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The FIFA best men's player of the year nominations

Jan 8, 2022, 10:54 AM2 min read

FIFA announced the final nominations of the FIFA best men's player of the year on Friday. The global football governing body announced the nominations through its official Twitter account. The 3 footballers in the running to be the FIFA best men's player of the year are Lionel Messi, Robert Lewandowski, and Mohamed Salah.

Robert Lewandowski

The FIFA best men's player of the year nominations | SportzPoint.com
Image Credit- Bayern Strikes

Read also: FIFA Puskas Award Nomination 2021

The winner of this prestigious award last year was Robert Lewandowski. The Bayern Munich striker scored 41 goals for the team in the Bundesliga 2020-21 season. Also, he broke the previous record of Gerd Muller's 40 goals. The Norwegian footballer scored a total of 30 goals including all the competitions for by Bayern Munich.

Lionel Messi

The FIFA best men's player of the year nominations | SportzPoint.com
Image Credit- CBS Sports

Read also: Champions League winners list since 1965

Lionel Messi became the FIFA best men's player of the year in 2019. On the other hand, Messi is also the winner of the Ballon d'Or award 2021. His contribution behind Barcelona winning the Pichichi Trophy for the 8th time is immense. Another feather in Messi's hat is Argentina winning the Copa America title in 2021. Also, he won both the Golden Boot and Golden Ball awards for his individual contribution and performances in the season. Messi netted 38 goals for Barcelona in the 2020-21 season and then moved to Paris Saint-Germain as well in the summer transfer window 2021. Till now he played in 16 matches for PSG and scored 6 goals.

Mohamed Salah

The FIFA best men's player of the year nominations | SportzPoint.com
Image Credit- Getty Images

On the other hand, Mohamed Salah netted 31 goals for Liverpool in the 2020-21 season. Meanwhile, he also became the first Reds player to score 20+ goals in a season thrice in the Premier League. Moving on to the 20 21-22 season, the Egyptian footballer played in 26 matches in all competitions and scored a total of 23 goals for Liverpool.

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10 legendary Barcelona players to wear jersey no. 10

From Lionel Messi, Maradona, to Ronaldinho, today, in this article, we will discuss 10 legendary Barcelona players who have worn the jersey no. 10.

May 30, 2025, 11:39 AM5 min read

10 legendary Barcelona players to wear jersey no. 10 | sportzpoint.com

The No.10 jersey in football is always an iconic one. Be it for any club, country or any team playing in a local tournament, usually the best player of the team or the attacker wears the No.10 jersey for the team. 

FC Barcelona, one of the best and historical clubs in the World, had some of the greatest players ever to wear the No. 10 jersey for them. Today, in this article, we will discuss 10 legendary Barcelona players who have worn the jersey no. 10. 

To give you the context of the article, let me remind you that, after a great 2024-25 season, Lamine Yamal is set to wear the No.10 jersey for FC Barcelona in the next season, only if Ansu Fati leaves the club. 

Read Also | Football jersey numbers: Significance of jersey numbers in football

1. Lionel Messi (2008-2021)

10 legendary Barcelona players to wear jersey no. 10 - Lionel Messi - sportzpoint.com

If you talk about any stats or legendary things about FC Barcelona, there is a chance that you will have to mention the little man from Argentina, Lionel Messi. Most goals, most trophies, most assists, most Ballon d'Ors, and many more records for the club - Messi has everything to his name.

Messi had 672 goals and 303 assists in 778 appearances for FC Barcelona and left the club with the most number of titles. The 8-time Ballon d'Or winner wore the No.10 jersey for the first time in 2008 when Ronaldinho left the Catalan club to join AC Milan. 

Since then, Messi has worn the iconic jersey for 14 years, before leaving the club as the greatest Barcelona player. 

Read Also | 11 players who have won the most trophies in football history

2. Diego Maradona (1982–1984)

Diego Armando Maradona for FC Barcelona - sportzpoint.com

An Argentine legend followed by another one. One of the greatest footballers ever, Diego Maradona, who is known for his time at Italian Club Napoli, spent two seasons at FC Barcelona as well. 

Although Maradona's stint at Barcelona was full of controversies and injuries, he scored 38 goals in 58 matches and won the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup for FC Barcelona. 

3. Ronaldinho (2003–2008)

10 legendary Barcelona players to wear jersey no. 10 - Ronaldinho - sportzpoint.com

With his Samba magic and flair, Ronaldinho is regarded as one of the greatest Barcelona players ever. The Brazilian legend was there when Messi made his debut and gave him all the support to fill his shoes later. Before Messi, it was Ronaldinho, who used to wear the No. 10 jersey for FC Barcelona. 

Ronaldinho scored 94 goals and provided 71 assists in 207 matches for FC Barcelona. 

Alongside winning two La Liga titles, he also won the 2006 UEFA Champions League for the Spanish club.

Read Also | Top 10 Greatest EL Clasico Matches of All Time

4. Gary Lineker (1986–1989)

10 legendary Barcelona players to wear jersey no. 10 - Gary Lineker - sportzpoint.com

Gary Lineker is one of the greatest English players ever to play for FC Barcelona. From 1986 to 1989, Lineker played for FC Barcelona in 138 matches, wearing the famous No. 10 jersey. 

Lineker scored 51 goals for the Catalan club and helped them win the Copa del Rey in 1988 and the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1989.

5. Rivaldo (1997–2002)

10 legendary Barcelona players to wear jersey no. 10 - Rivaldo - sportzpoint.com

Rivaldo, the Brazilian legend and captain, joined FC Barcelona in the 1997 season and played 235 games for the Catalan, the most he played for any club in his career. The attacking midfielder scored 130 goals for Barcelona and won four titles, including two La Liga titles. 

Not only that, during his stint at Barcelona, he won the FIFA Best Player Award and Ballon d'Or award in 1999. 

Read Also | Football Facts: Players With Champions League, World Cup and Ballon d'Or

6. César Rodríguez (1939–1955)

César Rodríguez

Since there was no consistency in jersey numbers during the 1930s and 1940s era, it is quite unclear how many games he played wearing the No. 10 jersey for FC Barcelona. But Cesar, who wore the No. 10 jersey occasionally for FC Barcelona, played 344 games for the club.

In those games, he scored 226 goals and won 11 trophies for the club, including 5 La Liga titles. With 28 goals, he also finished the 1948-49 season as the top scorer of La Liga.

7. Juan Román Riquelme (2002–2005)

10 legendary Barcelona players to wear jersey no. 10 - Riquelme - sportzpoint.com

Another Argentine legend is on the list of legendary players to wear the No. 10 jersey for FC Barcelona. Riquelme, the legendary Argentine attacking midfielder, though he only played 42 games for FC Barcelona, made his mark before leaving for Villarreal and Boca Juniors. 

8. Michael Laudrup (1989–1994)

10 legendary Barcelona players to wear jersey no. 10 - Michael Laudrup - sportzpoint.com

Laudrup, the Danish playmaker, was an integral part of Johan Cruyff’s dream team. The stylish midfielder played 226 games for FC Barcelona and scored 54 goals for the club. Along with his goals, Laudrup assisted 26 times as well. 

Laudrup won 9 trophies for FC Barcelona, including 1 UEFA Champions League, 4 La Liga titles, 1 UEFA Supercup and 2 Spanish Super Cups. Post becoming FC Barcelona.

After his successful 1992 and 1993 seasons, Laudrup joined Real Madrid the next season. 

9. Luis Suárez Miramontes (1955–1961)

Luis Suarez Miramontes - 10 legendary Barcelona players to wear jersey no. 10 - sportzpoint.com

One of the greatest Spanish midfielders, Luis Suárez Miramontes, is also one of the greatest FC Barcelona players. Luis Suárez Miramontes, in 176 games for FC Barcelona, scored 80 goals and assisted 21 times. 

Suarez won two La Liga titles and two Spanish Cup titles for FC Barcelona before moving to Inter Milan, where he flourished as a striker and went on to win two Champions League titles as well. 

But before leaving for Inter Milan, he won the 1960 Ballon d'Or while playing for FC Barcelona.

10. Hugo Sotil (1973–1976)

Hugo Sotil - 10 legendary Barcelona players to wear jersey no. 10 - sportzpoint.com

Hugo Sotil, the Peruvian striker, was one of the key players for FC Barcelona during the Johan Cruyff era. In 70 games, he scored 18 goals and helped FC Barcelona win the 1973–74 La Liga title.

Hugo was one of the key members of Barcelona's resurgence in the 1970s. 

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Most Golden Boots win in football history

Lionel Messi has won the European Golden Boot a record six times. Let's take a look at the most Golden Boots win in football history.

May 27, 2025, 11:47 AM3 min read

Most Golden Boots win in football history

The European Golden Boot or European Golden Shoe is awarded annually to the leading goal scorer in league matches in the top divisions of European football. First awarded in 1968, this prestigious honour is judged on a points-based system.

Also Read: Players with the most champions league titles

Golden Boot: Rules

The winner is not simply the player with the most goals in the season. There is a weighting system where the goals scored in the top-ranked leagues are worth more. Players from the five highest ranked leagues according to UEFA (based on results of each league's clubs in European competition over the previous five seasons) get 2 points per scored goal, leagues ranked 6-22 get 1.5 points per goal and the remaining leagues get 1 point per goal.

The top five ranked leagues in 2022 were Germany, Spain, England, Italy, and France. The winners usually come from the top-ranked leagues.

Historical Overview

Between 1968 and 1991, the award was given by L'Équipe to the highest goalscorer in any European league. Between 1991 and 1996 there were no official awards given to the top goal scorers, but the leading goalscorer for those years have since been recognized.

Since the 1996–97 season, the award, given by European Sports Media, has used a weighted points system.

Most Golden Boots win

Lionel Messi has won the European Golden Boot a record six times (2009-10, 2011-12, 2012-13, 2016-17, 2017-18, 2018-19). The next closest is Cristiano Ronaldo with four (2007-08, 2010-11, 2013-14, 2014-15).

Let's take a look at the most Golden Boots win in football history.

Also Read: Manchester United Trophy Cabinet

Most Golden Boots win in football history (All Time)

1. Lionel Messi | 6 Times

Most Golden Boots win in football history

Year Goals Team League
2010 34 Barcelona Spain La Liga
2012 50 Barcelona Spain La Liga
2013 46 Barcelona Spain La Liga

2017

37 Barcelona Spain La Liga

2018

34 Barcelona Spain La Liga

2019

36 Barcelona Spain La Liga

2. Cristiano Ronaldo | 4 Times

Most Golden Boots win in football history

Year Goals Team League
2008 31 Manchester United England Premier League
2011 40 Real Madrid Spain La Liga
2014 31 Real Madrid Spain La Liga
2015 48 Real Madrid Spain La Liga

3. Luis Suárez | 2 Times

Most Golden Boots win in football history

Year Goals Team League
2014 31 Liverpool England Premier League
2016 40 Barcelona  Spain La Liga

4. Thierry Henry | 2 Times

Most Golden Boots win in football history

Year Goals Team League
2004 30 Arsenal England Premier League
2005 25 Arsenal England Premier League

5. Robert Lewandowski | 2 Times

Most Golden Boots win in football history

Year Goals Team League
2021 41 Bayern Munich Germany Bundesliga
2022 35 Bayern Munich Germany Bundesliga

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Who is leading the 2024-25 European Golden Boot race?

Kylian Mbappe is leading the race for the 2024-25 European Golden Boot. However, players like Viktor Gyökeres, Mohamed Salah and a few others are also in race.

May 24, 2025, 6:42 PM6 min read

Who is leading the 2024-25 European Golden Boot race? | sportzpoint.com

The European leagues are up and running and we have already witnessed some great encounters between the top European teams. The hunt to win the European Golden Boot is also taking shape for the 2024-25 season.

Some big names from the Top five European leagues are already in full swing and they are scoring loads of goals to clinch the coveted annual award for the highest goalscorer in Europe. However, some young and talented players have enlisted themselves in the charts as well; even from outside of the top five European leagues.

According to the coefficient rankings updated by UEFA on 7 November 2024, the top five European Leagues are the English Premier League, Serie A (Italy), LaLiga (Spain), Bundesliga (Germany), and French Ligue 1 respectively. 

Sportzpoint brings you all the details about the leading goalscorers in the top five European leagues, details of the UEFA League ranking, and the leading goalscorers competing for the 2024-25 European Golden Boot.

The European Golden Boot Race

Who is leading the 2024-25 European Golden Boot race? - sportzpoint.com
Bayern forward Harry Kane won the 2023-24 Golden Boot. (Image Credit | SuperSport))

The Golden Boot is awarded by European Sports Media (ESM) which is a unified association of Football Magazine publications such as Marca, Kicker, La Gazzetta dello Sport, Frankfurter AZ, etc. They took over since 1996-97 season and started a new ranking system based on the position of the league for the respective players. 

The UEFA coefficient ranking is considered a measure for weighting points, with the principle being to acknowledge players who score in leagues of higher quality according to rankings, which makes it tougher to find the back of the net.

The number of goals scored in the top five leagues of Europe are counted with a multiplier of two, while those from leagues ranked six to 21 receive a 1.5 multiplier, and goals from all other leagues are counted as one.

This is how the points system works. 

Before looking at the players' list, here is the official UEFA ranking of league coefficients:

UEFA Ranking: League coefficients

Rank 1-5

Goal scorers from these five leagues receive a multiplier of 2. 

Rank League Nation
1 Premier League England
2 Serie A Italy
3 LaLiga Spain
4 Bundesliga Germany
5 Ligue 1 France

Rank 6-21

Goal scorers from these leagues ranked from 6 to 21 receive a multiplier of 1.5. 

Rank League Nation
6 Eredivisie Netherlands
7 Primeira Liga Portugal
8 Belgian Pro League Belgium
9 Czech National Football League Czechia
10 Süper Lig Turkey
11 Eliteserien Norway
12 Super League Greece Greece
13 Danish SuperLiga Denmark
14 Israeli Premier League Israel
15 Austrian Bundesliga Austria
16 Scottish Premiership Scotland
17 Swiss Super League Switzerland
18 Ekstraklasa Poland
19 HNL Croatia
20 Serbian SuperLiga Serbia
21 Ukrainian Premier League Ukraine

Top goalscorers of the 2024-25 season in the top 5 European Leagues (as of 24th May 2025):

Premier League | England

1. Mohamed Salah | 28 Goals

Top goalscorers of the 2024-25 season in the top 5 European Leagues - Mo Salah | sportzpoint.com

  • Club: Liverpool FC
  • Nationality: Egypt
  • Appearances: 37
  • Goals: 28

2. Alexander Isak | 23 goals

Top goalscorers of the 2024-25 season in the top 5 European Leagues - Isak - sportzpoint.com

  • Club: Newcastle United
  • Nationality: Sweden
  • Appearances: 33
  • Goals: 23

3. Erling Haaland | 21 goals

Top goalscorers of the 2024-25 season in the top 5 European Leagues - Erling Haaland - sportzpoint.com

  • Club: Manchester City
  • Nationality: Norway
  • Appearances: 30
  • Goals: 21

4. Chris Wood | 20 goals

Nottingham Forest's Chris Wood named Premier League player of month for  October - BBC Sport

  • Club: Nottingham Forrest
  • Nationality: New Zealand
  • Appearances: 35
  • Goals: 20

5. Bryan Mbeumo | 19 goals

Top goalscorers of the 2024-25 season in the top 5 European Leagues - Bryan Mbeumo | sportzpoint.com

  • Club: Brentford
  • Nationality: Cameroon
  • Appearances: 37
  • Goals: 19

Serie A | Italy

1. Mario Retegui | 25 goals 

Who is leading the 2024-25 European Golden Boot race? - sportzpoint.com
(Image Courtesy | theScore.com)
  • Club: Atalanta BC
  • Nationality: Italy
  • Appearances: 35
  • Goals: 25

2. Moise Kean | 18 goals

Moise Kean - Top goalscorers of the 2024-25 season in the top 5 European Leagues | sportzpoint.com

  • Club: AFC Fiorentina
  • Nationality: Italy
  • Appearances: 10
  • Goals: 5

3. Ademola Lookman | 15 goals

Who is leading the 2024-25 European Golden Boot race? - sportzpoint.com
(Image Credit | Sportal.eu)
  • Club: Atalanta BC
  • Nationality: Nigeria
  • Appearances: 30
  • Goals: 15

4. Romelo Lukaku | 14 goals

Romelu Lukaku - 14 goals Serie A | sportzpoint.com

  • Club: Napoli
  • Nationality: Belgium
  • Appearances: 36
  • Goals: 14

5. Marcus Thuram | 14 goals 

Who is leading the 2024-25 European Golden Boot race? - sportzpoint.com
(Image Credit | SempreInter)
  • Club: Inter Milan
  • Nationality: France
  • Appearances: 32
  • Goals: 14

LaLiga | Spain

1. Kylian Mbappe | 30 goals

Who is leading the 2024-25 European Golden Boot race? - sportzpoint.com
(Image Credit | Goal.com)
  • Club: Real Madrid
  • Nationality: France
  • Appearances: 34
  • Goals: 30

2. Robert Lewandowski | 25 goals 

Who is leading the 2024-25 European Golden Boot race? - sportzpoint.com
(Image Credit | Barca Blaugranes)
  • Club: FC Barcelona
  • Nationality: Poland
  • Appearances: 33
  • Goals: 25

3. Ante Budimir | 21 goals 

Who is leading the 2024-25 European Golden Boot race? - sportzpoint.com
(Image Credit | Goal.com)
  • Club: CA Osasuna
  • Nationality: Croatia
  • Appearances: 37
  • Goals: 21

4. Ayoze Perez | 19 goals 

Who is leading the 2024-25 European Golden Boot race? - sportzpoint.com
(Image Credit | Sports Mole)
  • Club: Villarreal
  • Nationality: Spain
  • Appearances: 30
  • Goals: 19

5. Raphinha | 18 goals

Who is leading the 2024-25 European Golden Boot race? - sportzpoint.com
(Image Credit | Eurosport)
  • Club: FC Barcelona
  • Nationality: Brazil
  • Appearances: 35
  • Goals: 18

Bundesliga | Germany 

1. Harry Kane | 26 goals 

Who is leading the 2024-25 European Golden Boot race? - sportzpoint.com
(Image Credit | Eurosport)
  • Club: Bayern Munich
  • Nationality: England
  • Appearances: 31
  • Goals: 26

2. Serhou Guirassy | 21 goals

Serhou Guirassy: 21 goals in Bundesliga 2024-25 | sportzpoint.com

  • Club: Borussia Dortmund
  • Nationality: Guinea
  • Appearances: 30
  • Goals: 21

3. Patrik Schick | 21 goals

Patrik Schick | Bayer 04 Leverkusen | sportzpoint.com

  • Club: Bayer Leverkusen 
  • Nationality: Czech Republic
  • Appearances: 31
  • Goals: 21

4. Jonathan Burkardt | 18 goals

Jonathan Michael Burkardt | 1. FSV Mainz 05 - sportzpoint.com

  • Club: 1.FSV Mainz 05
  • Nationality: Belgium
  • Appearances: 29
  • Goals: 18

5. Tim Kleindienst | 16 goals 

Who is leading the 2024-25 European Golden Boot race? - sportzpoint.com
(Image Credit | Wettfreunde.net)
  • Club: Borussia Mönchengladbach
  • Nationality: Germany
  • Appearances: 31
  • Goals: 16

Ligue 1 | France

1. Ousmane Dembele | 21 goals 

Top goalscorers of the 2024-25 season in the top 5 European Leagues - Ousmane Dembele - sportzpoint.com

  • Club: Paris Saint-Germain
  • Nationality: France
  • Appearances: 29
  • Goals: 21

2. Mason Greenwood | 21 goals 

Who is leading the 2024-25 European Golden Boot race? - sportzpoint.com
(Image Credit | Get French Football News)
  • Club: Olympique de Marseille
  • Nationality: England
  • Appearances: 34
  • Goals: 21

3. Arnaud Kalimuendo | 17 goals

Top goalscorers of the 2024-25 season in the top 5 European Leagues - Arnaud Kalimuendo | sportzpoint.com

  • Club: Stade Rennais FC
  • Nationality: France
  • Appearances: 33
  • Goals: 17

4. Jonathan David | 16 goals

Who is leading the 2024-25 European Golden Boot race? - sportzpoint.com
(Image Credit | Juvefc.com)
  • Club: Lille OSC
  • Nationality: Canada
  • Appearances: 32
  • Goals: 16

5. Alexandre Lacazette | 15 goals

Alexandre Lacazette - Top goalscorers of the 2024-25 season in the top 5 European Leagues - sportzpoint.com

  • Club: Lyon
  • Nationality: France
  • Appearances: 30
  • Goals: 15

Read Also | Most goals in Europe's Top Five Leagues in 2023/24 Season

The Ultimate European Golden Boot Race (Among the top 10 European Leagues according to UEFA coefficient rankings)

Considering the players from the top 10 European leagues in this list, this is what the current race of chasing the 2024-25 European Golden Boot looks like:

Rank Player Position Club Goals Coefficient Points
1 Kylian Mbappé Centre-Forward Real Madrid 30 2 60
2 Viktor Gyökeres Centre-Forward Sporting CP 39 1.5 58.5
3 Mohamed Salah Right Winger Liverpool FC 28 2 56
4 Harry Kane Centre-Forward Bayern Munich 26 2 52
5 Robert Lewandowski Centre-Forward FC Barcelona 25 2 50
6 Mateo Retegui Centre-Forward Atalanta BC 25 2 50
7 Alexander Isak Centre-Forward Newcastle United 23 2 46
8 Omar Marmoush Centre-Forward 2 clubs 22 2 44
9 Mika Biereth Centre-Forward 2 clubs 24 2 42.5
10 Ousmane Dembélé Right Winger Paris Saint-Germain 21 2 42
11 Erling Haaland Centre-Forward Manchester City 21 2 42
12 Serhou Guirassy Centre-Forward Borussia Dortmund 21 2 42
13 Patrik Schick Centre-Forward Bayer 04 Leverkusen 21 2 42
14 Mason Greenwood Right Winger Olympique Marseille 21 2 42
15 Ante Budimir Centre-Forward CA Osasuna 21 2 42

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Players with the most champions league titles

Real Madrid players Toni Kroos, Dani Carvajal, Luka Modric and Nacho have equalled Paco Gento's record for most Champions League titles as a player. All of them have won six European Cup/Champions League titles.

May 22, 2025, 3:41 PM2 min read

Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, Nacho Fernandez and Dani Carvajal are the only players to win six Champions League titles in the UCL era. Image | UEFA

The Champions League has always been a huge honour for any team. Teams like Real Madrid have won the trophy as many as 15 times while AC Milan, FC Barcelona, Ajax and Bayern Munich have won found success in Europe's biggest club competition. 

As a result, the players from such elite teams as Real Madrid, Barcelona, Ajax, and AC Milan dominate the charts of players with the most Champions League titles.

Also Read: Most Champions League titles won by Football Clubs

Players who have won the most Champions League titles

Players with the most champions league titles | Sportz Point
Paco Gento was the first player to win six European Cup/Champions League titles as a player.

Iconic Real Madrid left-winger Paco Gento used to hold the record for the most Champions League titles by a player. He has won six trophies in his 18 years at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Players with the most champions league titles - sportzpoint.com

However, Real Madrid legends Toni Kroos, Dani Carvajal, Luka Modric and Nacho have equalled his record and became the only players to win six Champions League titles in the UCL era. 

Former Real Madrid, Juventus and Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo is tied up at 5 UCL titles with players like Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Costacurta and Larence Seedorf as well as other Real Madrid giants in Hector Rial and Marquitos, Lucas Vázquez, Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and a few others.

Also Read: Top 5 Defenders with the Most Champions League Goals

Former Barcelona superstars, Lionel Messi, Xavi and Iniesta, and Gerard Pique won four titles as a player. 

List of Players who have won more than four UCL titles:

No. of wins Player Club(s)
6 Paco Gento Real Madrid (1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1966)
Toni Kroos Bayern Munich (2013)
Real Madrid (2016, 2017, 2018, 2022, 2024)
Dani Carvajal Real Madrid (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022, 2024)
Luka Modrić
Nacho Fernández
5 Juan Alonso Real Madrid (1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960)
Rafael Lesmes
Marquitos
Héctor Rial
Alfredo Di Stéfano
José María Zárraga
Alessandro Costacurta AC Milan (1989, 1990, 1994, 2003, 2007)
Paolo Maldini
Cristiano Ronaldo Manchester United (2008)
Real Madrid (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018)
Gareth Bale Real Madrid (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022)
Karim Benzema
Casemiro
Isco
Marcelo
Lucas Vázquez Real Madrid (2016, 2017, 2018, 2022, 2024)
4 Joseíto Real Madrid (1956, 1957, 1958, 1959)
Enrique Mateos Real Madrid (1957, 1958, 1959, 1960)
Juan Santisteban
José Santamaría Real Madrid (1958, 1959, 1960, 1966)
Phil Neal Liverpool (1977, 1978, 1981, 1984)
Clarence Seedorf Ajax (1995)
Real Madrid (1998)
AC Milan (2003, 2007)
Andres Iniesta Barcelona (2006, 2009, 2011, 2015)
Lionel Messi
Xavi Hernandez
Gerard Piqué Manchester United (2008)
Barcelona (2009, 2011, 2015)
Sergio Ramos Real Madrid (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018)
Raphaël Varane
Mateo Kovačić Real Madrid (2016, 2017, 2018)
Chelsea (2021)
David Alaba Bayern Munich (2013, 2020)
Real Madrid (2022, 2024)
Next Article

Donald Trump: 2026 World Cup an 'incentive' for Russia to end Ukraine war

Speaking alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino at the meeting, Trump admitted he was unaware that Russia are banned from the 2026 World Cup.

May 8, 2025, 11:27 AM2 min read

Donald Trump: 2026 World Cup an 'incentive' for Russia to end Ukraine war

US President Donald Trump has made a claim that the FIFA 2026 World Cup could help end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and shut down the war. The Russian national football team has been banned from international competition by FIFA and UEFA since the country's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Trump, during his 2024 campaign, vowed to end the Russia-Ukraine war on the first day back in. But his efforts to broker a deal between the countries have so far stuttered.

Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2026: Teams qualified so far

Trump was unaware of the ban

Trump was questioned about the possible participation of Russia at next year's World Cup. Speaking alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino at the meeting, Trump admitted he was unaware that Russia are banned from the 2026 World Cup.

During the meeting at the White House, a reporter asked the president for his stance on the ban, which was part of global sporting sanctions imposed on Russia following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Trump said, "I didn't know that, is that right? You want to explain that?"

"That is right," replied Infantino. "They are banned for the time being from playing but we hope that something happens and peace will happen so that Russia can be readmitted."

Trump on Russia-Ukraine war

The United States are hosting the World Cup next year along with Canada and Mexico but Russia are currently banned by both FIFA and UEFA from participating in international competitions due to their invasion of Ukraine.

Trump has now said that reinstating Russia for the tournament could help end the war in Ukraine, feeling that it ‘could be a good incentive’ for Putin.

Also Read: Brazil wants to sign current Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti after recent humiliation against Argentina

"That's possible. Hey, could be a good incentive, right?" Trump replied to Infantino.

"We want to get them to stop. We want them to stop. 5,000 people a week are being killed -- it's not even believable. We're going to get that war stopped."

Russia haven't played a competitive fixture since a 2022 World Cup qualifying defeat to Croatia in November 2021. They have played 16 friendlies since then, winning 11 of them.

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