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Top 10 Greatest World Cup Players of All Time
The World Cup is football's ultimate stage — and only a handful of players have truly owned it. These are the men whose World Cup performances transcended sport and became cultural events in themselves.
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Frequently asked questions
Who is considered the greatest World Cup player of all time?
The consensus often points to Pelé, who won three World Cups (1958, 1962, 1970) and is the all-time leading scorer for Brazil with 12 World Cup goals.
What criteria are used to rank the greatest World Cup players?
Rankings typically consider individual performance, impact on matches, World Cup titles, goal-scoring records, and iconic moments across tournaments.
Did Lionel Messi make the list of greatest World Cup players?
Yes, after winning the 2022 World Cup and earning the Golden Ball, Messi is widely included in top 10 lists, often ranked alongside Pelé and Maradona.
How many World Cups did Diego Maradona win?
Maradona won one World Cup in 1986, where he captained Argentina and delivered one of the greatest individual tournament performances in history.
Are any current players on the list of greatest World Cup players?
Yes, Kylian Mbappé is often listed after his 2018 World Cup win and 2022 final hat-trick, and other active players like Messi also feature.
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