The greatest players to never win the World Cup

In many people's eyes, in 2022 Lionel Messi put to bed any doubts about his legacy or greatness as one of, if not the, greatest footballers of all time as he finally got his hands on the coveted gold that is the FIFA World Cup trophy, with Argentina victorious for the first time since another Argentinean legend in Diego Maradona lifted it in 1986.

However, while Messi finally managed to clear that hurdle and strike the ultimate gold in international football, a multitude of legendary players in footballing history never managed to achieve the feat, for differing reasons.

Spreadex Sports takes a deeper dive and looks at some of the most high profile legends who make this list, including how close they came to getting their hands on the trophy.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo has so far played in five World Cups but never came particularly close to winning one. Portugal's best finish during his World Cup career was fourth place in 2006, when he was only 21 years old and not yet the team's main star.

In his prime years, Portugal often lacked the overall squad depth of traditional powerhouses such as France, Germany, or Brazil. Despite becoming one of football's greatest players, Ronaldo's World Cup campaigns usually ended in the knockout stages.

Can the 41-year-old from Madeira do what his great rival Messi achieved four years ago and lift the trophy this summer?

You can read our feature on Cristiano Ronaldo’s Greatest World Cup Moments here.

Johan Cruyff

The late Johan Cruyff came agonisingly close to lifting the World Cup in 1974. As the leader of the famous Dutch "Total Football" team, he inspired the Netherlands to the final against West Germany. The Dutch even took the lead before a German player touched the ball, but eventually lost 2–1. 

Cruyff never played in another World Cup after choosing not to participate in 1978, leaving 1974 as one of the greatest "what if" stories in football history.

Zico

Many regard Zico as the greatest player, or at the very least midfielder, never to win a World Cup. He was the creative genius of Brazil's spectacular 1982 team, widely considered one of the best national sides ever assembled.

However, Brazil's attacking style left defensive vulnerabilities, and they were eliminated by Italy in a legendary match where Paolo Rossi scored a hat-trick. Despite immense talent, Zico's Brazil teams never reached a World Cup final.

Ferenc Puskás

Legendary striker Ferenc Puskás came closer than almost anyone else on this list in the quest for World Cup glory. Hungary entered the 1954 World Cup as overwhelming favourites after going unbeaten for four years and defeating West Germany 8–3 in the group stage.

Puskás returned from injury for the final and even scored early, but Hungary surprisingly lost 3–2 in what became known as the "Miracle of Bern." It remains one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history.

Michel Platini

A three-time (consecutive!) Ballon D'Or winner, Michel Platini never reached a World Cup final, but he led France through one of its strongest eras. His closest opportunity came in 1986 when France reached the semi-finals. They were ultimately beaten by a superior Argentine side inspired by Diego Maradona. 

Platini's France was highly talented, but they happened to peak during a period that also featured some of the greatest teams and players ever assembled.

Paolo Maldini

One of the most decorated club players of all time with AC Milan, Paolo Maldini came heartbreakingly close to international glory in 1994. Italy reached the final against Brazil, with Maldini serving as the cornerstone of the defence throughout the tournament. After a goalless draw, Italy lost on penalties in the first World Cup final ever decided by a shootout. 

Despite appearing in four World Cups and captaining Italy for years, Maldini never got another chance to claim the coveted trophy.

Eusébio

Known as the 'Black Panther' and the 'Black Pearl', Eusébio announced himself to the world at the 1966 World Cup, scoring nine goals and winning the Golden Boot. He led Portugal to third place, including a famous comeback against North Korea in the quarter-finals.

However, Portugal fell short against hosts England in the semi-finals. Since Portugal did not qualify for another World Cup during his international career, 1966 was his one realistic opportunity.

Alfredo Di Stéfano

Alfredo Di Stéfano's case is unique because he never actually played in a World Cup. Due to nationality complications and unfortunate timing, he missed multiple tournaments. Spain qualified for the 1962 World Cup when he was still an elite player, but an injury prevented him from appearing.

One of the greatest footballers ever, Di Stéfano's World Cup legacy is defined by absence rather than defeat. The forward represented a trio of nations in his career - his birth country of Argentina, his adopted nation Spain, and also Colombia!

Roberto Baggio

Roberto Baggio came within a single kick of winning the World Cup in 1994. He carried Italy through the knockout rounds with a series of brilliant performances and decisive goals. In the final against Brazil, however, he famously blasted his penalty over the crossbar during the shootout.

Although Italy's defeat was not solely his fault, that miss became one of the most iconic moments in World Cup history. Maldini, mentioned earlier in his list, was of course one of Baggio's teammates in that Italian squad.

Neymar

Neymar has been one of the defining players of his generation, yet the World Cup trophy has remained elusive. His best chance came in 2014, when he was Brazil's standout performer before suffering a tournament-ending back injury in the quarter-finals.

Brazil then collapsed 7–1 against Germany in the semi-finals. In 2022, Neymar scored a brilliant extra-time goal against Croatia in the quarter-finals, only for Brazil to concede late and lose on penalties. Injuries, fine margins, and strong opposition have repeatedly prevented him from reaching a World Cup final.

You can read our feature on Neymar’s Greatest World Cup Moments here.