The 25 finest individual displays in FIFA World Cup history

Unforgettable performances

The World Cup has produced countless flashes of personal genius that have shaped tournaments and secured lasting reputations. From breathtaking attacking feats to commanding defensive efforts, these showings on the biggest stage of all stand as the pinnacle of footballing achievement.

25. Bastian Schweinsteiger vs. Argentina (final, 2014)

The Bayern Munich midfielder (wearing #7) delivered a complete performance in the 2014 final, including 90% pass accuracy, crucial tackles and inspirational leadership. The German outlet Die Zeit called him "immortal" after his display, which epitomised the grit and quality that carried Germany to glory in Brazil.

23. Franco Baresi vs. Brazil (final, 1994)

The Italy captain's defensive masterclass kept Brazil's fearsome attack quiet for 120 minutes in the World Cup final. Despite missing his penalty in the shootout (albeit not as famously as Roberto Baggio), Baresi's commanding performance neutralised Romario and Bebeto, proving that sometimes the greatest individual displays don't guarantee personal glory.

22. Just Fontaine vs. West Germany (third-place play-off, 1958)

Four goals in the third-place play-off capped an extraordinary tournament for the French striker, who netted 13 times in just six games. Fontaine's record-breaking haul at Sweden '58 remains unmatched for a single World Cup, with his clinical finishing and predatory instincts terrorising defences throughout the competition.

21. Oleg Salenko vs. Cameroon (group stage, 1994)

The most devastating individual goalscoring display in World Cup history came from an unlikely source in Stanford. Salenko's five goals against Cameroon included a delightful chip over the goalkeeper and clinical finishes from inside the box. The Dynamo Kyiv striker also provided an assist in the 6-1 win, then remarkably never played international football again.

20. Eusebio vs. North Korea (quarter-final, 1966)

Trailing 3-0 to tournament surprise package North Korea at Goodison Park, Portugal's Black Panther produced one of the greatest comeback performances in World Cup history. Four sublime goals, including two thunderous penalties and a pair of top-corner stunners, single-handedly turned the quarter-final around and announced Eusebio as a global superstar.

19. Lothar Matthäus vs. Yugoslavia (group stage, 1990)

West Germany's captain demonstrated his team's credentials with a commanding midfield display in their tournament opener. Two spectacular long-range goals, struck with either foot, showcased Matthäus's complete skillset. His 28-yard thunderbolt for the third goal epitomised his drive and quality as he carried the ball from his own half before finding the bottom corner with unerring accuracy.

18. Arjen Robben vs. Spain (group stage, 2014)

The Dutch winger terrorised the defending champions in a stunning 5-1 victory that ended Spain's hopes of retaining their crown. Robben's pace and directness bamboozled Sergio Ramos and Gerard Piqué, scoring twice, including a magnificent solo goal where he burned past Ramos from the halfway line before sitting Iker Casillas down twice and firing home (pictured).

17. Eden Hazard vs. Brazil (quarter-final, 2018)

Belgium's captain produced a virtuoso display to outshine Brazil's galaxy of stars in Kazan. In a 2-1 win, Hazard's mesmerising dribbling, perfect decision-making and tireless running epitomised everything beautiful about his game, bamboozling defenders and proving himself the tournament's most entertaining performer.

15. Lionel Messi vs. Croatia (semi-final, 2022)

The Argentinian magician turned back the clock with a vintage performance in the semi-final in Qatar. His audacious dribble past Josko Gvardiol, leaving the defender chasing shadows before setting up Julián Álvarez, epitomised his genius. Combined with his thunderous penalty and overall orchestration of Argentina's 3-0 victory, Messi proved age was just a number on football's biggest stage.

14. Toni Turek vs. Hungary (final, 1954)

The Miracle of Bern goalkeeper made a series of spectacular saves to deny Hungary's golden generation their deserved World Cup triumph. After conceding twice early on, Turek repelled Ferenc Puskás, Nándor Hidegkuti and Sándor Kocsis time and again. His heroics enabled West Germany's stunning 3-2 comeback victory, one of the greatest upsets in football history.

13. Kylian Mbappé vs. Argentina (round of 16, 2018)

At just 19, Mbappé announced himself to the world with a devastating display that sent Argentina home early. His pace terrorised defenders, winning a penalty before scoring twice in the second half of France's 4-3 victory. The performance signalled the arrival of football's next global superstar on the biggest stage.

12. Zinedine Zidane vs. Brazil (final, 1998)

France's talisman delivered when it mattered most, scoring twice in the first half to inspire the hosts to their maiden World Cup triumph. Both headers came from Emmanuel Petit corners, the second memorably going through Roberto Carlos's legs (pictured). Zidane's commanding performance against the defending champions secured a 3-0 victory, cementing his status as a national hero.

11. Fabio Cannavaro vs. Germany (semi-final, 2006)

Italy's captain marshalled his defence for 120 minutes against the tournament hosts, earning the nickname "the Berlin Wall" from Italian media. His leadership and crucial interventions kept Miroslav Klose and Lukas Podolski at bay until deep into extra time, when Italy struck twice to secure a dramatic 2-0 victory and reach the final they would eventually win.

10. Tim Howard vs. Belgium (round of 16, 2014)

The US goalkeeper's record-breaking 15 saves kept his team in contention against Belgium's golden generation before succumbing 2-1 in extra time. Howard's reflexes denied Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard repeatedly, with his best stop a one-on-one save from Everton teammate Kevin Mirallas. The performance earned praise from President Barack Obama himself.

9. Paolo Rossi vs. Brazil (second group stage, 1982)

The ultimate redemption story unfolded in Barcelona, as Rossi's hat-trick eliminated one of the greatest Brazilian teams ever assembled. His three goals in a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Seleção featured a header, a drilled shot and a poacher's finish from a poor clearance. The performance launched Italy towards their third World Cup title and earned Rossi the Golden Boot.

8. Bobby Moore vs. Brazil (group stage, 1970)

England's captain produced a defensive masterclass against the eventual champions in Guadalajara, keeping Brazil's attacking stars quiet in a narrow 1-0 defeat. Moore's perfectly-timed tackles and intelligent positioning, including his famous sliding challenge on Jairzinho, epitomised his class. The performance earned Pelé's respect and created one of football's most iconic shirt-swapping moments between two legends (pictured).

6. Toni Kroos vs. Brazil (semi-final, 2014)

Germany's midfield metronome orchestrated the most shocking result in World Cup history, scoring twice in two devastating minutes as the hosts were humiliated 7-1. Kroos added two assists to his goals, broke Brazilian hearts and launched Germany towards their fourth World Cup triumph.

5. Geoff Hurst vs. West Germany (final, 1966)

England's hat-trick hero delivered the nation's only major tournament triumph with three goals in a thrilling 4-2 victory at Wembley. His controversial second goal may not have crossed the line, but his thunderous third in the final minute prompted the most iconic commentary line in football history: "They think it's all over... it is now!"

4. Diego Maradona vs. Belgium (semi-final, 1986)

Maradona's mesmerising display in Argentina's 2-0 victory against Belgium showcased his complete repertoire. His second goal epitomised his genius - receiving the ball surrounded by four defenders, he slalomed through them like they were statues before curling home with the outside of his boot. The performance propelled Argentina into the final they would win, cementing Maradona's tournament legacy.

3. Pelé vs. Sweden (final, 1958)

At just 17, the Brazilian wonderkid became the youngest World Cup final scorer with two sublime goals in a 5-2 victory that secured Brazil's first title. His opening goal featured an audacious chest control, flick over a defender and a clinical finish despite taking a stud to the groin. Pelé's emergence on football's biggest stage announced the arrival of the sport's greatest icon.

2. Zinedine Zidane vs. Brazil (quarter-final, 2006)

At 34, Zidane produced perhaps the most elegant individual display in World Cup history, pirouetting past Ronaldinho, Kaká and Ronaldo in France's 1-0 victory. His masterful performance, including his free-kick assist for Thierry Henry's winner, ended Brazil's 11-game unbeaten World Cup run and propelled France to the final.