GOAL counts down the top 10 performers at an incredible competition in Qatar…
Diego Maradona, Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane – some of the biggest names in football history have illuminated the game’s grandest stage. But who was the best player at this year's tournament?
Obviously, Lionel Messi led by example for Argentina, but he was ably supported by breakout stars such as Julian Alvarez and Enzo Fernandez, as well as veteran centre-back Nicolas Otamendi.
But what about France's outstanding attackers? Olivier Giroud became the country's all-time leading scorer, Kylian Mbappe was just phenomenal, while Antoine Griezmann was the brains behind the operation.
Then again, maybe the award should go to one of the men starred for Morocco during their historic run to the last four?
Below, GOAL runs through the tournament's 10 best players…
10Nicolas Otamendi
Few expected Otamendi to play such a pivotal part in Argentina's campaign. Indeed, there were those that thought the 34-year-old was the weak link in Lionel Scaloni's side and he did give away a penalty in the final. However, Otamendi was immense for the Albiceleste, turning in a succession of inspirational performances at the back, characterised by aerial dominance (no player has won more headers) and crunching tackles. The huge roar he received as he stepped up to collect his winner's medal showed just how much the fans have appreciated this remarkable swansong.
AdvertisementGetty9Josko Gvardiol
The Croatia defender may have been given the run-around by Messi in the semi-finals but Gvardiol showed in Qatar why he's being chased by a host of top European clubs. The 20-year-old centre-back ranked second for interceptions and third for possession won. Gvardiol also popped up with a goal in the third-placed play-off win over Morocco, thus becoming his nation's youngest ever scorer at the tournament.
Getty8Julian Alvarez
We knew Julian Alvarez was good, of course. Manchester City don't usually sign duds. But nobody expected Alvarez to make such a big impact in Qatar. Remember, he started the tournament on the bench but started the final having scored four goals, including two in the last-four win over Croatia. On top of that, he ran himself into the ground, compensating for Messi's lack of defensive work by covering every blade of grass with his pressing and clever movement.
Getty7Achraf Hakimi
The Paris Saint-Germain ace has cemented his status as the most complete full-back in world football with his performances in Qatar. With his marauding runs down the right flank and tournament-high 14 tackles won, Hakimi played a pivotal role in Morocco's sensational run to the semi-finals. Indeed, it was the Paris Saint-Germain ace who coolly converted the decisive spot-kick in the last-16 shootout success over Spain.