Football is the most popular sport across the globe and winning the football world cup is a prestigious moment for any football playing nation. Probably the football world is the second most celebrated event after the summer Olympics.
Even the players will consider that as the proud moment of their career so world cup moments are the best for any footballer across the world. For the legendary players winning the world is the best thing happened to their life but there are many players without their name the history of football cannot be written have not able to win the world cup for their country. Here are the lists of Legend Football Players who have never won the World Cup for their country:
Lionel Messi
It is one of the most discussed topics in modern football history. Not only world cup but also Messi could not win any trophies for Argentina so far. Undoubtedly one of the all-time greats and greatest advertisers of the game have many accolades over the years.
The most frustrating part is he took his team for the finals of 2014 world cup against Germany but Germans hold the upper hand and defeated Argentina by the modest 1-0 margin. The streak continues even in Copa America as Argentina was again defeated in the final. Soon after the defeat, Messi shocked the world by announcing retirement but he came out of it and participated in the 2018 world cup again the same story repeated. He now 31 can able to play next world cup hope he comes out of the jinx and takes the country home.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Another legend often compared with Lionel Messi and there is a never-ending debate in identifying who is best. One of the greatest legends the game has ever produced and five-time Ballon d’Or winner helped Portugal to win euro cup 2016. Cristiano Ronaldo has everything when it comes to football but having failed to crown as world champion will definitely hurt his mind.
2022 world cup will be held in Qatar and will be his last outing as he is already 33. Definitely, this thought will be itching his mind and Hopefully, he will make the history by winning the 2022 world cup and announce his retirement as a world champion.
Robin van Persie
One of the best players the Netherlands has ever produced Robin van Persie played three world cups for the Netherlands in 2006,2010,2014. They missed the golden chance of clinching the title as they led Iniesta to score a goal in extra time. Robin van Persie was the captain at that time. Definitely, a legend won two premier league titles to his name, unfortunately, the dream of the world cup did not happen to him during his career.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
The former AC Millan and Barcelona forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic is not a name to be forgotten quite easily. The striking forward often brought nightmares to opposition defense has not able to win the world cup is a known story. Sweden is not a big force to reckon they not even qualify for the world cup during his prime days. but impressively they had qualified this time and reached quarterfinals. Swedish superstar is on verge of announcing his retirement but still continue to make impacts. Already 37 it is evident that his world cup dreams are already shuttered but will be remembered for his heroics professional league matches.
Paul Nicholas
Those were the golden times for the English football. The English team is full of superstars like Paul Nicholas, David, Beckham, Frank Lampard and to name few have ruled the world football. The ace midfielder announced his shocking retirement in 2004. They were talks to bring him back during 2006 and 2010 world cup but he refused to do so. Should have played for few more years Paul Nicholas is an undisputed champion has won eleven premier league titles and two championship trophies during his brief stint with Manchester United.
Paolo Maldini
One of the greatest defenders of the game Paolo Maldini couldn’t be won the world cup for Italy. He was one of the unavoidable AC Millan squad that won several league titles during his regime. Despite making four world cup appearances for Italy he has got a chance to win during 1994 WC as they made into finals but lost to Brazil. He is one of the few names who made Serie A interesting during the 1990s.
Johan Cruyff
Cyruff is the primary reason for Netherlands successful campaign during 1974 world cup. Despite his stellar showing, the team could not win the finals and that never happened again leaving an undisputed champion without the feather of the world cup. He played a huge role in the development of modern football and had a successful stint with Barcelona and Ajax. Three-time Ballon d’Or winner had another setback as the Netherlands again failing to win the world cup in 1978 despite made into finals.
Luis Figo
Another Portuguese legend who featured in two world cups for the country took the country for the semi-finals in 2006 but failed to progress beyond that Luis Figo is the magician during his playing days.
Oliver Kahn
He is the only goalkeeper to win the golden ball in Olympics.he is the primary reason for Germany that reached finals in 2002 world cup but he couldn’t stop the heroics of Ronaldo who scored two goals and took his team to famous victory. He was also a part of the squad in 1998 and 2006 world cup but couldn’t able to bag the title.
These are legends in their own game but the only feather they are missing in their cap is world cup victory. Besides that, they are the true ambassadors for the sport and continue to remain in our heart for their outstanding performance.
Also Check:
