Footballers with the most World Cups played

Last update 5 November, 2024 by Alberto Llopis

Who are the players with the most World Cups played?? The FIFA World Cup is the most prestigious football tournament in the world, where players of all nationalities dream of representing their countries and competing in the maximum scenario. However, Not all soccer players achieve the feat of playing in several World Cups.

Participating in five world cups is not an easy feat to achieve and reflects a combination of talent, longevity and commitment. Here we review the legends that have had the privilege of playing the greatest number of world glasses. And some with the possibility of reaching a sixth.

Footballers with more world world players: The elite of the five World Cups

Antonio Carbajal – Mexico (5 World Cups)

Antonio “The tota” Carbajal was the first in history to play five world glasses. This legendary Mexican goalkeeper debuted at the World Cup in Brazil 1950 and was convened consecutively for the World Cups 1954, 1958, 1962 y 1966. With an impressive career that covered 16 years in World Cup tournaments, Carbajal established the standard for future soccer players who aspired to have an extensive trajectory in the maximum selection tournament. He was a pioneer and his five -party brand was unbeatable until the end of the 20th century.

Lothar Matthäus – Germany (5 World Cups)

Lothar Matthäus, One of Germany's most emblematic players, It is another of the players that reached the historic figure of five cups in the world. The German midfielder played in the World Cups 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994 y 1998, highlighting for your ability, resistance and leadership capacity.

In 1990, Matthäus was a key piece for German national team, that champion was consecrated in Italy. Their participation in five World Cups and its success in 1990 They consolidated him as one of the most prominent legends in the history of football.

Rafael Marquez – Mexico (5 World Cups)

The Mexican Rafael Marquez He is another player who has marked a milestone in the World Cups by participating in five editions: 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014 y 2018. His ability to adapt to different positions in defense and the midfield allowed him to stay in the elite for almost two decades. Known for its leadership and great technique, Márquez also captained Mexico in several of these tournaments, which makes it a symbol of Mexican football and a reference of consistency and professionalism in the international arena.

Gianluigi Buffon – Italia (5 World Cups)

Gianluigi Buffon, The historic Italian goalkeeper, It is another of the players who has had the honor of playing five cups in the world. His debut in this prestigious tournament was in France 1998, and participated in the editions of 2002, 2006, 2010 y 2014. Although in 1998 He did not play, It was part of the team and then consolidated as the head goalkeeper of Italy, highlighting especially in 2006, When the Italians won the World Cup in Germany. Buffon is remembered not only for his longevity in the tournament, but also for its exceptional performance under the three sticks.

Lionel Messi – Argentina (5 World Cups)

Lionel Messi, considered one of the best players in history, He has had a prominent role in five world glasses: 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 y 2022.

With his unmatched talent, Messi led the Argentine National Team to the final of the Brazil World Cup 2014 In Brazil and finally conquered the title in Qatar 2022, a triumph that culminated his international career with an expected achievement. His participation in these five tournaments consolidated him as an undisputed icon and assured him a place in the history of the World Cups.

Cristiano Ronaldo – Portugal (5 World Cups)

Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo, Another of the legends of this sport, has played in five World Cups to date: 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 y 2022. Known for your tireless work, His scoring ability and his leadership in the field, Ronaldo has represented Portugal with pride in each tournament. Although he has not won the World Cup, His influence and his individual achievements in the international arena have consolidated him as one of the great players in the history of the World Cups. Besides Cristiano Ronaldo made history to be the only player in 5 World Cups.

Andres Guardado – Mexico (5 World Cups)

Andrés Guardado is another Mexican player who reached the figure of five cups in the world, participating in 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 y 2022. Known for its midfield in the midfield, Guardado has been an important piece for the Mexican team for almost two decades. Its consistency and delivery in each of the World Cup tournaments have kept a symbol of commitment and dedication in Mexican football.

Guillermo ‘Memo’ Ochoa- Mexico (5 World Cups)

Guillermo “Memo” Ochoa is a legend of Mexican football and one of the few players to participate in five world glasses. His first experience came in the World Cup in Germany 2006, where he was summoned as a substitute without seeing action. In South Africa 2010, He was also a substitute, although the future of the Mexican goal was already considered. It was in Brazil 2014 When Ochoa finally shone as a starter, Leaving unforgettable performances such as tie 0-0 against Brazil, where his stops against Neymar made him a national hero.

In Russia 2018, Ochoa was a key figure again, With a remarkable performance in victory 1-0 About Germany, where he accumulated 25 Scapes in the tournament. Already in Qatar 2022, to their 37 years, He kept as headline and starred in another memorable moment by stopping a pen. Although Mexico did not advance, The consistency and delivery of Ochoa in five cups of the world consolidate it as one of the great arches of history, being an example of longevity and commitment to your country.

Players who have played in 4 World Cups

1. Skin (Brazil) – 1958, 1962, 1966, 1970 (Won 3 from them)
2. Diego Maradona (Argentina) – 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994
3. Miroslav Klose (Germany) – 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014
4. Gianluigi Buffon (Italia) – 1998, 2002, 2006, 2014
5. Xavi Hernandez (Spain) – 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014
6. Thierry Henry (France) – 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010
7. Paolo Maldini (Italia) – 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002
8. Dino Zoff (Italia) – 1970, 1974, 1978, 1982
9. Javier Mascherano (Argentina) – 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018
10. Coffee (Brazil) – 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006
11. Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany) – 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018
12. Philipp Lahm (Germany) – 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018
13. Fernando Hierro (Spain) – 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002
14. Luka Modric (Croatia) – 2006, 2014, 2018, 2022
15. Roque Santa Cruz (Paraguay) – 2002, 2006, 2010, 2018
16. Iker Casillas (Spain) – 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014