Top five players of all time to have never won the World Cup

There are many football legends who have achieved remarkable things in the club game, but never quite managed to win the FIFA World Cup.

With this in mind, we’re counting down the top five players who never quite got their hands on the biggest trophy in all of sport.

5) Paolo Maldini

When it comes to defenders, Paolo Maldini is undoubtedly one of the best of all time. The AC Milan legend captured the hearts of fans at the San Siro with his immense footballing displays. In addition, he performed well on the international stage with Italy, helping his side reach the World Cup final in 1994, where they lost on penalties to Brazil. Alas, while he mended the heartbreak he suffered at Istanbul against Liverpool to win his fifth Champions League title in 2007, he never managed to cross the finishing line in the biggest tournament in the international game.

4) Alfredo Di Stefano

Alfredo Di Stefano represented three different countries in his career, yet never managed to win a World Cup. Like Maldini, the Real Madrid legend picked up five European Cups.

Alas, his international career wasn’t as successful. After accumulating six caps for Argentina, he was banned by FIFA for playing four times for an unsanctioned Colombia side, which were not allowed to compete at that time.

While FIFA eventually allowed him to return for Spain after he secured citizenship in 1956, he still didn’t make it to the grandest stage of them all. Despite helping Spain reach the 1962 edition of the tournament, injury prevented him from being able to play.

3) Johan Cruyff

Johan Cruyff was an absolute genius on the football field, dazzling fans with his outrageous skills. The icon won the Ballon d’Or three times and picked up three back-to-back European trophies.

Sadly, however, he never managed to claim the World Cup. In 1974, he played a pivotal role in getting the Netherlands to the final, where they threw away a 1-0 lead to lose 2-1 against West Germany.

2) George Best

George Best was as talented as they come, leaving defenders in the dust with his impeccable dribbling ability. The footballing wizard made a name for himself at Manchester United, helping his side win its first-ever European trophy.

However, despite his achievements in the club game, Northern Ireland never qualified for the World Cup while he was in his prime, and thus, the natural-born goal scorer never even had the opportunity to dazzle fans at the biggest global spectacle on Earth.

1) Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo has done it all in the club game, with many still labelling ‘CR7’ as the best player to have ever graced the field. In addition, he had many a magical moment for Portugal, most notably winning the 2016 European Championships. However, despite many an excellent showing at the World Cup, his exit against Spain in the last 16 of this year’s competition meant that he announced his retirement from the international game without ever adding the cherry on top of the cake.

WOW: Why new Portugal manager could keep Cristiano Ronaldo in the squad for 2030 World Cup