Who are the biggest stars at World Cup 2022?

Previous World Cups have offered a platform for established icons to shine and breakthrough players to make their mark on the world stage, and 2022 should be no different.

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Kylian Mbappe (France)

Mbappe has been outstanding for France as Didier Deschamps’ side clinch the world title in 2018, but the Paris Saint-Germain star has been elevated to another over the past two seasons level, he has scored an incredible 68 club goals since the start of the 2020-21 season.

Lionel Messi (Argentina)

Claims of Messi’s waning strength have been exaggerated this season, with the mercurial Argentine showing his talent on a deeper level at Paris Saint-Germain. He is currently the leading assist-maker in the Ligue 1 with 10 assists so far, and his enduring ability will once again be at the heart of Lionel Scaloni’s side.

Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium)

De Bruyne will be in charge of finally helping Belgium lose their ‘almost man’ label in Qatar after a star-studded squad that has struggled in previous matches. However, the Manchester City man will be determined to prove himself as the number one midfielder in world football.

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

Qatar’s Cristiano Ronaldo will be expected to play in a record fifth final, but Portugal will have to work hard through qualifying for the playoffs. They ended up beating North Macedonia to secure their place in the Championship, and the 2016 European champions will once again see Ronaldo as a huge focal point in their ability to lead their attack.

Vinicius Jr. (Brazil)

Despite the pressure to establish himself as a key player for Real Madrid and Brazil over the past 18 months, Vinicius Jr has handled the challenge brilliantly. His Madrid-based partnership with Karim Benzema is currently the deadliest in Spanish football, and his world-class potential could make him one of the breakthrough figures at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Virgil van Dijk (Netherlands)

Despite always playing the role of Liverpool’s defensive rock, Van Dijk has never represented his country in a World Cup. The Dutchman is much stronger at the back and in midfield than he has in recent years, and like Premier League rival De Bruyne, Van Dijk is aiming to cement his label as one of the best players in world football.

Neymar (Brazil)

The mercurial Brazilian continues to carry the nation’s hope on the biggest stage, and Qatar 2022 is no exception. A nation expects Neymar to put on the jersey and he will be desperate to lead Selecao to his first world title since 2002. Neymar has failed to live up to the heights he had hoped for at Paris Saint-Germain this season, with injuries not helping, but he remains the focus of attack for the 2021 Copa America finalist who was defeated.

Pedri (Spain)

La Roja star Pedri is the newest midfielder in the Spanish production line, having previously produced Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta and Xavi. However, there is a perception around the Camp Nou that Pedri could one day surpass his Barcelona predecessor as he seeks to make a stunning breakthrough at Euro 2020.

Karim Benzema (France)

Deschamps’ decision to recall Benzema for Euro 2020 drew mixed public reactions in France as Les Bleus pulled out in the round of 16. However, the veteran striker reminded everyone of his vital game talent in 2021 – 22, especially in the Champions League, and he remains one of the deadliest finishers on the planet.

Luka Modric (Croatia)

Modric is likely to follow the likes of Ronaldo, Messi and Benzema and his international career may be suspended after the World Cup, but the 36-year-old midfielder will be determined to lead Croatia to success in Qatar, Despite his advanced age, he is still a match for anyone in world football.

Alphonso Davies (Canada)

Canada, who qualified for the World Cup for the first time since Mexico in 1986, advanced to the final without a talisman. Davis was ruled out after contracting COVID-19 with myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart. The Bayern Munich man’s emotional reaction on social media to Canada securing their place in Qatar suggests it means a lot to him and, soon to be fully fit again, he will be desperate to shine on the biggest stage.

Christian Pulisic (USA)

If the USMNT is going to be deep in the game, they’ll need their talisman, Pulisic, to lead them. The Chelsea playmaker, who has been at the top of their qualifying campaign, hopes to join him on the world stage as Greg Berhalter in 2021-22 with his excellent club form in the Premier League A member of a talented lineup.

Son Heung-min (South Korea)

Son Heung-min has shown time and time again throughout his career with Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League, scoring some of the most spectacular goals in the league. Equally ruthless at the international level, with more than 30 international goals to his name, he will be one of the strikers expected to shine in the Middle East.

Harry Kane (England)

England captain Harry Kane will be a key figure in Gareth Southgate’s side as the Three Lions aim to build on their Euro 2020 final defeat to Italy. Kane is back in top form for the second half of the 2021-22 season, but his club’s future will once again be in the pre-season headlines.