The 20 best players in the history of the world cups

We present you the 20 best soccer players in the history of the World Cups. We review players from position 1 to 20

1. Pelé, Brazil

He is a three-time world champion (Sweden 58, Chile 62, Mexico 70) and has scored goals in two different finals to usher in a golden age for Brazilian soccer. His championship in Mexico made him, for many, the best soccer player of all time.

2. Diego Maradona, Argentina

'El Diez' was present in four World Cups (Spain' 82- USA' 94) in which he marked the history of football. In Mexico '86, he achieved his best level and led Argentina to its second title with five goals, two historic ones: the Hand of God and the 'Goal of the Century'. In Italy he repeated the final and in the US he left for doping

3. Ronaldo, Brazil

"O'Fenómeno" was the top scorer in the World Cup until 201

 with 15 goals. He actively participated in three World Cups: France '98, where he was chosen as the best player; Korea-Japan 2002, where he scored eight goals and won the Golden Boot; and Germany in 2006

4. Lothar Matthäus, Germany

Together with "Tota" Carbajal, the only player who played in five World Cups. Its story began in Spain '82 and ended in France '98. As if that were not enough, in 1990 he was proclaimed German champion as captain of the Teutons and won the bronze ball.

5. Zinedine Zidane, France

The French wizard led his country to the 1998 World Cup. His two goals in the final capped his excellent run for the championship. He arrived at the Korea-Japan tournament injured and retired after the 2006 World Cup in Germany, where he led France to the final and won the Ballon d'Or.

6. Franz Beckenbauer, Germany

'The Kaiser' is the prototype of the leader and the captain. He played in three World Cups: England '66, Mexico '70 and Germany '74. In the last one, he finally lifted the title invested as the captain of that Teutonic team.

7. Johan Cruyff, Netherlands

He only played one World Cup but it was enough to revolutionize football. Runner-up in the 1974 World Cup and championed 'total football', a philosophy that favored high pressure and possession that changed the conception of the game.

8. Garrincha, Brazil

A Brazilian soccer idol, a legend, a popular hero. Two-time world champion in Sweden '58 and Chile '62, World Cup in which he was chosen as the best player.

9. Bobby Charlton, England

The historic leader of Manchester United also stood out with the English team in 1966 and 1970. In the first championship, he reached the title with the 'Three Lions'.

10. Eusebio, Portugal

'The Black Panther' was the best scorer at the World Cup in England '66, with nine goals. He led Portugal to third place in that event. It was the only championship he played.

11. Michel Platini, Francia

The legendary French 10 excelled in three World Cups: Argentina '78, Spain '82 and Mexico '86. In the last two, he was considered in the ideal team and reached the semifinals on both occasions. He scored two goals in the Mexican event.

12. Paolo Rossi, Italy

The Italian striker scored nine goals in the World Cups: three in Argentina and six in Spain '82, a championship in which he was awarded top scorer and best player. In addition, he took the title with 'La Azzurra'.

13. Gerd Müller, Germany

He scored 14 goals between Mexico '70 and Germany '74 (10 and 4), which made him the top scorer in the World Cups until 2006. 'El Bombardero' was one of the best strikers in history.

14. Ferenc Puskas, Hungary

'Panchito' was the leader of the Hungarians in the '54 World Cup in Switzerland, where his team came as the favorite. He scored four goals and led his team to the final, which they lost to Germany.

15. Paolo Maldini, Italy

Four World Cups on his resume: Italy '90, USA '94, France '98 and Korea-Japan 2002. Perhaps the best defenseman in history, runner-up in 1994, the title always eluded him.

16. Mario Kempes, Argentina

'El Matador' was the great figure of the Argentine championship in 1978. He scored six goals, including two in the final, and established himself as the top scorer and the best player of the tournament. He also played in Germany '74 and Spain '82.

17. Romario, Brazil

He only played in one World Cup, but it was enough for him to score with his self-confidence. He converted five goals in USA '94 and established himself as champion.

18. Zico, Brazil

'El Pelé Blanco' shone in three World Cups: Argentina '78, Spain '82, Mexico '86. In his second performance, he was part of a mythical Brazilian team that, however, did not reach the championship.

19. Karl Heinz Rummenigge, Germany

He participated in three World Cups (Argentina '78, Spain '82 and Mexico '86). He scored nine times and was runner-up in his last two World Cups.

20. Roberto Baggio, Italy

He stood out in the 1990, 1994, 1998 World Cups. He was one of the best players in the United States in 1994, but the missed penalty in the final marked his career.