The 50+ Best World Cup Players In 2014: Unveiling the Best Players’ Performances

The 2014 World Cup was not just a tournament; it was a celebration of exceptional talent and unforgettable moments. 

In this article, we revisit some of the finest players who left an indelible mark on the game. From awe-inspiring goals to tactical masterstrokes, these players became the heart and soul of the tournament. 

We take you through a journey of their skill, resilience, and moments that defined their legacy as the best World Cup players in 2014.

Our List of The 80+ Best World Cup Players In 2014 (Updating)

1. Lionel Messi (Forward) – $600 million

Age: 36

Country: Argentina

Club: Inter Miami

Lionel Messi – Widely regarded as one of the best footballers of all time, Messi’s career is distinguished by his extraordinary skill, vision, and goal-scoring ability.

A record-breaking tenure at Barcelona saw him win numerous Ballon d’Or awards, Champions League titles, and league championships. His move to Paris Saint-Germain added another chapter to his illustrious career.

2. Arjen Robben (Winger) – $80 Million

Age: 39 years old

Country: Netherlands

Club: Bayern Munich (Retired)

Arjen Robben – Renowned for his speed, dribbling, and signature left-footed finishes, Robben had a successful career, particularly at Bayern Munich. His ability to cut inside and score critical goals was a key element of his play, helping Bayern to numerous Bundesliga titles and a Champions League victory.

3. James Rodriguez (Attacking Midfielder) – $80 Million

Age: 32 years old

Country: Colombia

Club: São Paulo FC

James Rodriguez – James rose to prominence with his performances for Colombia in the World Cup and his subsequent move to Real Madrid. Known for his creativity, technique, and scoring ability, he has been an influential playmaker for club and country.

4. Miralem Pjanic (Central Midfielder)

Age: 33 years old

Country: Bosnia-Herzegovina

Club: Sharjah FC

Miralem Pjanic is known for his passing, vision, and free-kick ability. His career includes successful stints at clubs like AS Roma, Juventus, and Barcelona, where he contributed significantly to their midfield dynamics.

5. Daley Blind ((Defender/Midfielder))

Age: 33 years old

Country: Netherlands

Club: Girona FC

Daley Blind’s versatility allows him to play both in defense and midfield. He has been a key player for Ajax and the Netherlands national team, known for his tactical intelligence, ball control, and defensive skills.

6. Thomas Muller – (Forward/Midfielder) – $55 million

Age: 34 years old

Country: Germany

Club: Bayern Munich

Thomas Mueller – A versatile player capable of playing across the front line or behind the striker, Müller is known for his movement, space exploitation, and goal-scoring. A key player for Bayern Munich and Germany, he has won numerous Bundesliga titles and a World Cup.

7. Manuel Neuer (Goalkeeper) – $50 million

Age: 37 years old

Country: Germany

Club: Bayern Munich

Manuel Neuer is often considered one of the greatest goalkeepers in the world. Neuer is known for his shot-stopping, command of the area, and skill with the ball at his feet. His performances for Bayern Munich and Germany have earned him numerous accolades.

8. Stefan De Vrij (Centre-Back)

Age: 31 years old

Country: Netherlands

Club: Inter Milan

Stefan De Vrij is a solid and reliable defender. He has been key for clubs like Lazio and Inter Milan. Known for his tackling, positioning, and ability to play the ball out from the back, he’s been a consistent presence in defense.

9. Bastian Schweinsteiger (Midfielder) – $90 million

Age: 39 years old

Country: Germany

Club: Bayern Munich (Retired)

Bastian Schweinsteiger – A versatile midfielder known for his stamina, technique, and leadership, Schweinsteiger was integral to Germany’s World Cup victory and Bayern Munich’s domestic and European successes.

10. Neymar (Forward) – $250 million

Age: 31 years old

Country: Brazil

Club: Al Hilal SFC

Neymar is One of the most skillful players in the world. Neymar’s career at Barcelona and PSG has been marked by dazzling dribbling, creativity, and goal-scoring. He’s been a key player for Brazil and one of the standout forwards in European football.

11. Mats Hummels (Centre-Back) – $12 million

Age: 34 years old

Country: Germany

Club: Borussia Dortmund

Mats Hummels is known for his defensive intelligence, composure, and passing ability. He has been a key figure for Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, and the German national team.

12. Karim Benzema (Forward) – $80 Million

Age: 35 years old

Country: France

Club: Al-Ittihad Club

Karim Benzema is a skilled and versatile forward. He has been a consistent performer for Real Madrid, contributing significantly to their multiple Champions League and La Liga victories with his technical ability, intelligence, and goal-scoring.

13. Jerome Boateng (Centre-Back)

Age: 35 years old

Country: Germany

Club: Bayern Munich

Jerome Boateng – A key defender for Bayern Munich and Germany, Boateng is known for his strength, tackling, and ability to play the ball out from the back. He’s been integral in numerous domestic and European victories.

14. Ezequiel Garay (Centre-Back)

Age: 37 years old

Country: Argentina

Club: Valencia FC (Retired)

Ezequiel Garay is recognized for his defensive skills, aerial ability, and leadership. His career includes successful spells in Spain, Russia, and Portugal, making him a seasoned and reliable defender.

15. Ron Vlaar (Centre-Back)

Age: 38 years old

Country: Netherlands

Club: AZ Alkmaar

Ron Vlaar was a strong and commanding defender known for his tackling, aerial ability, and leadership. He had notable spells at Aston Villa and AZ Alkmaar and was a key player for the Netherlands.

16. Giancarlo Gonzalez (Centre-Back)

Age: 35 years old

Country: Costa Rica

Club: LD Alajuelense

Giancarlo Gonzalez has been noted for his defensive prowess, positioning, and aerial ability, playing a key role in defense for clubs in MLS, Italy, and his national team, Costa Rica.

17. Keylor Navas (Goalkeeper)

Age: 36 years old

Country: Costa Rica

Club: Paris Saint-Germain F.C.

Keylor Navas gained prominence with his exceptional performances for Costa Rica and his subsequent success with Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain. Known for his reflexes and shot-stopping ability, he’s been one of the top goalkeepers in Europe.

18. Philipp Lahm (Defender/Midfielder)

Age: 40 years old

Country: Germany

Club: FC Bayern Munich

Philipp Lahm is renowned for his versatility, intelligence, and leadership. He excelled both as a full-back and midfielder for Bayern Munich and Germany. His career is highlighted by numerous titles, including a World Cup and Champions League.

19. Alexis Sanchez (Forward)

Age: 34 years old

Country: Chile

Club: Inter Milan

Alexis Sanchez – A dynamic forward known for his pace, dribbling, and goal-scoring, Sanchez has had successful stints at Barcelona, Arsenal, and Inter Milan, making him a key player in attack.

20. Guillermo Ochoa (Goalkeeper)

Age: 38 years old

Country: Mexico

Club: U.S. Salernitana 1919

Guillermo Ochoa is best known for his agility, reflexes, and standout performances for the Mexican national team in multiple World Cup tournaments.

21. Marcos Rojo (Defender)

Age: 33 years old

Country: Argentina

Club: Club Atlético Boca Juniors

Marcos Rojo, capable of playing as a centre-back or left-back, is known for his physicality, tackling, and ability to contribute in defense. He’s been a regular for the Argentine national team and had significant stints with Manchester United and Sporting Lisbon.

22. Mathieu Valbuena (Midfielder) – $15 Million

Age: 39 years old

Country: France

Club: Apollon Limassol FC

Mathieu Valbuena – A skillful attacking midfielder, Valbuena is known for his creativity, agility, and ability to create scoring opportunities, playing key roles for clubs like Marseille and the French national team.

23. Mario Yepes (Centre-Back)

Age: 47 years old

Country: Colombia

Club: Paris Saint-Germain F.C. (Retired)

Mario Yepes was known for his leadership, defensive skills, and aerial ability throughout his career. He was a key figure for Colombia and had successful stints in various European clubs.

24. Nigel De Jong (Midfielder)

Age: 39 years old

Country: Netherlands

Club: Al Ahli SC

Nigel De Jong – A tough-tackling central midfielder, De Jong was known for his physicality, defensive ability, and tenacity. He had notable spells with Manchester City, AC Milan, and the Netherlands national team.

25. Joel Campbell (Forward)

Age: 31 years old

Country: Costa Rica

Club: Liga Deportiva Alajuelense

Joel Campbell, a versatile forward, is known for his pace, skill, and ability to play across the front line. He’s had stints at Arsenal and various other clubs and has been a key player for the Costa Rican national team.

Other Best World Cup Players of Our List:

• 26. Juan Cuadrado
• 27. Cristian Gamboa
• 28. Hugo Lloris
• 29. Charles Aranguiz
• 30. Hector Herrera
• 31. Toni Kroos
• 32. Kenneth Omeruo
• 33. Mesut Ozil
• 34. Jasper Cillessen
• 35. Vincent Kompany
• 36. Sami Khedira
• 37. Blaise Matuidi
• 38. Pablo Zabaleta
• 39. Tim Howard
• 40. Oscar
• 41. Jose Juan Vazquez
• 42. Marcelo Diaz
• 43. Robin Van Persie
• 44. Jermaine Jones
• 45. Raphael Varane
• 46. Miguel Layun
• 47. Mathieu Debuchy
• 48. Claudio Bravo
• 49. Benedikt Howedes
• 50. Ivan Perisic

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was the best player at the 2018 World Cup?

n player Luka Modrić was voted the tournament’s best player and won the Golden Ball after that.

Who won Golden Boot 2018 World Cup?

England captain, Harry Kane, won the Golden Boot at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, having scored a total of six goals.

Has Luka Modric won a World Cup?

No

Who has more Golden Boot Messi or Ronaldo?

Lionel Messi is the all time record winner of the award, having won it six times overall. He also holds the record for most goals and most points in a single season (50 and 100 respectively, in 2011–12). Cristiano Ronaldo is second on the all time list, having won four Golden Shoes, as well as two consecutively.

Who won WC 2014?

German national football team

Who won 2006 World Cup?

Italy national football team

Who won 2010 World Cup?

Spain national football team

Will Neymar play 2026 World Cup?

Neymar has hinted that he will prolong his international career with Brazil through to the 2026 World Cup

Who won 1998 World Cup?

French national football team

Who runs faster Messi or Ronaldo?

Bringing the argument back to the Messi vs Ronaldo debate, Cristiano Ronaldo has been faster than Lionel Messi

Who is faster Ronaldo or Mbappe?

Speed in football can be measured in various ways, including top sprinting speed and acceleration. Both Mbappé and Ronaldo are known for their acceleration and sprinting abilities, but Mbappé was often recognized as one of the quickest players on the pitch.

Conclusion

Reflecting on the 2014 World Cup, it’s clear why these players are celebrated. Their extraordinary skills and memorable performances not only defined that tournament but also inspired millions of football fans worldwide.

Their legacy goes beyond just the goals and assists; it’s about the passion and spirit they brought to the beautiful game.

Let’s continue to celebrate their greatness and eagerly await the next chapter in football’s epic journey at https://whogohere.com/.