Top 5 players with most appereances in World Cup history

It’s not surprising that this World Cup list is made up of some of the best players in football history.

The World Cup is the ultimate stage for football players to showcase their talents and make history. Among the many records set in the tournament, the number of appearances a player has made is one of the most significant.

It takes a special kind of player to play in multiple tournaments, and even more impressive to play in four or five. In this article, we will take a look at the top five players with the most appearances in World Cup history.

5- Cristiano Ronaldo (22)

Cristiano Ronaldo is widely considered one of the greatest players of all time. The Portuguese superstar has played in five World Cups, starting in 2006 and ending in 2022. In total, Ronaldo has made 22 appearances in the tournament, scoring 8 goals. Although he has yet to lift the trophy, Ronaldo’s performances have always been a sight to behold.

4- Paolo Maldini (23)

Paolo Maldini is one of the greatest defenders in the history of football. The Italian legend played in four World Cups, starting in 1990 and ending in 2002. Maldini’s 23 appearances in the tournament are a testament to his longevity and consistency at the highest level.

3- Miroslav Klose (24)

Miroslav Klose is the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history, with 16 goals. The German striker played in four World Cups, starting in 2002 and ending in 2014. Klose’s 24 appearances in the tournament are a testament to his importance to the German national team, and his ability to perform on the biggest stage.

2- Lothar Matthäus (25)

Lothar Matthäus is a German football legend who played in five World Cups, starting in 1982 and ending in 1998. Matthäus’ 25 appearances in the tournament are a record that stood for many years. He played in every position, from sweeper to attacking midfielder, and was a key member of the German team that won the tournament in 1990.

1- Lionel Messi (26)

Lionel Messi is widely considered one of the greatest players of all time. The Argentine superstar has played in five World Cups, starting in 2006 and ending in 2022. Messi’s 26 appearances in the tournament are a record that he broke in the 2022 tournament’s final, where he led Argentina to their third World Cup title. Messi’s performances in the tournament have been nothing short of extraordinary, and he has scored 13 goals along the way.