Ranking the World Cup’s Greatest Legends: A Look at the Top 10

The daunting task of sifting through nearly a century of World Cup history to identify the ten greatest legends has been undertaken by BBC Sport, sparking inevitable debate among football enthusiasts. The list, compiled by BBC Sport senior journalist Alex Bysouth, acknowledges the difficulty in narrowing down such a vast pool of talent, with many deserving players narrowly missing out.

“It’s hard to leave out Miroslav Klose, for example, although for what it’s worth the top goalscorer in World Cup history would come in a close 11th,” Bysouth noted. Legends such as Garrincha, Roberto Baggio, Just Fontaine, Johan Cruyff, Eusebio, and Gerd Muller also did not make the cut, highlighting the depth of talent in World Cup history.

The article proposes that while the top six or seven players might be widely agreed upon, their order and the remaining spots are ripe for discussion. The aim is to identify players most synonymous with the tournament’s rich history.

Key facts

Sir Geoff Hurst’s Place in History

Securing the tenth spot is England’s Sir Geoff Hurst. His place is cemented by his memorable hat-trick in the 1966 World Cup final, a feat unmatched until Kylian Mbappe in 2022. Hurst’s inclusion underscores the impact of a single, legendary performance on the grandest stage.

Cafu’s Unrivaled Final Appearances

At number nine, Brazilian legend Cafu is recognized as the only player to have featured in three consecutive World Cup finals. His journey saw him win in 1994 and 2002, and be a finalist in 1998, marking him as a consistent force in World Cup history.

Paolo Rossi’s Redemption

Paolo Rossi of Italy takes the eighth position. His 1982 World Cup campaign was a remarkable comeback, culminating in six goals, the Golden Boot, and the Golden Ball, leading Italy to their first title since 1938. This performance came after a ban for match-fixing allegations, which he always denied.

Zinedine Zidane’s Dazzling Career

French icon Zinedine Zidane is ranked seventh. His World Cup legacy is a blend of sublime skill, crucial goals, and unforgettable moments, including his two goals in the 1998 final and the infamous headbutt in 2006. He was the talisman for France’s 1998 triumph.

Kylian Mbappe’s Rising Star Power

French sensation Kylian Mbappe, at just 27, is already at number six. His 2018 World Cup win saw him break records, becoming the first teenager since Pele to score in a final. His electrifying performance in the 2022 final, with a hat-trick, further solidified his legendary status, with potential for further ascent in future tournaments.

Franz Beckenbauer’s Dual Triumph

German icon Franz Beckenbauer is placed fifth. Known as ‘Der Kaiser’, he captained West Germany to World Cup glory in 1974 and later achieved success as a head coach in 1990, a rare dual achievement in football history. His influence on the game, both as a player and manager, is immense.

The article continues to reveal the remaining top five legends, promising further discussion on the players who have defined the World Cup. This ranking serves as a compelling reminder of the enduring magic and historical significance of the FIFA World Cup.

Source: BBC Sport Football – Messi, Maradona or Pele? Ranking the top 10 World Cup legends – https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cgl34ne0g3eo