HEAD AND SHOULDERS ABOVE THE BEST
The modern game places a lot of emphasis on club football, but many players have consolidated their status as legends through the FIFA World Cup. Hindustan Times takes a look at the five players who made the most World Cup appearances…
Lothar Matthaeus GERMANY Played in 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998
The man who Diego Maradona described as his ‘best-ever rival’ has played the most World Cup games, having been part of the German side in all editions from 1982-98. He was captain of the West Germany side that won in 1990. Matthaeus is widely considered one of the best players in the ‘sweeper’ position, even though he played mostly as a midfielder in his prime. He also holds the record for most international apperances for Germany with 150 caps and is the only German to win the FIFA World Player of the Year award.
Miroslav Klose GERMANY Played in 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014
The Polish-born German striker was never hugely prolific at club level but seemed to find another gear in the World Cup. The highest scorer in the history of the tournament with 16 goals, Klose is also the top scorer for his country. Germany never ended on the losing side when he scored. He scored in all editions from 2002 till 2014, even winning the Golden Boot in 2006. Klose is now part of Germany’s support staff and coach Joachim Loew will hope he can pass on a few tricks to the current batch.
Paolo Maldini ITALY Played in 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002
The man nicknamed Il Capitano never won a tournament with Italy but his World Cup career is still enviable. He made his World Cup debut at home in 1990, under the management of his father Cesare, where Italy eventually finished third. He was appointed Italy skipper after the 1994 edition and led the side till 2002. His ability to play centre-back or left-back meant Maldini never really missed a game. He is the third-most capped player for Italy behind Fabio Cannavaro and Gianluigi Buffon.
Uwe Seeler GERMANY Played in 1958, 1962, 1966, 1970
Although he never won the trophy, Seeler scored nine goals across four editions (1958-1970) and was the first player to score at least two goals in four consecutive editions (Miroslav Klose was the second). Seeler played the 1966 final where West Germany lost 3-4 to England in extra time. As fate would have it, his first World Cup appearance came four years after Germany won their maiden World Cup (1954) and his last appearance was in 1970, four years before Germany again won the World Cup.
Diego Maradona ARGENTINA Played in 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994
El Diego’s World Cup career spanned four editions (1982-1994) during which Argentina won in 1986 and finished second in 1990. Maradona was most sublime in 1986 when his infamous ‘Hand of God’ and a strike that was voted ‘Goal of the Century’ (in 2002) took place against England. He almost won the Cup for Argentina in 1990 but a tactical Germany denied him that glory. Maradona’s World Cup career however ended on a sour note in 1994 when he was sent home after two games for failing a drugs test.