbauer’s Defensive Mastery
Franz Beckenbauer is a German football legend who is considered to be one of the greatest defenders of all time. His performances at the World Cup showcased his exceptional defensive abilities and leadership qualities.
Beckenbauer’s World Cup Records
- Appearances: 21 (1966, 1970, 1974)
- Goals: 4
- World Cup titles: 1 (1974)
Beckenbauer was a rock at the back for Germany, but he was also a master of the game. His ability to read the game, organize the defense, and launch attacks from the back made him a true all-rounder. His captaincy and leadership were instrumental in Germany’s triumph in the 1974 World Cup.
Paolo Rossi
Rossi’s Goalscoring Heroics
Paolo Rossi is an Italian football legend who is considered to be one of the greatest strikers of all time. His goalscoring exploits at the 1982 World Cup have etched his name into the annals of the tournament’s history.
Rossi’s World Cup Records
- Appearances: 14 (1978, 1982, 1986)
- Goals: 9
- World Cup titles: 1 (1982)
- Golden Ball: 1982
Rossi’s performances in the 1982 World Cup were nothing short of remarkable. After serving a two-year ban for his alleged involvement in a match-fixing scandal, he emerged as the tournament’s top scorer, netting six goals and leading Italy to their third World Cup triumph.
Garrincha
Garrincha’s Dribbling Wizardry
Garrincha is a Brazilian football legend who is considered to be one of the greatest dribblers of all time. His performances at the World Cup were a showcase of his mesmerizing dribbling skills and incredible flair.
Garrincha’s World Cup Records
- Appearances: 12 (1958, 1962, 1966)
- Goals: 4
- World Cup titles: 2 (1958, 1962)
Garrincha was a crucial part of Brazil’s World Cup triumphs in 1958 and 1962. His ability to dribble past defenders with ease and create goalscoring opportunities made him a nightmare for opposition defenses. His partnership with Pelé was a sight to behold, and their combined brilliance propelled Brazil to greatness.
Kylian Mbappé
Mbappé’s Meteoric Rise
Kylian Mbappé is a young French phenomenon who has already etched his name into World Cup history. At just 23 years old, his performances at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups have been nothing short of extraordinary.
Mbappé’s World Cup Records
- Appearances: 14 (2018, 2022)
- Goals: 12
- World Cup titles: 1 (2018)
- Golden Boot: 2022
Mbappé’s blistering pace, clinical finishing, and ability to rise to the occasion have made him a force to be reckoned with on the World Cup stage. His hat-trick against Argentina in the 2022 final, despite France’s eventual defeat, showcased his immense talent and potential to become one of the all-time greats.
Conclusion
The World Cup is a tournament that brings together the best players in the world, and it is a stage for some of the greatest moments in football history. From the sublime skills of Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona to the goalscoring prowess of Pelé, Ronaldo, and Miroslav Klose, the World Cup has witnessed performances that have etched their names into the annals of the beautiful game.
These legendary players have not only entertained millions of fans around the world but have also inspired generations of footballers to strive for greatness. Their achievements and impact on the World Cup stage will forever be remembered and celebrated, reminding us of the true magic and beauty of the world’s most prestigious football tournament.