'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Winning the FIFA World Cup is a dream come true for every player who has managed to taste success in the coveted tournament. By far the biggest honor in the sport, it is no surprise that many place a lot of emphasis on the iconic trophy when bestowing legendary status on footballers.
Yet there are a number of footballing icons who don't have a FIFA World Cup-winning medal in their cabinets. These are players who deservedly have their names written in the history books courtesy of their brilliant achievements and performances for club and country.
Unfortunately, they fell short of leading their respective nations to success in the FIFA World Cup, and this is considered a stain on their careers. Nevertheless, that doesn't deprive them of their legendary status or take anything away from what they represent to the game.
With that said, let's quickly take a look at five of the greatest players who never won the FIFA World Cup.
#5 Michel Platini
Michel Platini enjoyed a successful playing career, winning three Ballon d'Or awards. He was a huge force to be reckoned with at Juventus, leading the club to one Champions League crown, two Serie A titles, one Italian Cup and more.
At the international level, Michel Platini managed to score 42 goals for France in 72 appearances. He also led Les Bleus to claim the European Championship in 1984.
Unfortunately, he couldn't lead his nation to triumph in the FIFA World Cup. The best he could do was reach the semifinals of the tournament in 1982 and 1986.
#4 Paolo Maldini
Paolo Maldini is widely recognized as the greatest defender in football history. This is because of his incredible performances and achievements during his active playing days.
The legendary centre-back played for AC Milan throughout his club career, making a whopping 901 appearances and recording 33 goals and 43 assists. He also bagged 126 caps with the Italian national team, contributing seven goals.
Maldini won almost everything at club level, but it is quite unfortunate that he couldn't win any major prizes with his nation. Some of the notable honors claimed by the legendary defender at club level include the Champions League, Serie A, the Italian Cup, UEFA Super Cup, and more.
#3 Johan Cruyff
Former Barcelona and Ajax superstar Johan Cruyff is one of the greatest players in football history who failed to win the FIFA World Cup during their playing days.
The Dutchman went really close to getting the job done as he led the Netherlands to the final of the tournament in 1974. Unfortunately, they missed out on the prize after falling to a narrow 2-1 defeat to West Germany at the Olympiastadion in Munich.
It is even more lamentable to learn that the legendary attacking midfielder failed to win any major honors with his nation. His statistics with the Dutch national team stands at 33 goals in 48 appearances.
#2 Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo is known for his incredible winning mentality, having managed to lead his club and country to multiple triumphs already. Unfortunately, he's been unable to make things work for Portugal in the FIFA World Cup.
The Manchester United forward has participated in the iconic tournament on four separate occasions, namely in 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2018. His record in the tournament stands at seven goals and two assists in 17 games.
The Portuguese will get one more opportunity to claim the prestigious trophy when the tournament is held in Qatar this year. That, however, will depend on whether his nation manages to progress from the playoffs or not.
#1 Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi removed an embarrassing stain on his international legacy when he finally led his nation to claim the Copa America in Brazil last year. However, there's still one important trophy he's yet to lay his hands on - the FIFA World Cup.
Lionel Messi got very close to claiming the iconic trophy in 2014 when he fired his nation into the final in Brazil. However, luck wasn't on their side as they lost to Germany in extra-time.
Like Cristiano Ronaldo, the Paris Saint-Germain superstar will get another chance to win the FIFA World Cup this year when the competition takes place in Qatar. It remains to be seen if luck will finally shine on him this time.
