Some players don’t just shine at one World Cup—they make the tournament their personal stage across years or even decades. Here are 15 football legends who dominated multiple World Cups with unforgettable performances.

1. Pelé – Brazil (1958, 1962, 1970)

Won three World Cups, scoring in finals and dazzling across three tournaments as the face of Brazil’s golden era.

2. Diego Maradona – Argentina (1982, 1986, 1990, 1994)

Dominated 1986 with the “Hand of God” and “Goal of the Century” but also led Argentina to the 1990 final.

3. Miroslav Klose – Germany (2002, 2006, 2010, 2014)

Scored a record 16 World Cup goals across four tournaments, becoming the all-time leading scorer.

4. Cafu – Brazil (1994, 1998, 2002, 2006)

Played in three consecutive finals (winning two) and appeared in four World Cups as a right-back legend.

5. Paolo Maldini – Italy (1990, 1994, 1998, 2002)

One of the greatest defenders, anchoring Italy’s backline for four tournaments, including the 1994 final.

6. Franz Beckenbauer – Germany (1966, 1970, 1974)

Shined as a midfielder and sweeper, leading Germany to three finals and winning in 1974 as captain.

7. Lothar Matthäus – Germany (1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998)

Holds the record for most World Cup matches played, captaining Germany to victory in 1990.

8. Cristiano Ronaldo – Portugal (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022)

Scored in five straight World Cups, a feat unmatched by any other male player.

9. Lionel Messi – Argentina (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022)

Starred in five tournaments, winning the Golden Ball in 2014 and lifting the trophy in 2022.

10. Gianluigi Buffon – Italy (1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014)

Italy’s iconic goalkeeper, helping win the 2006 World Cup and setting longevity records.

11. Zinedine Zidane – France (1998, 2002, 2006)

Scored twice in the 1998 final, led France to two finals, and delivered legendary performances despite a red card in 2006.

12. Javier Mascherano – Argentina (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018)

The defensive warrior was a mainstay for Argentina, reaching the 2014 final with heroic displays.

13. Thierry Henry – France (1998, 2002, 2006, 2010)

Became France’s top scorer across multiple tournaments and a key figure in their 2006 final run.

14. Roberto Carlos – Brazil (1998, 2002, 2006)

One of the world’s best left-backs, a crucial part of Brazil’s defense in three tournaments.

15. Andrés Iniesta – Spain (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018)

Scored the winning goal in the 2010 final and orchestrated Spain’s midfield across four World Cups.

Legendary World Cups Players

These legends proved greatness isn’t about one moment—it’s about consistent excellence on the world’s biggest stage. Their feats define World Cup history.