Three decades in, it’s safe to say that I have witnessed some of the best FIFA World Cups in modern generations. While there might be some controversy around the upcoming global showpiece next month, the football on the pitch is set to be nothing short of thrilling.
However, I still have to go back and reflect on some of the best players who I’ve managed to watch shine on the biggest football stage in the last five editions.
Here are my five picks:
Lionel Messi – Argentina (2022)
Messi finally won the World Cup with his native Argentina in the last edition held in Qatar, crowning off what has been an outstanding career. The 38-year-old wasn’t handed the crown on a silver platter. He fought with sweat, tears, and blood for it. He had a superb final, scoring two goals, en route to legendary status that rivals the great Maradona.
Kylian Mbappe – France (2018)
At 19 years of age, Mbappe won his first World Cup with Les Bleus. He was the star of the show in Russia, whizzing past defenders with ease. Mbappe’s exploits didn’t only announce him to global football, but they laid a solid foundation for what has been a fantastic career. He worked hard to retain the title in the last edition, only for France to lose to Argentina in the final, in which Mbappe scored a hattrick.
Mesut Ozil – Germany (2014)
Ozil announced himself to world football in 2010. However, it was in the 2014 Brazil edition that he hit peak form, inspiring his nation to the title. Operating as a playmaker, Ozil aced the role to a tee. He made the German attack tick going forward, offering passes to his marksmen that were easier to score than to miss.
Diego Forlan – Uruguay (2010)
Forlan won hearts in the 2010 World Cup held in South Africa. His love affair with the event’s match ball, Jabulani, was evident as he could score from all sorts of angles. His exploits at the World Cup were so impressive that locals even forgave him after a crushing brace in their second group stage match as Uruguay won 3-0 to book their spot in the knockout stage with a game to spare.
Zinedine Zidane – France (2006)
Zidane will famously be remembered for headbutting Italian defender Marco Materazzi in the 2006 final as he was shown a straight red card in extra-time before France lost on penalties. However, “Zizou” was duly crowned the best player of the tournament. He was France’s main man, thanks to his dazzling skills on and off the ball, which made him embarrass some of the best players around the world at that moment.
