As football fans look forward to the next FIFA World Cup, discussions continue about the players who have made the biggest impact on the tournament’s history.
With thousands of players across 22 tournaments since 1930, picking the top 10 is a tough task. It involves comparing individual talent, team success, and cultural influence.
In a new ranking on BBC Sport’s website, Pelé is named number one as the king of the World Cup. He is the only player to win the trophy three times in 1958, 1962, and 1970.
The Brazilian legend is followed by other famous players from Brazil and around the world. The list showcases both incredible performances and stories of redemption.
The Top 10
Pelé (Brazil)
Pelé, the only three-time winner, made his mark on the world stage at just 17 years old in 1958. He scored a hat-trick in the semi-final and two goals in the final. He played a key part in Brazil’s 1970 victory in Mexico, which is seen as one of the best tournament performances ever. Even with injuries in 1962 and tough treatment in 1966, Pelé remains the most famous name in World Cup history.
Diego Maradona (Argentina)
Maradona’s 1986 tournament in Mexico is often considered the best individual performance ever. His “Hand of God” goal and a stunning solo effort against England in the quarter-finals, along with more goals against Belgium and West Germany in the final, brought Argentina its second World Cup title. Controversy surrounded his other tournaments, but 1986 solidified his legendary status.
Ronaldo (Brazil)
Ronaldo’s World Cup journey is one of comeback. He did not play in Brazil’s 1994 win but shined in 1998 until a seizure before the final led to a loss against France. After serious knee injuries, Ronaldo returned in 2002, scoring eight goals, including two in the final against Germany. He ended up with a record 15 World Cup goals.
Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Messi finally won the trophy in Qatar 2022, showcasing his skills with seven goals and key assists. After a surprising loss to Saudi Arabia in the group stage and reaching the 2014 final, the Argentina captain led his team to victory against France in a thrilling final, completing a remarkable football story.
Beckenbauer, a classy defender, led West Germany to the 1974 title on home ground against Johan Cruyff’s Netherlands. He also became the first person to win the World Cup as both a player and a manager, achieving the latter in 1990.
Kylian Mbappé (France)
At just 27, Mbappé is still building his World Cup legacy. He became the first teenager since Pelé to score in a World Cup final when France won the trophy in 2018. His hat-trick in the 2022 final against Argentina showed he can shine on the biggest stage.
Zinedine Zidane (France)
Zidane led France to their first World Cup title in 1998, scoring two headers in the final against Brazil. This midfielder became a symbol of multicultural success for Les Bleus, though his career also included the infamous headbutt in the 2006 final.
Paolo Rossi (Italy)
The 1982 tournament was Rossi’s time to shine. After a match-fixing ban, he scored a hat-trick against Brazil in a classic match. He scored both goals in the semi-final win over Poland and opened the scoring in the final against West Germany. He won both the Golden Boot and Golden Ball.
Cafu (Brazil)
Cafu is the only player to feature in three consecutive World Cup finals (1994, 1998, 2002). He raised the trophy as captain in 2002. His long career and leadership made him a symbol of Brazilian success across four tournaments.
Sir Geoff Hurst (England)
Hurst made history with a hat-trick in the 1966 final at Wembley as England beat West Germany. His three goals in that match remain a unique feat for any England player in a World Cup final.
Other Notable Mentions
The ranking misses several famous names, including Miroslav Klose, the all-time World Cup top scorer, who is just outside the top 10. Others like Brazil’s Garrincha, Italy’s Roberto Baggio, and France’s Just Fontaine (who scored 13 goals in 1958) also didn't make the list. Spain’s 2010 win was a team effort with no standout player.
Fans are already debating the list, with many saying a top 20 would better reflect the great talent seen in World Cup history.
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