Garrincha
Country: Brazil
DOB: 28/10/1936
World Cups: 1958, 1962
The Little Sparrow
When he was born Garrincha had one leg shorter than the other, curvature of the spine and deformed hips. It was thought he would never walk, but he became one of the deadliest wingers in world football and the dominant force behind the Brazilian victory in 1962. After Garrincha destroyed the Soviet Union in his first World Cup match the Soviets visited Brazil’s training ground, approached him collectively and, touching him, they said: “At last, we’ve got you!”
Did you know?
Garrincha spent much of his childhood hunting
for little sparrows, or “garrinchas”, hence his footballing nickname.
Salvatore Schillaci
Country: Italy
DOB: 01/12/1964
World Cups: 1990
An unexpected hero
From a poor family in Sicily, and virtually unknown outside his homeland, Salvatore “Toto” Schillaci debuted as a substitute in the 1990 World Cup and ended up winning the Golden Boot and becoming an instant global phenomenon. Known for his explosive finishing and celebrations, he quickly disappeared after the tournament ended.
Did you know?
With only seven goals in 16 caps, Schillaci scored just one more goal after the 1990 World Cup.
Oleg Salenko
Country: Russia
DOB: 25/10/69
World Cups: 1994
Record-breaking Russian
One of few footballers whose brief fame can be attributed entirely to the World Cup, Salenko was joint top scorer in the 1994 tournament with six goals despite Russia being eliminated in the first round. He played a total of nine internationals and never scored in an international game before or after the 1994 World Cup.
Did you know?
A record five of his goals came in one game against a lacklustre Cameroon side – a World Cup record.
Diego Maradona
Country: Argentina
DOB: 30/10/1960
World Cups: 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994
A left foot of pure gold and a left hand of pure “God”
Maradona exudeåd attitude and skill, excelling at football’s most exciting attribute – the ability to beat players with the ball at your feet. His tank-like build and low-centre of gravity allowed him to move and caress the ball at great speeds and make it very difficult for the opposition to interject without fouling him.
An inexperienced Maradona found life hard in Spain in 1982, giving in to his frustrations by kicking out at Brazil’s Batista. Four years later though, he held his temperament and pretty much single-handedly brought the trophy back home. Against England in the quarters, he scored twice: the first, the greatest goal the World Cup has ever seen; the second using the palm of his left hand to beat a slovenly Peter Shilton. Asked for his version of the goal, Maradona said: ‘A little of the hand of God, a little of the head of Maradona.’ The English weren’t so philosophical.
Did you know?
Maradona has a portrait of Fidel Castro tattooed on his left leg and one of Ernesto “Che” Guevara on his right arm.
Ferenc Puskas
Country: Hungary
DOB: 02/04/1927
World Cups: 1954
Hungary’s “Galloping Major”
Puskas was both prominent member and captain of the “Magical Magyars” Hungarian side who beat England 6-3 at Wembley (the first non-UK team to do so) and narrowly missed out on World Cup glory in 1954 to another stubborn West Germany side whom they had previously brushed aside 8-3.
Did you know?
In October 2009, FIFA announced the FIFA Puskas Award, presented to the player who has scored the “most beautiful goal” over the tournament.
Gary Lineker
Country: England
DOB: 30/11/1960
World Cups: 1986, 1990
England’s Mr Nice
Preferring to ruffle the feathers of defenders as opposed to referees, throughout his entire professional career Gary Lineker was never cautioned or sent off by a referee. He did his talking in front of goal, taking the Golden Boot in 1986 with 6 goals, and tallying 10 World Cup goals in all, making him England’s highest ever scorer in World Cup tournaments.
Did you know?
Gary’s middle name is Winston.
Careca
Country: Brazil
DOB: 05/10/1960
World Cups: 1986
No clown in front of goal
Playing alongside Maradona at Napoli in the ruthless arena that is Serie A, Careca was both talented and tough, brilliant and resolute. As Maradona said: ‘The more they kick him, the better he becomes. There’s not many Brazilians play the way Careca does.’ Careca finished the 1986 tournament with five goals, just one behind England’s Gary Lineker.
Did you know?
Careca gained his nickname as a kid because he was obsessed with a clown called Carequinha
Franz Beckenbauer
Country: Germany
DOB: 11/09/1945
World Cups: 1966, 1970, 1974
Der Kaiser
Playing just in front of the defence (a position he invented, and which revolutionised coaching manuals) Beckenbauer was famous for his instantaneous control and subsequent ability to build swift attacks with his turn of pace and exceptional vision and anticipation. At the age of 19, Beckenbauer made his debut for his country in a crucial World Cup qualifier against Sweden. He would go on to become the first man to lift the new World Cup trophy as captain of Germany in 1974. And again in 1990 as coach.
Did you know?
In a long and successful career, Beckenbauer was never sent from the pitch for foul play.
Mario Kempes
Country: Argentina
DOB: 15/07/1954
World Cups: 1978, 1982
The Irresistible Gaucho
Mario Kempes started the biggest party ever seen in his home country when his two goals against Holland in the 1978 final gave Argentina their first World Cup victory. His speed on the burst was his critical asset and earned him not only the Golden Boot, but the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player. Kempes played deep on the left behind the tightly marked strikeforce of Luque, Bertoni and Ortiz. Cesar Menotti, the coach, believed it would give Kempes more space. He was right.
Did you know?
Kempes loved his mum’s cooking so much, whenever he moved club sides his whole family always moved with him.
Hristo Stoichkov
Country: Bulgaria
DOB: 08/02/1966
World Cups: 1994, 1998
Bulgarian firework
Famous for his fiery temper on the field of play, if it wasn’t for his sumptuous left foot and daunting expertise at set-pieces, Stoichkov’s reputation for arguing with officials would probably be his overriding legacy. However, when his feet did do the talking, they spoke in a language the whole world understood.
Did you know?
At the 1994 FIFA World Cup, Stoichkov was awarded the Golden Boot as the joint top scorer.
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