- The World Cup has crowned many iconic champions, but it has also left many of football’s finest stars without the one medal that could have completed their legacies
- Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the top footballers yet to win a World Cup final
- The former Real Madrid man boasts an extraordinary career that includes multiple Ballon d’Or awards, Champions League titles, and records that may stand for decades
Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the top footballers who have never won the World Cup. Despite achieving significant success at club level and winning the Euros and UEFA Nations League with Portugal, the prestigious trophy had eluded one of the finest footballers in history.
The World Cup has crowned many iconic champions, but it has also left many of football’s finest stars without the one medal that could have completed their legacies. Some came agonizingly close, losing in the final or semi-finals by the narrowest margins.
Others played in strong national teams but were unlucky to face dominant opponents. Some simply belonged to eras of fierce competition where only one nation could triumph.
This article explores top footballers who have never won the World Cup, examining their achievements, their international journeys, and why they remain unforgettable despite missing football’s ultimate honour.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo – Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo is arguably the most famous of all footballers who have never won the World Cup, and his absence from the tournament’s list of champions remains one of football’s most debated topics.
Despite an extraordinary career that includes multiple Ballon d’Or awards, Champions League titles, and records that may stand for decades, the World Cup remains the one major trophy missing from his cabinet.
Ronaldo’s closest attempt came in 2006, when Portugal reached the semi-finals before losing to France. Since then, Portugal have had memorable campaigns but never one strong enough to compete for the trophy.
Ronaldo did lift the UEFA European Championship in 2016 and the UEFA Nations League in 2019, cementing his status as a successful international captain. Yet, the World Cup always seemed just out of Portugal’s reach, a reminder that even the greatest athletes cannot always control the international stage.
2. Paolo Maldini – Italy
Paolo Maldini is one of the most iconic footballers who have never won the World Cup, despite being widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders of all time.
With a career spanning more than two decades at AC Milan, Maldini won everything possible at club level, including multiple Champions League titles, Serie A trophies, and countless individual honours. But the World Cup always eluded him.
Maldini played in four World Cups: 1990, 1994, 1998, and 2002. His closest attempt came in 1994, when Italy reached the final against Brazil. After a tense 0–0 draw, Italy lost on penalties. Despite his consistency, leadership, and defensive brilliance, he never managed to lift international football’s biggest prize.
3. Zlatan Ibrahimović – Sweden
Zlatan Ibrahimović is another global superstar often mentioned on the list footballers who have never won the World Cup. Known for his acrobatic goals, dominant physique, and charismatic personality, Zlatan’s career spanned top clubs including Barcelona, AC Milan, PSG, Manchester United, and Inter Milan.
However, Sweden have rarely been strong World Cup contenders in the modern era. Zlatan only participated in the 2002 and 2006 tournaments, where Sweden exited in the Round of 16 both times.
Despite his world-class talent, Sweden’s national team lacked the overall strength and depth needed to push deeper in the competition. Zlatan’s legacy remains colossal—just without a World Cup triumph attached to it.
4. Robert Lewandowski – Poland
Considered one of the greatest strikers of his generation, Robert Lewandowski joins the list of footballers who have never won the World Cup, largely due to the limitations of the Polish national team. Lewandowski is a goal-scoring machine with multiple European Golden Shoes, Bundesliga records, and a Champions League title to his name.
Poland, however, have struggled at major tournaments during his era. Their best performance with Lewandowski was reaching the 2022 knockout stages, but even then, they lacked the firepower and tactical consistency to compete against top-tier nations.
As Lewandowski nears the twilight of his career, the chances of Poland lifting a World Cup appear slim, cementing his place in this category.
5. George Best – Northern Ireland
George Best is one of the most iconic footballers who have never won the World Cup, primarily because he never even played in one. Widely considered one of the greatest footballers in history, Best dazzled the world during his Manchester United career with his dribbling, creativity, and attacking brilliance.
But Northern Ireland in his era were not strong enough to qualify regularly for World Cups. Best’s talent was undeniable, yet the absence of a strong supporting cast prevented him from showing his skills on the world’s most prestigious stage. His story remains one of football’s great “what-ifs”—a genius without a World Cup moment.
6. Eusébio – Portugal
Long before Cristiano Ronaldo, Eusébio was regarded as one of Portugal’s brightest stars. He remains another legendary figure among footballers who have never won the World Cup. Eusébio’s Portugal came closest in 1966, finishing third after a brilliant tournament in which Eusébio won the Golden Boot with nine goals.
Despite being one of the most feared forwards of his generation, Portugal did not have the squad depth needed to secure the trophy. Eusébio’s performances, however, remain iconic and helped cement Portugal’s early footballing legacy. Even without winning the tournament, he left an indelible mark on World Cup history.
7. Michel Platini – France
Michel Platini, one of France’s greatest midfielders, is also part of the list of footballers who have never won the World Cup. Although he won the 1984 European Championship and earned global acclaim for his creativity and leadership, Platini never managed to lift the World Cup trophy.
France’s best chance with Platini came in 1982 and 1986. In 1982, they reached the semi-finals but lost in a dramatic match to West Germany—a game still remembered for its intensity and controversial refereeing decisions.
In 1986, they again reached the semi-finals but were eliminated by a strong Brazilian side. Platini’s brilliance lit up both tournaments, but the ultimate prize remained unattained.
8. Ruud Gullit – Netherlands
Ruud Gullit is another legendary figure often listed among footballers who have never won the World Cup, despite leading the Netherlands to European Championship glory in 1988. The Dutch national team produced iconic talent during the late 1980s and early 1990s, with Gullit, Marco van Basten, and Frank Rijkaard standing out as generational stars.
But the World Cup proved a frustrating tournament for them as a group. In 1990, internal conflict, managerial disagreements, and poor form saw the Netherlands exit early. Gullit’s physical dominance, vision, and leadership made him one of Europe’s finest players, but the World Cup slipped through his fingers.
Why These Footballers Still Remain Legends
Being part of the group of footballers who have never won the World Cup does not diminish the greatness of these players. In many cases, they dominated club football, won continental titles, and set records that continue to define their legacies.
The World Cup is unique because:
- It requires national team depth, not just individual brilliance
- It occurs only every four years
- Injuries, form, and timing play enormous roles
- Even great nations often fall short
Thus, many stars throughout history were unlucky to miss out despite possessing world-class talent.
The World Cup Isn’t the Only Measure of Greatness
While the tournament is the pinnacle of international football, it is not the only benchmark for a successful career. Many of the greatest footballers who have never won the World Cup have achieved legendary status through:
- Champions League success
- Domestic league dominance
- Individual awards
- Longevity and consistency
- Iconic moments that transcend results
Cristiano Ronaldo, Zlatan Ibrahimović, George Best, and Eusébio remain household names worldwide, proving that greatness extends beyond a single tournament.
Conclusion
Cristiano Ronaldo and the seven other stars on this list represent some of the finest talents the game has ever produced. They are elite athletes, record-breakers, global icons, and unforgettable performers. While they belong to the group of footballers who have never won the World Cup, their legacies remain secure in football history.
The World Cup may be the dream of every player, but football’s greatest stories often come from both victory and heartbreak. These players prove that a missing trophy does not overshadow the brilliance, drama, and inspiration they brought to the sport.
