With just three days remaining until the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a look back at the previous 22 editions of football's biggest tournament reveals the players who made the greatest impact on the global stage.
According to Transfermarkt, the ranking is based on direct goal contributions — goals scored and assists provided — in World Cup matches.
Lionel Messi sits alone at the top of the list, although only one contribution ahead of a group of four World Cup legends. The Argentine captain also holds the record for the most appearances in World Cup history, giving him more opportunities to influence matches than any other player.
Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo, who alongside Messi and Guillermo Ochoa is set to appear in his sixth World Cup, does not feature in the top 10. The Portuguese star has recorded 10 direct goal contributions in World Cup tournaments, with eight goals and two assists in 22 matches.
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