The top 10 World Cup players in history

Who are the 10 best players in World Cup history? Learn which footballers have shone at the tournament through goals, assists, clean sheets, success, and more!

Since the tournament’s inception in 1930, we’ve been lucky enough to witness World Cup matches hosting some of the best players in history, each demonstrating why they’re some of the greatest to ever grace the game. Whether it’s been their relentless consistency, goalscoring abilities, creative output, or defensive prowess, the top footballers are elite in at least one of these categories.

Considering that there have been so many world-class footballers featuring at the tournament, it’s tough to pick out the best World Cup players ever. But we can at least highlight ten of the most impactful players the competition has seen, looking at their overall influence on their team, output, and success at the tournament too.

This blog will highlight the players that stand out the most in the competition’s history, running through why each has earned the right to be considered a cut above the rest.

Or, if you’re already predicting further greatness this time around, discover the latest World Cup betting odds for all the tournament’s matches as they unfold.

Who can be considered among the best World Cup players ever?

Below is a table that summarises ten of the best World Cup players history, providing a brief overview of the tournaments they played in, how many they won, and their overall output:

Honourable mentions

Before covering other players in more depth, let’s run through a few honourable mentions: players who should also be among conversations about the best World Cup players. Some of these players may not be stealing the show or in the limelight all the time, but they’ve massively contributed to their national team’s success at the World Cup.

• Portugal legend Eusebio can’t be forgotten, as his performances for Portugal at the 1966 World Cup almost led them to the final. Losing to England narrowly in the semi-final was a disappointing end to a fantastic campaign. His efforts earned him the Golden Boot as he scored nine goals – four of which came in a stunning World Cup comeback from 3-0 down to 5-3 against North Korea. Being the central figure of Portugal’s attacking play, Eusebio put on a masterclass for spectators and supporters alike.

• Playing an integral role in Germany’s run to the 2002 final, goalkeeper Oliver Kahn also has to be mentioned here. Winning the Golden Ball in the same year, he’s the only goalkeeper to have won the prestigious award. Further recognising his performances here, he also won the 2002 Golden Glove after recording the most clean sheets. Despite only being a primary feature in one of the four tournaments he attended between 1994 and 2006, he displayed one of the highest levels of goalkeeping the tournament has ever seen.

Now that you’ve seen some honourable mentions, it’s time to discuss the top ten in more depth. Whether they’re included because of longevity, output, or the number of successes they’ve had, we’ll run through what makes each player a part of the upper echelon of World Cup players:

10. Miroslav Klose

As the all-time top goalscorer in World Cup history, Miroslav Klose immediately establishes himself as a standout figure. Racking up 16 goals across the four separate editions he attended, he surpassed the previous holder, Ronaldo, in Germany’s 7-1 win over Brazil in 2014.

He hit the ground running with a hat-trick on his debut during an 8-0 win over Saudi Arabia in 2002. Then, in 2006, he managed to win the Golden Boot after scoring five goals and continued his prolific form. After playing 24 matches, he’s made the third-most appearances by any player in World Cup history – demonstrating a longevity that many tournament legends haven’t been able to reach.

After winning the World Cup in his final appearance in 2014, Klose was able to cap off a great career at the competition by leaving on a high. This became his fourth medal in four World Cup tournaments – earning silver in 2002 and bronze in both the 2006 and 2010 tournaments.

9. Kylian Mbappe

One of the more recent stars of the World Cup, Kylian Mbappe was an early bloomer in his time at the tournament. At just 19 years of age, Mbappe was incredibly influential for his national team, scoring in only his second appearance against Peru. But it was against Argentina in the round of 16, where his two goals made the difference in a 4-3 win over the Albiceleste.

However, it was his goal in the final against Croatia that was his crowning moment, as he assisted in Les Bleus triumphing for only the second time in their history. This alone placed him next to Pele as the second-ever teenager to find the back of the net in a World Cup final.

Already a champion at 19, he was hungry to win a second in the 2022 tournament. Bringing more experience with him this time, he showed his class yet again, scoring eight goals across the tournament. Notching three goals in the group stage, he started as he meant to carry on. His biggest contribution, however, came in the final.

After falling two goals down to Argentina, things weren’t looking good for France’s World Cup chances. In the 80th minute, though, Mbappe took matters into his own hands and scored two goals in two minutes to level the game. Though falling behind again in extra time, he completed his hat-trick and made it 3-3. This made him the second-ever player to score three goals in a World Cup final since Geoff Hurst in 1966. Unfortunately for Mbappe, France went on to lose the game on penalties.

Considering the sheer influence that Mbappe has had on France throughout his two tournament appearances, almost winning both, he must be considered as one of the best. With a Golden Boot to his name after his goalscoring form in 2022 as well, he’s achieved more than many ever will at the competition.

8. Lothar Matthaus

Lothar Matthaus is another who has demonstrated an outstanding level of longevity and lasting consistency. He places second in the all-time World Cup appearance makers list with 25 matches played and he’s one of four players to have played in five separate World Cups. With these accomplishments, he also sits as Germany’s most-capped player of all time at the tournament.

The 1982 tournament was an introduction into international elite football at just 21 years old, but it was in 1986 when he truly blossomed. This tournament saw him start all seven games for his nation, scoring his first World Cup goal in the round of 16 against Morocco – proving to be decisive. Despite his efforts, though, he ended up on the wrong end of the scoreline, losing 3-2 in the final against Argentina.

The midfielder’s most memorable World Cup was by far in 1990 when West Germany were victorious. Matthaus played a pivotal role, being a commanding presence in the middle of the park – particularly during the latter stages of the tournament. Coming up against Argentina in the final again, he was evidently more prepared this time around. Throughout the game, he showed an ability to limit Diego Maradona’s influence, which became vital to their 1-0 win.

His time and achievements with West Germany at the World Cup no doubt proved him to be an invaluable asset to die Mannschaft and one of the tournament’s best players.

7. Gerd Muller

Despite only making 13 appearances at the World Cup, Gerd Muller’s goal tally of 14 gives him an extremely impressive goal-to-game ratio. Unsurprisingly, with a record this good, he also ranks in third place on the all-time World Cup top scorers list.

Extraordinarily, Muller scored as many goals as he did in just two campaigns. His first outing at the World Cup in 1970 was easily his most prolific, with the German striker managing to find the back of the net on ten occasions throughout. His double-figure goal haul managed to earn him the Golden Boot, scoring three more than second placed Jarizinho, and helping him to earn the nickname ‘Der Bomber’. Muller’s 1970 World Cup campaign was so successful that it assisted in his Ballon d’Or victory in the same year.

Though the 1970 tournament was his best in front of goal, his four goals at the 1974 tournament were extremely important. Thanks to Muller’s contributions, West Germany went on to become victors, with his strike in the final turning out to be the winner against the Netherlands. His ability to find space in the box and finish so many chances highlights him as one of the finest players to grace the competition.

6. Zinedine Zidane

An era-defining player for France, Zinedine Zidane encapsulated almost everything that an elite midfielder should be when playing for the national team. His first World Cup tournament was an unforgettable one as he managed to help spearhead their first-ever victory in the competition.

He may have missed two games after receiving a red card against Saudi Arabia in the second match of the group stage, but he came roaring back. Playing every minute of France’s final three games, he was integral to France’s system. The final against Brazil was where he truly shone, though, as he scored twice in the first half, heading home from two corners. His contributions helped France to a 3-0 victory over the Selecao.

France’s 2002 campaign greatly suffered because of Zidane’s injury that saw him miss the first two games. Despite being available for the third, Les Bleus still went on to lose 2-0 to Denmark.

Returning in 2006, Zidane almost won a second tournament but narrowly lost to Italy on penalties. His red card for a headbutt on Marco Materazzi in the 110th minute didn’t help matters for France, but it has become an iconic World Cup memory regardless. His abilities as a playmaker and tactical intelligence put him in a category of his own, leaving a significant mark on his national team and a void whenever he was absent.

5. Franz Beckenbauer

Captaining his West Germany side to the 1974 World Cup places Franz Beckenbauer as part of an exclusive club of players to do so. His leadership abilities don’t scratch the surface of his influence on the West German national team, with his nickname ‘Der Kaiser’ (translating to the emperor) reflecting the commanding presence he brought.

Though he only won the competition once, Beckenbauer managed to reach the final against England in his first appearance in 1966, only losing in extra time. Despite being on the losing end of the scoreline, he was still named as the best young player of the tournament.

The following tournament in 1970 saw Beckenbauer and West Germany make it to the semi-finals against Italy, losing the game dubbed ‘match of the century’. It was in 1974 where he truly shone, however. Now one of the leading players in world football, Beckenbauer captained the team at the tournament for the first time, winning it in the process. After captaining West Germany to the Euros title two years prior, this was an immense achievement.

4. Ronaldo Nazario

Two-time World Cup and Ballon d’Or winner, Ronaldo, must be included in this list considering what he achieved at the tournament. The Brazilian striker’s influence on both his team and World Cup history can’t be matched or beaten by many, considering the scintillating form he demonstrated across his four campaigns.

His debut tournament in 1994 didn’t see him feature in any matches, yet his inclusion among so many stars already showed the promise and potential that he had as a player. He began to feature regularly in the 1998 tournament, scoring four times in seven games and helping Brazil to reach the final against France. Up against a team on home soil and chasing a first World Cup title proved to be too much, however, as they lost 3-0.

The Japan/South Korea campaign in 2002 was then where he truly propelled himself to a different level. Despite heading into the tournament with a knee injury, he managed to regain fitness and score a stunning eight goals in seven games, taking home the Golden Boot. With two goals in the final as well, he proved he could perform on the biggest stage under the highest of pressures. It may have officially been his second World Cup title, but it was his first as a star figure in the team.

Returning again in 2006, Ronaldo managed to add a further three goals to his total, managing this in five games. Brazil may have gone on to lose to France in the quarter-finals, but Ronaldo had done enough to make himself the all-time World Cup top goalscorer until 2014 when Miroslav Klose overtook him.

3. Diego Maradona

A player so iconic that the entire 1986 World Cup is remembered for his performances, Diego Maradona is no doubt a legend of the game. Playing in four different tournaments, winning one and reaching a final in another, his impact on the competition is evident.

His debut tournament in 1982 saw him appear five times and score twice, only being knocked out in the second group stage by Italy. After a first taste, though, Maradona was ready to achieve more in his next campaign four years later.

The 1986 competition is remembered for Maradona’s scintillating performances, most memorably his ‘Goal of the Century’ against England in the quarter-finals (though this game is also remembered for his controversial ‘Hand of God’ goal as well!). His five goals and five assists are only a small reflection of his displays, as he dazzled fans from around the globe. Capping off a special tournament, he assisted Jorge Burruchaga’s winner in the 84th minute to seal a second World Cup win for the Albiceleste.

Reaching the final yet again in 1990, Argentina and Maradona were looking like they could win back-to-back tournaments. Though not as dominant, with Maradona failing to score in his seven matches, Argentina were still a force to be reckoned with. Meeting West Germany in the final again, their opponents had learned their lesson from four years prior, with an Andreas Brehme strike making the difference.

1994 was then a last hurrah for the Argentine legend, only featuring in two matches and being knocked out by Romania in the round of 16. With two finals reached and winning one tournament, alongside putting in top-level performances, it’s clear Maradona is one of the best to have graced the World Cup.

2. Lionel Messi

Arguably the greatest player of all time, and Argentina’s top scorer at the World Cup, Lionel Messi’s legacy at the World Cup is only really beaten by one other player. Reaching the final in 2014 and winning the 2022 tournament in Qatar, Messi has set the standards in recent tournaments. Two-time Golden Ball winner as well, the Argentine winger has proved he’s the tournament’s best player on more than one occasion.

Debuting at the competition in 2006, he didn’t feature much but certainly left an impression. Across his three matches, he only featured once in the starting lineup but was more than effective off the bench. The game against Serbia and Montenegro became his debut, scoring and assisting in his 15-minute cameo.

By the 2010 tournament, Messi was one of the best footballers in the world after winning four league titles with Barcelona. The tournament didn’t go to plan for Argentina though, being knocked out by Germany in the quarter-final. 2014 was where Messi hit the ground running, though, as he helped Argentina reach the final against Germany. Scoring four goals across his seven appearances, he had an unmatched influence on the team. Unfortunately, Messi couldn’t produce enough in the final to win the tournament this time round. He did, however, win his first Golden Ball – recognising his stellar efforts.

Despite an uneventful World Cup in 2018 – being knocked out to France in the round of 16 – Messi’s 2022 campaign was unforgettable. Tallying seven goals and three assists in his seven games, he was the heartbeat of Argentina’s team. In the final against France, he scored two goals and a penalty in the shootout, confirming the Albiceleste as champions for the third time. In Qatar, he also won his second Golden Ball and the Silver Boot for finishing second in the goalscoring charts.

With iconic moments and goals throughout his appearances at the tournament, Messi is one of the best superstars that have played in the tournament.

1. Pele

By far the player with the best World Cup legacy, and the strongest claim to be listed among the best World Cup players, is Pele. As the only three-time winner of the tournament and a multiple record holder, he’s set the bar for what players have to achieve at the competition to be considered one of the greats.

Nicknamed the ‘King of Football’ Pele began his career strongly in 1958. At only 17 years old, the emerging Santos superstar played four games across the tournament, scoring six goals – three of which came against France in the semi-final. His legendary goal against Sweden in the final is remembered as one of his greatest, rounding out an unbelievable tournament debut and helping to win his first World Cup title.

Defending Brazil’s title in 1962, Pele again began the tournament strongly, scoring and assisting in a 2-0 win over Mexico. His time here was cut short after picking up an injury, though, leaving him sidelined for the remainder of the campaign. However, Brazil carried on strongly without him and won a second World Cup title.

After an underwhelming 1966 World Cup – being knocked out in the groups – Pele and the Selecao returned to their imperious form in 1970. Netting four times throughout the campaign, Pele was back to his goalscoring form. He saved one of his best performances until the final, scoring and assisting in a 4-1 win over Italy in the final and adding a third title to his trophy cabinet.

Holding many records such as the youngest World Cup winner, the youngest hat-trick scorer, and being the first teenager to score in a World Cup final, Pele is by far the greatest World Cup player in history.