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The 2018 Russia World Cup has been absolutely spellbinding thus far producing some fantastic thrills and spills. Records have been shattered, tears have been shed and a number of fans from around the world have flocked to the tournament, as it progresses into the knockout phase.
With the action heading into the latter stages of the tournament, 8 countries will remain after the final four round of 16 matches. In two weeks time, new world champions will be crowned.
Here we take a look at the only four players who have scored in four different editions of the World Cup.
#4 Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo became the fourth player in World Cup history to score a goal in four different editions of the tournament in 06, 10, 14 and 18. Despite achieving this feat, the Portuguese still remains one of the greatest to have never lifted to the trophy. Portugal crashed out of the tournament in the round of 16 to Uruguay a few days ago.
Ronaldo’s only goal at the 2014 FIFA World Cup was the winning goal against Ghana in the group stage. Ronaldo took the 2018 FIFA World Cup by storm notching a hattrick against Spain, before scoring the winner against Morocco. This is the 9th consecutive international tournament at which Ronaldo has scored in international competitions.
Just hours before kick-off against Spain, he was handed a two-year suspended prison sentence and fined £16.5million by the Spanish government for tax fraud. He will return to Spain and handle these charges.
#3 Miroslav Klose
A humble scoring machine known for his positional and finishing ability, Miroslav Klose scored his 16th goal in the 2014 World Cup, breaking the all-time record and becoming the all-time World Cup goalscorer in history.
Klose had his first World Cup appearance in the 2002 World Cup and had scored an unbeaten record of five goals, all from headers. He is also the all-time record goalscorer for Germany, with 71 goals in 137 games for Die Mannschaft, who also netted 16 goals in the tournament across 4 editions in 2006 Germany, 2010 South Africa and the 2014 Rio World Cup.
A prolific goalscorer, Klose was also well-known for his ethical style of play on the field and built close-knit connections with fans ff the field. Klose ended his international career after lifting the World Cup trophy along with setting the record of scoring the most World Cup goals.
#2 Uwe Seeler
Uwe Seeler was the strong and silent type German master strategist, who adjusted to the needs of his team. The German Seeler, a short and stocky figure played as an inside forward but possessed a ferocious shot that could surprise the best of goalkeepers. The player was his country's most prolific scorer until the arrival of Gerd Muller.
Seeler played in four World Cups between 1958 and 1970, appeared in 21 Cup matches which were a record until fellow countryman Lothar Matthaus upstaged it in 1998. The Germans made the semifinals in '58, the quarterfinals in '62, the final in '66 and finished third in '70. He netted in each of his four appearances at a World Cup and had a total tally of 9 goals at World Cups.
Seeler made the last of his 72 international appearances against Hungary in Nuremberg in 1970, finishing with 43 goals.
#1 Pele
Widely regarded as one of the best ever players, Pele scored 12 goals in just 14 World Cup appearances. The Brazilian, Pele was one of the most vital players in Brazil’s triumph in international football. He enjoyed one of the most decorated careers in world football with the Brazilian national team and won three FIFA World Cup titles in 1958, 1962 and 1970. The only player to ever do so.
The IFFHS had voted him as the World Player of the Century in 1999. The same year, he shared the title of the FIFA Player of the Century with Maradona. The crafty, quick powerful forward scored in 1958, 1962, 1966 and 1970 editions of the tournament.
It is said by many that Pele had perfect balance and an impossible vision. His list of achievements and the legacy he left behind is legendary. Even after years of retirement, he continues to serve as one of the biggest inspirations in the world of football.
