The skills witnessed within a World Cup are a breathtaking feat; however, you do not need to be a World Champion to cement a permanent and indelible place for yourself in this sport. These players have done exactly that, but never managed to get their hands on the prize.
Johan Cruyff
A total of three goals went the way of the Dutch ahead of a final in which the world champions were surprisingly beaten 2-1. Cruyff was universally considered the best player in the tournament, and would then go on to be the greatest influence on world football of any man in the sport’s history:
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Individually marvelous performances coupled with an astonishing nine goals saw the tournament’s top scorer blast Portugal into third position, and the player scored four goals against North Korea in perhaps the finest of all solo performances in any World Cup final:
Ferenc Puskás
Ferenc Puskás led Hungary team at the 1954 World Cup. His effort made Hungary reach the final, but they eventually lost to West Germany. Puskás, with a total of 4 goals in the tournament, including one in the final, achieved solid status with Real Madrid.
Michel Platini
Michel Platini was the heartbeat of France throughout the 1980s, despite a brilliant World Cup campaign in 1982. He carried his side to the semifinal stage, where, even after being taken to penalties after extra time by West Germany. They eventually lost and could not progress any further with France.
Paolo Maldini
This Italian defender played in four World Cup tournaments in the course of his career, with his most distant achievement being the 1994 World Cup final. Italy drew 0-0 with Brazil before losing the penalty shootout.
These players have demonstrated that they do not require winning a World Cup in order to have their name etched into the history books forever with regard to the beautiful game.
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