The World Cup, the world’s biggest football tournament, is not only a place for top teams to compete but also a stage for great legends to appear. Each World Cup is marked by excellent players, dramatic matches and unforgettable historical moments. These legends not only make the tournament famous but also become immortal symbols in the hearts of football fans around the world.

Join us as we review the great legends of the World Cup, who have left a deep mark on football history and inspired generations of players and fans.

1. Pele – King of Football

When it comes to the World Cup, it is impossible not to mention Pelé, who is known as the “King of Football”. Born in 1940 in Brazil, Pelé became the youngest player to score in World Cup history at the age of 17 at the 1958 tournament in Sweden. Not only did he score, Pelé also led the Brazilian team to their first World Cup championship, opening a series of resounding successes.

During his international career, Pelé participated in four World Cups (1958, 1962, 1966, and 1970), winning three (1958, 1962, 1970) – a record that has yet to be broken. Pelé was known for his superb technique, accurate finishing ability, and excellent tactical vision. He scored a total of 12 goals in the World Cup, helping to establish Brazil as one of the greatest teams in the world.

The image of Pele holding the 1970 World Cup trophy aloft has become a symbol of world football, a legend that lives forever in the hearts of fans. Pele’s name is not only associated with glorious achievements but also with the spirit of fair-play and a burning love for football.

2. Diego Maradona – The Hand of God

Diego Maradona, an Argentine footballer, is one of the most controversial and beloved figures in World Cup history. Born in 1960, Maradona demonstrated his natural talent at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, where he led Argentina to victory with some unforgettable performances.

Maradona’s most famous match was probably the quarter-final against England, where he scored two historic goals. The first, dubbed the “Hand of God”, was a handball that went unnoticed by the referee. The second, just minutes later, was dubbed the “Goal of the Century” when Maradona dribbled from inside his own half, past five England players and the goalkeeper to score.

These moments have created a memorable chapter in World Cup history and confirmed Maradona as one of the greatest players of all time. Despite the controversy, there is no denying Maradona’s talent and influence in the world of football. He scored a total of 8 goals in World Cups and will always be remembered as a great legend of Argentina.

3. Zinedine Zidane – The French Wizard

Zinedine Zidane, nicknamed “Zizou”, is one of the greatest players in French and world football. Born in Marseille in 1972, Zidane is renowned for his superb technique, excellent ball control and sharp tactical vision. He played a key role in France’s first World Cup victory in the 1998 tournament held on home soil.

In the 1998 World Cup final, Zidane scored two headers from corner kicks, helping France beat Brazil 3-0. This was the pinnacle of Zidane’s career, as he was named man of the match and became a hero for France.

However, Zidane’s World Cup career also had its sad highlights, especially the red card in the 2006 World Cup final against Italy, after he headbutted Marco Materazzi in the chest. However, with 3 goals at the 2006 World Cup and a total of 5 goals in World Cups, Zidane is still considered one of the best players in the history of world football.

4. Ronaldo – “The Alien”

Ronaldo Luis Nazário de Lima, commonly known as Ronaldo “The Alien”, is one of the greatest strikers in World Cup history. Born in 1976 in Brazil, Ronaldo quickly became known for his extraordinary goalscoring ability, speed and excellent individual technique.

Ronaldo has participated in four World Cups (1994, 1998, 2002, 2006), the highlight of which was the 2002 tournament in South Korea and Japan. After missing most of the 2000 tournament due to injury, Ronaldo returned strongly and scored eight goals, including two in the final against Germany, helping Brazil win their fifth World Cup.

With a total of 15 goals in World Cups, Ronaldo held the record for most goals scored in the tournament’s history until Miroslav Klose broke it in 2014. Ronaldo is not only a World Cup legend but also an icon of Brazilian football, who overcame many difficulties to reach the peak of his career.

5. Miroslav Klose – World Cup Top Scorer

Miroslav Klose, a German footballer, is the name associated with the World Cup scoring record. Born in 1978 in Poland, Klose has become one of Germany’s best strikers with his accurate heading ability and perfect finishing skills.

Klose has played in four World Cups (2002, 2006, 2010, 2014) and scored a total of 16 goals, surpassing Ronaldo as the highest scorer in World Cup history. The highlight of Klose’s World Cup career was the 2014 tournament in Brazil, when he scored in the 7–1 semi-final win over the hosts.

Klose is remembered not only for his goals but also for his team spirit and unwavering dedication. He is a symbol of perseverance and efficiency, always knowing how to take advantage of opportunities to score, making an important contribution to the success of the German team.

End

World Cup legends such as Pelé, Maradona, Zidane, Ronaldo, and Klose are not only prominent names in football history but also inspirational icons for generations of players and fans around the world. They have left indelible marks, turning the World Cup into a legendary stage where golden moments of football are written.

Through each World Cup, we not only witness exciting matches but also admire outstanding talents, people who have turned dreams into reality and left an indelible mark in the history of sports. These legends will forever live in the hearts of fans, like bright stars in the world football sky.