Top 5 footballers with appearances at the World Cup » Where Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo rank
Article by Alexandru Tomuțiu – Published Monday, March 30, 2026 8:26 p.m. / Updated Monday, March 30, 2026 8:26 p.m.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are among the top 5 footballers with the most matches played in the World Cup.
Almost a century after the first World Cup in 1930, held in Uruguay, the competition has gathered in its history dozens of matches played around the globe. Who are the players with the most World Cup appearances and what have they achieved with their national teams?
5. Cristiano Ronaldo
With 22 appearances for the Portuguese national team at the World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo has participated in a total of 5 finals tournaments (Germany 2006, South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014, Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022). His rich record also includes winning Euro 2016 in France.
4. Paolo Maldini
The top Italian defender has 23 World Cup appearances to his credit. The competitions he played in were: Italy in 1990, USA in 1994, France in 1998 and Korea-Japan in 2002.
Paolo Maldini in a duel with Gianfranco Zola, photo: Imago
3. Miroslav Klose
The all-time top scorer at the World Cup, the German featured in 24 matches, scoring 16 times for his national team.
The competitions in which the former great striker took part: Korea-Japan 2002, Germany 2006, South Africa 2010 and Brazil 2014, where he became world champion.
2. Lothar Matthaus
In second place, with 25 appearances, Lothar Matthaus participated in 5 different World Championships (1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998). He was world champion in Italy in 1990 and also won Euro 1980.
1. Lionel Messi
The leader of the list of appearances is Lionel Messi, with 26. The world champion with Argentina in 2022 was present at 5 editions of the World Championship, and together with Cristiano Ronaldo are the only active players on this list.
The tournaments he participated in are: Germany 2006, South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014, Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022.
