Top 10 Greatest Players of the 2014 FIFA World Cup

The 2014 FIFA World Cup gave you just about everything short of a referee riding onto the pitch on a motorcycle. You got Colombia's breakout brilliance, Argentina grinding its way to the final, the Netherlands turning matches into track meets, and Germany building a machine so efficient it probably came with a user manual. Then came Brazil's 7-1 semifinal collapse, a scoreline so unreal it still looks like someone leaned on the keyboard.

But the tournament was not only about the shocks, the goals, or the collective gasps echoing from living rooms around the planet. It was about the players who made those moments happen. You saw attackers turn half-chances into headlines, midfielders control games like they had the pause button, defenders throw themselves into danger with admirable disregard for their own bones, and goalkeepers ruin dreams with one flying save after another.

This list is for the players who made the 2014 World Cup impossible to forget. Vote for the ones who had you shouting at the screen, replaying highlights, or quietly admitting that yes, that was disgustingly good soccer.

The Top Ten

James Rodríguez (Colombia)

James David Rodríguez Rubio, known as James Rodríguez, is a Colombian professional footballer who captains the Colombia national team as an attacking midfielder or winger. He burst onto the global stage by taking home the Golden Boot at the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Following that dazzling tournament, he... read more

James Rodriguez just turned 23 and he already earned the Golden Boot for the six goals he made for Colombia. David Beckham himself said he was impressed by James and he has the qualities to be one of the best players in the future. Cristiano Ronaldo? Seriously? Portugal didn't even get to the Round of 16 and he only scored one lucky goal.

Young player with a bright future. His passion for the game is electrifying. He definitely gave his all at the World Cup and did an outstanding job.
By the way, it is Colombia, not Columbia.
Lionel Messi (Argentina)

Lionel Andrés "Leo" Messi, born June 24, 1987, is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a forward for Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer. Widely considered one of the greatest players of all time, Messi has won eight Ballon d'Or awards and numerous domestic and international titles. He... read more

I am so glad Messi is Argentinian. He keeps leaving us with such wonderful goals! Thanks to him, we passed the group stage and the match against Switzerland. He also collaborated with great passes later, though his fatigue and effort were evident. He showed he is still the best player in the world with the support of a team reaching the final match. The reason why he didn't do more is because he is human. Thanks for everything, Lionel Messi!

Lionel Messi got that award for a reason! He scored the game-winning goal against Iran in stoppage time, the goal off the post against Bosnia-Herzegovina, and the assist against Switzerland. He can dribble through players like they're nothing! He also helped win the shootout against the Netherlands and scored from outside the box against Nigeria.
Thomas Müller (Germany)

Thomas Müller is a German professional footballer who plays for Bayern Munich and the Germany national team. Known for his versatility and intelligent play, Müller has won multiple Bundesliga titles and the 2014 FIFA World Cup. He holds the record for most assists in Bundesliga history.

I am not a fan of Germany, but I admit he was awesome. He excelled himself. I don't think Cristiano Ronaldo should be on this list. Sure, he may be a great player, but he completely sucked. I mean, he and his team didn't even make it to the top 16.

Thomas Müller should be 2nd or 3rd because he is better than Cristiano Ronaldo and James Rodriguez. He made 3 goals on Portugal and won the Golden Boot. James won the Golden Boot this year.

Wow. Müller is just great. Hat trick vs. Portugal, he scored twice vs. Brazil, and had the game-winning goal vs. USA. When Pepe hit him in the face, he deserved a red card.
Arjen Robben (Netherlands)

Arjen Robben is a retired Dutch professional footballer who played for Bayern Munich and the Netherlands national team. He won the UEFA Champions League with Bayern Munich in 2013 and was a runner-up in the 2010 FIFA World Cup with the Netherlands. Known for his trademark move of cutting inside from... read more

If we consider only the 2014 World Cup, he was the best player. He was not only the very heart of the Holland team, but despite his 30 years, he showed great stamina, willpower, technique, and craving for victory. A great example for all those 23 players of the Brazilian squad who were humiliated in the semi-finals, and then again in the 3rd place game by Robben himself.

Being Mexican, it's hard for me to say this, but damn, Arjen Robben was the most balanced player in the World Cup. Lio Messi? Cristiano Ronaldo? Come on, people, be objective. Ángel Di María did more for Argentina than Messi, and Cristiano didn't even play. Arjen Robben was the best player in the World Cup.
Neymar (Brazil)

Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior (born February 5, 1992), commonly known as Neymar or Neymar Jr, is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a forward or winger for Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal and the Brazil national team.
He is the all-time top goalscorer for the Brazil national team.... read more

Absolutely one of the best players of the 2014 World Cup! He played way better than some players on here like Cristiano Ronaldo, who should be lower because if he was so great, he could have at least pulled Portugal to the next round.

He is the best player. To be honest, he shows immense skill and is very talented. It was only his unfortunate injury that led to the downfall of Brazil. Get well soon.

I was very surprised when I watched Brazil's game against Colombia. I was shocked when I saw him get kneed in the back. That had to hurt.
Manuel Neuer (Germany)

Manuel Peter Neuer is a German professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Bayern Munich and the Germany national team. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, known for his sweeper-keeper playing style. Neuer has won numerous domestic and international titles... read more

The best player and the Golden Glove winner. Many claiming to be football fans didn't even see the brilliance and genius he provided on the pitch. Sure, Tim Howard and Guillermo Ochoa did their job once. None were as consistent as him. Seeing him in 7th makes me sick...

Neuer should be in the top 5 because he was the best goalkeeper in the 2014 FIFA World Cup. He got the Golden Glove award and made a lot of saves. He was one of the players who helped Germany reach the finals. Congrats, Neuer!
Robin van Persie (Netherlands)

Robin van Persie is a Dutch coach and former professional footballer who played as a striker. He is the all-time top scorer for the Netherlands men's national team and is considered one of the best strikers of his generation.... read more

Seriously!? #7!? He deserves to be #1! Sure, James was awesome, but van Persie was better! Without him, the Netherlands would have no attack except for Robben. Therefore, Arjen would have to do all the offensive work.

He could have led his country to win the World Cup if he hadn't been injured. I love his Superman header against Spain.

That was an amazing header against Spain! Casillas didn't see it coming!
Tim Howard (United States)

Even though the US offense could not deliver, Tim Howard had the single most impressive game and effort of the World Cup. He deserves to be a new American hero.

But Tim Howard is the best. He broke the record for most goals defended in a World Cup game. And goalkeeping is half of the game. Don't disrespect him just because he is a goalie. 16 saves!

Great goalkeeper, but that doesn't matter when you have a team that can't score.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro (born February 5, 1985) is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a forward for Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr and captains the Portugal national team. He has collected five prestigious Ballon d'Or awards and countless major trophies over his storied career... read more

Ronaldo is amazing. He inspired me to play soccer and now I'm the top scorer on my own soccer team. I would not be playing if Ronaldo did not play soccer. Ronaldo is the finest person to watch play soccer. I was at the Real Madrid game vs Manchester United and he was incredible. Ronaldo is too good for soccer.

Nobody can say Ronaldo is not good because he scored the most goals in the 2014 season. If Ronaldo can do that, then he is the best player of 2014. Ronaldo is the best at skill, headers, free kicks, and scoring goals, so I do not think anybody can call Ronaldo a bad player.
Miroslav Klose (Germany)

Miroslav Josef Klose, born on June 9, 1978, is a German former professional footballer who played as a striker. He is best known for his successful stints with Bayern Munich and Lazio. Klose holds the record for the most goals scored in FIFA World Cup tournaments and retired as Germany's all-time top... read more

He is 36 years old and still plays pretty well. He scored a goal against Brazil and has 16 overall World Cup goals. He is a legend.

He now holds the record for most goals in World Cup history. Germany couldn't have won without him.

The Newcomers

?
Thibaut Courtois (Belgium)

Thibaut Nicolas Marc Courtois is a Belgian professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Real Madrid in Spain's La Liga and for the Belgium national team. He has earned numerous accolades for his performances, including winning the 2021-22 UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid. Courtois is widely... read more

Courtois is awesome! He denied the USA, allowing only one goal.
He's also awesome for Chelsea and Belgium.
?
Gervais Yao Kouassi (Ivory Coast)

Top scorer for Ivory Coast. Without him, the Elephants would have lost all of their games.

The Contenders

Toni Kroos (Germany)

Toni Kroos is a retired German professional footballer who played as a midfielder for Real Madrid and the German national team. While primarily a central midfielder, he was also known for operating as a deep-lying playmaker.... read more
Mario Götze (Germany)

Mario Götze (born June 3, 1992) is a German professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder or winger for Bundesliga club Eintracht Frankfurt. He previously played for PSV Eindhoven from 2020 to 2022, where he won the KNVB Cup in 2022. Götze is best known for scoring the winning goal for... read more

He scored the golden goal in extra time for Germany to win the World Cup. Unforgettable!

He scored the tournament-winning goal. Cristiano Ronaldo should not even be on the list.

Not my favorite team, but the goal was made like a champ.
Guillermo Ochoa (Mexico)

Come on! He should at least be in the top ten! He is an incredible goalie!

Rising star. He may be the best after Casillas!
Philipp Lahm (Germany)

Philipp Lahm, born on November 11, 1983, is a retired German professional footballer. He primarily played as a right-back but was also effective as a defensive midfielder. Lahm spent the majority of his club career at Bayern Munich, with a loan period at Stuttgart from 2003 to 2005, and he captained... read more

Versatile, with a team-first mentality. He epitomizes the reigning champions and retired a legend.
Karim Benzema (France)

Karim Mostafa Benzema is a French professional footballer of Algerian descent. He most recently played for Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League after a long and successful career with Real Madrid. Benzema won the 2022 Ballon d'Or and was a key figure for both club and country.

All hail King Benzema! He scored many goals. France would've lost everything without him and Nasri. Lloris was not good.

He is good and will always be better than James Rodriguez. James is a child compared to him.
Javier Mascherano (Argentina)

Javier Alejandro Mascherano (born June 8, 1984) is an Argentine football coach and former player. He earned 147 caps for the Argentina national team and played for clubs including River Plate, Corinthians, West Ham, Liverpool, Barcelona, Hebei China Fortune, and Estudiantes. He retired from professional... read more

The most consistent and solid performer the World Cup has seen. Battered and bruised, but still gave 100% in every tackle.

He gave everything he had until he was empty. He is a hero.
Keylor Navas (Costa Rica)

Keylor Antonio Navas Gamboa (born December 15, 1986), known as Keylor Navas, is a Costa Rican professional football goalkeeper. He currently plays for Paris Saint-Germain and the Costa Rica national team. Navas gained international recognition for his performances with Real Madrid, where he won three... read more

The best goalkeeper of the cup. All those saves and winning Man of the Match 3 times in a row. How did he not get the Golden Glove award?

The best goalkeeper of the World Cup. He should've won the Golden Glove.

He took his team to the quarter-finals. No player in this World Cup has been more useful for his team than this guy.
Tim Cahill (Australia)

He was a lone warrior for his team, Australia. If his team had been better, Cahill would have made the most of it.

Not Australia's best World Cup, but it could've been worse, right? Without Tim and Maty, they would've been shut out all three games!

Total stud. He almost took on the Netherlands by himself.
Thiago Silva (Brazil)

Thiago Emiliano da Silva, commonly known as Thiago Silva, is a Brazilian professional footballer. He plays as a central defender for Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain and the Brazilian national team. Silva is considered one of the most consistent and experienced defenders in international football.

His suspension and Neymar's injury led to Brazil's unforgettable defeat.
Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany)

Bastian Schweinsteiger is a retired German professional footballer who primarily played as a central midfielder. He spent most of his club career with Bayern Munich before joining Manchester United and later finishing his career with the Chicago Fire in Major League Soccer. Schweinsteiger was a key player... read more

He is the real leader of the World Cup winners!

He deserves a higher place. He was at the heart of everything that Germany did.
Luis Suárez (Uruguay)

Luis Alberto Suárez Díaz, born on January 24, 1987, is a Uruguayan professional footballer. He currently plays as a striker for Inter Miami CF, an American club competing in Major League Soccer (MLS).
Suárez retired from international football in September 2024, concluding his tenure as Uruguay's... read more

I love this guy. A true master of technical ability.

He's great. I just want him to stop biting, seriously.

He scored two goals in his first game, and he was only 70% fit. However, his biting was the worst and an unforgettable incident in FIFA 2014.
Bryan Ruiz (Costa Rica)
Ángel Di María (Argentina)

Ángel Fabián Di María (born 14 February 1988) is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a right winger or attacking midfielder for the Portuguese club Benfica.
Di María is known for his dribbling ability, playmaking, rapid pace, and agility. He has had a distinguished career with several... read more

I know it is something that shouldn't be analyzed, but hadn't he gotten injured, the final would have had a different ending. Well, I should also consider Marco Reus' injury as well, but anyway, in the match against Switzerland, he was excellent. He was also good against Belgium until he had to leave.

Most underrated player. He achieved a lot for his team.
Mats Hummels (Germany)

Mats Julian Hummels (born December 16, 1988) is a German professional footballer who plays as a central defender for Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund. He has also represented the German national team in multiple international tournaments. Hummels is known for his strong defensive skills and leadership... read more

One of the many stars of a brilliant Germany team. He scored a crucial goal against France in the quarter-finals and was a solid defender!
Paul Pogba (France)

Paul Labile Pogba, born March 15, 1993, is a French professional footballer. As of July 2025, he plays as a central midfielder for Ligue 1 club AS Monaco and the France national team. Pogba previously played for Manchester United and Juventus and won the FIFA World Cup with France in 2018.