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Winning FIFA World Cup is, most of the time, seen as the greatest height in a footballer’s career. Nevertheless, some of the great players in the history of the game never had their hands on this cherished prize. Here we honor our top 10 football legends who could not lift a World Cup despite having immense talents and achievements.
1. Johan Cruyff
Johan Cruyff is often considered as one of the all-time best soccer players. The Dutch genius changed football with his playing style and philosophy called “Total Football.” However, he failed to win against West Germany during the Netherlands’ run to the final of 1974 World Cup. Even though he did not have a world cup victory, his impact on football was outstanding.
2. Lionel Messi
Argentine superstar Lionel Messi has won several titles with FC Barcelona as well as broken many records too numerous to mention. Some of his exceptional accomplishments include claiming Copa América in 2021 but still no world cup win for him so far. His close shot came in 2014 when Argentina reached finals only to lose to Germany.Messi is indeed an icon however.
3. Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo is one of football’s all-time greats who has enjoyed considerable triumph at both club level and also with Portugal; including UEFA Euro 2016 victory (UEFA Euro 2016). Nonetheless, he has won the world cup winning eluded him till date. Ronaldo’s achievement laden career and prolific goal-scoring places him among soccer legends even without that ultimate prize – a FIFA trophy.
4. Michel Platini
French legend Michel Platini was known for his vision and goalscoring ability which made him a midfield maestro extraordinaire.Platini led France’s victory in European Championship in 1984 but not once did he ever lift a world cup.He still took them to semi-finals in two consecutive tournaments held in 1982 and 1986, but that glory was still out of reach. This man is a giant in the game.
5. Zico
Brazilian star Zico, who was often called “White Pelé,” possessed great skills, imaginative and astonishing propensity to score goals. But he has never won the World Cup with Brazil even though he had all these qualities.Zico took part in three World Cups (1978, 1982, and 1986), taking his country to its best ever position of third place finish at Argentina 78’. He remains one of football’s treasured sons.
6. George Best
George Best from Northern Ireland is widely regarded as one of the most naturally gifted players to have graced football fields.His dribbling and flair were unmatched; however, he couldn’t display them during world cups because Northern Ireland did not qualify while he played for them. All the same this greatest player ever left an indelible footmark on footballing history as an icon.
7. Ferenc Puskás
Hungarian legend Ferenc Puskás was a prolific goal scorer and a prominent figure in the “Mighty Magyars” team of the fifties.It must also be mentioned that Hungary almost won the World Cup in 1954 only going down to West Germany on final match day.Puskás changed Hungarian and Real Madrid soccer forever.
8. Roberto Baggio
Italian forward Roberto Baggio is mainly remembered for his gracefulness and skill while handling ball.Unluckily for him Italy lost to Brazil via penalties after reaching finals at USA ’94 where Baggio missed his shot.Rather than mourning about this tragedy it should be celebrated given that Baggio was simply magical on field.
9. Ruud Gullit
In the 1980s and 1990s, Dutch midfielder Ruud Gullit was an influential figure renowned for his flexibility and leadership. In 1988, as captain of the Netherlands team, Gullit eventually saw the team win the European Championship but failed to lift a World Cup. It is in 1998 when the Dutch reached semis but Gullit couldn’t find his World Cup dream come true.
10. Paolo Maldini
Italian defender Paolo Maldini is one of the greatest defenders in football history. Maldini has more than one hundred caps for Italy and he has played in four editions of the world cups finishing as runners up in 1994 and reaching semis in 1990. Maldini’s world cup misses do not overshadow his famous career as well as defensive skills.
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These soccer superstars have not only experienced unprecedented success but have also raised new benchmarks in this sport The tales of their success stand out as proof that nothing can be achieved without hard work, dedication, love for what you do and what we call passion for the game For aficionados keen on staying current with what’s happening within sports or feeling lucky enough to place an informed bet, Reddy Anna Sports Betting is just right. Be part of our community members today and discover exciting moments brought by these games.
Their legacy lives on inspiring young generations of both players and viewers alike with examples like this forever engrained into our minds about greatness beyond winning titles merely bringing joy to the game and its lovers.