THE LAST WORLD CUP

While we are enjoying rain of goals in Brazil, some of the great players are saying adieu from World cup.

ANDREA PIRLO 

Andrea Pirlo(35yrs) is the spinal cord or current Italy team. He is the "architect" of his teams attacks. Even at the age of 35, he is very accurate with his passing, specially long range passes. Pirlo is not very physical player. He is not fast. We can rarely see him making sliding tackles. But, he will be well positioned, deadly accurate, incredible vision of creating moves, and deadly touches. He is also a spot kick specialist. He has played a lead role in Italy's 2006 World cup success. Pirlo was selected as the best 3rd player in 2006 World Cup, won 3 man of the match awards including in the final. He was also selected as one among the Team of the tournament. He also used his techniques and experience to bring Italy to 2012 Euro cup final. 

He started playing for the national team in 2002, and still continues. In this period, he has played 111 games and scored 13 times. He is the fifth most caped Italian player. He has spent most part of his professional club career in AC Milan (2001-2011-284 matches-32 goals).

While he retire after a long and successful football life, Italy will be missing him for a long time in their line up along with his fans.

A.C. Milan

·         Serie A: 2003–04, 2010–11

·         Coppa Italia: 2002–03

·         UEFA Champions League: 2002–03, 2006–07;

·         UEFA Super Cup: 2003, 2007

·         Supercoppa Italiana: 2004;

·         FIFA Club World Cup: 2007

Juventus

·         Serie A: 2011–12, 2012–13, 2013–14

·         Supercoppa Italiana: 2012, 2013

International

·         UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship: 2000

·         Olympic Bronze Medal: 2004

·         FIFA World Cup: 2006

·         UEFA European Football Championship Runner-up: 2012

·         FIFA Confederations Cup Bronze Medal: 2013

Individual

·         UEFA European Under-21 Championship Golden Player: 2000

·         UEFA European Under-21 Championship Top Scorer: 2000

·         2006 FIFA World Cup Man of the Match: vs. Ghana, vs. Germany, Final vs. France

·         2006 FIFA World Cup All-star team

·         2006 FIFA World Cup Bronze Ball

·         2006 FIFA World Cup Top Assist Provider

·         IFFHS World's Best Playmaker: Third place 2006, Second place 2007, 9th place 2009, 4th place 2012

·         FIFPro World XI: 2006

·         Ballon d'Or: 2006 (9th place), 2007 (5th place), 2012 (7th place)

·         FIFA World Player of the Year: 2007 (7th place)

·         UEFA Euro 2008 Man of the Match: vs. Romania

·         ESM Team of the Year: 2011–12

·         Pallone d'Argento: 2011–12

·         Pallone Azzurro: 2011–12

·         UEFA Euro 2012 Man of the Match: vs. Croatia, vs. England, vs. Germany

·         UEFA Euro Team of the Tournament 2012

·         UEFA Best Player in Europe Award 2012 (4th place)

·         Juventus Player of the Season: 2011–2012

·         UEFA Team of the Year: 2012

·         2011–12 Serie A Top Assist Provider

·         Serie A team of the Year: 2011–12, 2012–13

·         Serie A Midfielder of the Year: 2012

·         Serie A Italian Player of the Year: 2012

·         Serie A Player of the Year: 2012, 2013

·         FIFA Confederations Cup Team of the Tournament: 2013

·         UEFA Europa League Team of the Season: 2013-14

BUFFON

The greatest goal keeper of all time will be seen last time in a World cup match in Brazil. Buffon, who is now 36, will be looking and hoping for a best farewell result in Brazil, along with Pirlo. 

Buffon has been widely admired for his breath taking stops. He is the most caped player for Italy(141). Legendary Pele complimented him saying he is one of the 125 greatest living players. Buffon was named the best goal keeper of year in Seria A , a record 8 times. Brazil World cup is his record 5th world cup. He was number one Goal keeper all the four times he played.  During Italy's successful tournament of 2006 world cup, Buffon has conceded only two goal, and 5 clean sheets. Only goals conceded were a penalty ( Zidane in the final), a free kick and an own goal.  He has also been phenomenal in their runners up performance in 2012 Euro Cup. 

He has played for only 3 teams in his entire career- Parma, Juventus and Italy. He still continues in Juventus since 2001 (390 matches).

Parma

·         UEFA Cup: 1998–99

·         Coppa Italia: 1998–99

·         Supercoppa Italiana: 1999

Juventus

·         Serie A: 2001–02, 2002–03, 2011–12, 2012–13, 2013–14

·         Serie B: 2006–07

·         Supercoppa Italiana: 2002, 2003, 2012, 2013

·         UEFA Champions League runner-up: 2002–03

Italy

·         FIFA World Cup: 2006

·         UEFA European Football Championship: Silver 2012

·         FIFA Confederations Cup: Bronze 2013

·         UEFA Under-21 European Championship: 1996

·         Mediterranean Games: 1997

Individual

·         Bravo Award: 1999

·         Best European Goalkeeper: 2003

·         UEFA Club Footballer of the Year: 2003

·         FIFA 100

·         Yashin Award: 2006

·         2006 FIFA World Cup All-Star Team

·         Ballon d'Or runner-up: 2006

·         Serie A Goalkeeper of the Year: 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2012

·         UEFA Team of the Year: 2003, 2004, 2006

·         FIFPro World XI: 2006, 2007

·         IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper: 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007

·         IFFHS Best goalkeeper of the decade: 2000–2010

·         UEFA Euro Team of the Tournament: 2008, 2012

·         Serie A Team of the Year: 2012

·         UEFA Europa League Team of the Season: 2013-14

Orders

·         4th Class / Officer: Ufficiale Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana: 2006

Christiano Ronaldo

We never expect him to retire very soon, but his injury ( Patellar Tendinosis) is very serious. His busy fixtures of club career will make it worse by the time.

The 29 year old Portugese captain is very successful in his club career. He has been very consistent in Manchester United and Real Madrid. But, he is yet to add a major international tittle with his name. Ronaldo, who is currently the all time top scorer for Portugal, leaving behind legendary Eusebio.

Club

Manchester United

·         Premier League (3): 2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09

·         FA Cup (1): 2003–04; Runner-up (2): 2004–05, 2006–07

·         Football League Cup (2): 2005–06, 2008–09

·         FA Community Shield (1): 2007

·         UEFA Champions League (1): 2007–08; Runner-up (1): 2008–09

·         FIFA Club World Cup (1): 2008

Real Madrid

·         La Liga (1): 2011–12

·         Copa del Rey (2): 2010–11, 2013–14; Runner-up (1): 2012–13

·         Supercopa de España (1): 2012; Runner up (1): 2011

·         UEFA Champions League (1): 2013–14

International

Portugal

·         UEFA European Championship:

Runner-up (1): 2004

Bronze (1): 2012

Individual

·        UEFA Euro Team of the Tournament (2): 2004, 2012

·        Bravo Award (1): 2004

·        UEFA Team of the Year (8): 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013

·        Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year (3): 2003–04, 2006–07, 2007–08

·        FIFPro Young Player Fan Award (2): 2005,^[370] 2006^[371]

·        PFA Premier League Team of the Year (4): 2005–06, 2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09

·        PFA Young Player of the Year (1): 2006–07

·        PFA Players' Player of the Year (2): 2006–07, 2007–08

·        PFA Fans' Player of the Year (2): 2006–07, 2007–08

·        FWA Footballer of the Year (2): 2006–07, 2007–08

·        Barclays Player of the Year (2): 2006–07, 2007–08

·        Premier League Player of the Month (4): November 2006, December 2006, January 2008, March 2008

·        ESM Team of the Year (5): 2006–07, 2007–08, 2010–11, 2011–12, 2012–13

·        Premier League Golden Boot (1): 2007–08

·        European Golden Shoe (3): 2007–08, 2010–11, 2013–14

·        FIFA FIFPro World XI (7): 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013

·        UEFA Champions League top scorer (3): 2007–08, 2012–13, 2013–14

·        UEFA Club Forward of the Year (1): 2007–08

·        UEFA Club Footballer of the Year (1): 2007–08

·        FIFA Club World Cup Silver Ball (1): 2008

·        Ballon d'Or (1): 2008

·        FIFPro World Player of the Year (1): 2008

·        FIFA World Player of the Year (1): 2008

·        Onze d'Or (2): 2008, 2013

·        World Soccer Player of the Year (2): 2008, 2013

·        FIFA Puskás Award (1): 2009

·        La Liga top scorer (2): 2010–11, 2013–14

·        Copa del Rey top goalscorer (1): 2010–11

·        Trofeo Alfredo Di Stéfano (2): 2011–12, 2012–13

·        UEFA Euro Top scorer (1): 2012

·        La Liga Player of the Month (1): November 2013

·        LFP Most Valuable Player (1): 2012–13

·        IFFHS World's Best Top Goal Scorer: 2013

·        FIFA Ballon d'Or (1): 2013

Orders

·       Officer of the Order of Prince Henry

·        Medal of Merit, Order of the Immaculate Conception of Vila Viçosa (House of Bragança)

·        Grand officer of the Order of Prince Henry

Records

(As of 28 April 2014)

World

·        The most expensive footballer in history^[376]

·        Most international goals in a year (club and national team): 25 goals (shared with Lionel Messi and Vivian Woodward)

Europe

·        Only footballer to have won the European Golden Shoe in two different leagues: English Premier League and Spanish La Liga

·        Most goals scored in a UEFA Champions League/European Cup season: 17 goals

·        Most consecutive UEFA Champions League matches scored in: 8 matches

·        Most goals scored in the UEFA Champions League group stage: 9 goals

·        Most UEFA Champions League goals scored in a calendar year: 15 goals in 2013

·        First footballer to ever score more than 10 goals in three consecutive UEFA Champions League seasons

·        First footballer in the history of the European Cup to score for two different winning teams

England

·        The highest number of goals scored to win the Premier League Golden Boot for a 38-game season: 31 goals (shared with Alan Shearer and Luis Suárez)

Spain

·        First footballer to score against every team in a single season in La Liga

·        First footballer to score more than 25 goals in five consecutive La Liga seasons (shared with Lionel Messi)

·        Fastest La Liga player to score 150 league goals

·        Most consecutive Clásicos matches scored in: 6 matches

Portugal

·        Portugal all-time top scorer: 49 goals

·        Portugal all-time top scorer in UEFA European Championship matches: 6 goals (shared with Nuno Gomes)

·        Most matches played in UEFA European Championship finals: 14 matches (shared with Luís Figo and Nuno Gomes)

·        Most matches played in FIFA World Cup finals: 11 matches (shared with Simão Sabrosa)

·        Youngest player to reach 100 caps: 27 years, 8 months and 11 days

Real Madrid

·        Most goals scored in a season in all competitions: 60 goals

·        Most goals scored in a single La Liga season: 46 goals

·        Most goals scored in a single UEFA Champions League season: 17 goals

·        Most hat-tricks in a single season: 7 hat-tricks

·        Fastest player to reach 50 league goals

·        Fastest player to reach 100 league goals

·        Fastest player to reach 150 league goals

·        Fastest player to reach 200 official goals

·        Fastest player to reach 250 official goals

Miroslav Klose

This would be the last world cup we see the goal machine of Germany. He is currently the all time top scorer (70 goals from 133 matches) for his country, leaving behind great Gerd Muller. He is currently sharing record for the most number of world cup goals with Brazilian Ronaldo (15goals). Germany have never lost when Klose scores. He also has a record of scoring in four different world cups, sharing the same with legendary Pele and German Uwe Seeler. Uniquely, he scored 5 goals in 2002 world cup, and all of them were headers. 

Awards and honours

Club

Werder Bremen

·         DFB-Ligapokal: 2006

Bayern Munich

·         Bundesliga: 2007–08, 2009–10

·         UEFA Champions League Runner-up: 2009–10

·         DFB-Pokal: 2008, 2010

·         DFB-Ligapokal: 2007

·         DFB-Supercup: 2010

Lazio

·         Coppa Italia: 2012–13

National team

Germany

·         FIFA World Cup Runner-up: 2002

·         FIFA World Cup Third place: 2006, 2010

·         UEFA European Football Championship Runner-up: 2008

·         UEFA European Football Championship Third place: 2012

Individual

·         German Footballer of the Year: 2006

·         Bundesliga Top Goalscorer (25 goals): 2006

·         FIFA World Cup Silver Shoe: 2002

·         FIFA World Cup Golden Shoe: 2006

·         Bundesliga Team of the Season 2005-06

·         FIFA World Cup All-Star Team:2002, 2006

·         FIFA World Cup 2002 Man of the Match: Germany vs Saudi Arabia

·         FIFA World Cup 2002 Man of the Match: Germany vs Cameroon

·         FIFA World Cup 2006 Man of the Match: Germany vs Costa Rica

·         FIFA World Cup 2006 Man of the Match: Germany vs Sweden

Personal records

·         FIFA World Cup all-time top scorer along with Ronaldo: 15 goals (five in2002, five in 2006, four in 2010 and one in 2014)

·         Only player to have scored at least four goals in three FIFA World Cups

·         One of only three players, along with Pelé and Uwe Seeler, to score in four FIFA World Cup editions.

·         Scored at least five goals in twoFIFA World Cups, record shared only with Teófilo Cubillas,only player to have scored five goals in two consecutive FIFA World Cups

·         Record for scoring most goals from headers in a single edition of the World Cups

·         Only player to have participated in five Euro and World Cup semifinals

·         Germany's all-time scorer with 70 goals

·         Germany's second most capped player behind Lothar Matthäus

·         One of eight players in Serie Ahistory scoring five goals in a match.

STEVEN GERRARD

With England's hopes end with a first round in Brazil, we have seen him out. Even though England have nothing much to show case, this man really deserve praise. A visionary midfielder, a real team leader and a legendary footballer. He has only played for his country and Liverpool. He is the third most caped English player (113 matches 21 goals). Gerrard has played in 3 world cups for England, missing in 2002 with an injury. Along with Gerrard, Rooney and Lampard will be playing their last world cup in Brazil. 

Club

• FA Cup (2): 2000–01, 2005–06
• League Cup (3): 2000–01, 2002–03, 2011–12
• FA Community Shield (2): 2001, 2006
• UEFA Champions League (1): 2004–05
• UEFA Cup (1): 2000–01
• UEFA Super Cup (2): 2001, 2005

Individual

• Ballon d'Or Bronze Award (1): 2005
• ECHO Sports Personality of the Year Award (1): 2014
• UEFA Club Footballer of the Year (1): 2005
• FWA Footballer of the Year (1): 2009
• FWA Tribute Award (1): 2013
• PFA Players' Player of the Year (1): 2006
• PFA Young Player of the Year (1): 2001
• PFA Fans' Player of the Year (2): 2001, 2009
• England Player of the Year Award (2): 2007, 2012
• PFA Team of the Year (8): 2001, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2014
• Liverpool Top Goalscorer (3): 2004–05, 2005–06, 2008–09
• UEFA Euro Team of the Tournament (1): 2012
• UEFA Team of the Year (3): 2005, 2006, 2007
• FIFA/FIFPro World XI (3): 2007, 2008, 2009
• ESM Team of the Year (1): 2008–09
• Goal of the Season (1): 2006
• UEFA Champions League Final Man of the Match (1): 2005
• FA Cup Final Man of the Match (1): 2006
• Premier League Player of the Month Award (6): March 2001, March 2003, December 2004, April 2006, March 2009, March 2014
• Member of the Order of the British Empire: 2007
• Honorary Fellowship from Liverpool John Moores University: 2008
• BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award – 3rd Place: 2005
• IFFHS World's Most Popular Footballer: 2006

CASILLAS

As the Golden Era of Spain is coming to and end, Casillas(33 years) is also ending his career with all major cups in his pocket. Casillas is the most caped player for Spain. He first wore Spain jersey in 2000. He was the Best goal keeper of 2010 world cup, a main hand in Spain's first ever world cup win. 

Club

Real Madrid

·         La Liga: 2000–01, 2002–03, 2006–07, 2007–08, 2011–12

·         Copa del Rey: 2010–11, 2013–14

·         Supercopa de España: 2001, 2003, 2008, 2012

·         UEFA Champions League: 1999–2000, 2001–02, 2013–14

·         UEFA Super Cup: 2002

·         Intercontinental Cup: 2002

Country

Spain

·         FIFA World Cup: 2010

·         UEFA European Championship: 2008, 2012

Spain U20

·         FIFA World Youth Championship: 1999

Spain U16

·         UEFA Under-16 Championship: 1997

Individual

·         Bravo Award: 2000

·         La Liga Breakthrough Player of the Year: 2000

·         La Liga Best Goalkeeper: 2009, 2012

·         BBVA Fair Play award: 2012-13

·         Zamora Trophy: 2007–08

·         Best European Goalkeeper: 2010

·         IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012

·         FIFA/FIFPro World's Best Goalkeeper: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012

·         FIFA/FIFPro World XI: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012

·         FIFA World Cup Golden Glove: 2010^[47]

·         FIFA World Cup All-Star Team: 2010

·         UEFA Euro Team of the Tournament: 2008, 2012

·         UEFA Team of the Year: 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012

·         ESM Team of the Year: 2008

Records

Real Madrid

·         Real Madrid Record Appearance Maker in International Competitions: 149 games¹

·         Real Madrid Record Appearance Maker in UEFA Club Competitions: 146 games²

·         Real Madrid Record Appearance Maker in European Competitions: 144 games³

·         Real Madrid Record Appearance Maker in UEFA Champions League: 142 games

¹Includes all European club competitive competitions, Intercontinental Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.

²Includes all European club competitive competitions and Intercontinental Cup.

³Includes European Cup / UEFA Champions League, UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, UEFA Cup / UEFA Europa League, UEFA Super Cup andUEFA Intertoto Cup.

Spain

·         Spain Record Appearance Maker: 153 games

Decorations

·         Gold Medal of the Royal Order of Sporting Merit: 2009

·         Favourite son of Navalacruz: 2010

·         Favourite son of Móstoles: 2010

·         Prince of Asturias Award for Sports: 2012

XAVI AND INIESTA

The masters of tikki - takka. We can never keep them seperate. They together lifted the team to unseen glories. They ruled the midfield with vision and creativity. Both came through Barcelona youth academy. Xavi (34 ) has won more trophies than any other Spanish player (25). He was nominated for Ballon d'ore 5 times and was 3r in 2009,2010 and 2011. Xavi was the man of the tournament in 2008 Euro cup. 

Iniesta(30) became man of the match in the 2010 final with the vital goal against Holland. 

Iniesta 

Honours

Barcelona

• La Liga: 2004–05, 2005–06, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2012–13
• Copa del Rey: 2008–09, 2011–12; Runner-up: 2010–11, 2013–14
• Supercopa de España: 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013; Runner-up: 2012
• UEFA Champions League: 2005–06, 2008–09, 2010–11
• UEFA Super Cup: 2009, 2011; Runner-up: 2006
• FIFA Club World Cup: 2009, 2011; Runner-up: 2006

Spain

• FIFA World Cup: 2010
• UEFA European Football Championship: 2008, 2012
• UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship: 2002
• UEFA European Under-17 Football Championship: 2001

Individual

• UEFA Best Player in Europe Award: 2012
• Euro 2012 Player of the Tournament: 2012
• UEFA Champions League Best Player: 2011–12
• FIFA Ballon d'Or: 2nd place 2010, 4th Place 2011, 3rd Place 2012
• Onze de Bronze: 2009
• La Liga Spanish Player of the Year: 2009
• Trofeo Alfredo di Stéfano: 2nd best player in La Liga 2008–09, 3rd in 2011–12
• IFFHS World's Best Playmaker: 2012, 2013
• La Liga's Best Attacking Midfielder: 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013.
• Marca Legend Award: 2011
• FIFA Confederations Cup Silver Ball: 2013
• FIFA Puskás Award: 2nd place 2009
• 2010 FIFA World Cup All-Star Team
• 2010 FIFA World Cup Man Of The Match vs. Chile, Paraguay and Final vs Netherlands
• UEFA Euro Team of the Tournament: 2008, 2012
• UEFA Euro 2008 Man Of The Match Semi-final vs. Russia
• UEFA Euro 2012 Man Of The Match vs. Italy, Croatia, Final vs Italy
• FIFA/FIFPro World XI: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
• UEFA Team of the Year: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012
• ESM Team of the Year: 2010–11

Decorations

• Prince of Asturias Awards: 2010
• Gold Medal of the Royal Order of Sporting Merit: 2011

Xavi

Barcelona

• La Liga: 1998–99, 2004–05, 2005–06, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2012–13
• Copa del Rey: 2008–09, 2011–12; Runner-up 2010–11, 2013–14
• Supercopa de España: 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013; Runner-up 2012
• UEFA Champions League: 2005–06, 2008–09, 2010–11
• UEFA Super Cup: 2009, 2011; Runner-up 2006
• FIFA Club World Cup: 2009, 2011; Runner-up 2006

Spain

• FIFA World Cup: 2010
• UEFA European Football Championship: 2008, 2012
• Summer Olympics Silver Medal: 2000
• FIFA World Youth Championship: 1999

Individual

• World Soccer Player of the Year: 2010
• Euro 2008 Player of the Tournament: 2008
• UEFA Best Player in Europe Award Second place: 2011
• FIFA Ballon d'Or Third place: 2010, 2011
• Ballon d'Or Silver Award: 2009
• FIFA World Player of the Year Third place: 2009
• Onze de Bronze: 2011
• UEFA Champions League Final Man of the Match: 2009
• UEFA Club Midfielder of the Year: 2008–09
• IFFHS World's Best Playmaker: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011
• La Liga Breakthrough Player of the Year: 1999
• La Liga Spanish Player of the Year: 2005
• La Liga Player of the Year: 2nd place 2010, 3rd place 2011
• La Liga Midfielder of the Year: 2009, 2010, 2011.
• FIFA World Cup All-Star Team: 2010
• Euro Team of the Tournament: 2008, 2012
• FIFA/FIFPro World XI: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
• UEFA Team of the Year: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012
• ESM Team of the Year: 2008–09, 2010–11, 2011–12
• FIFA Club World Cup Silver Ball: 2011
• FIFA Club World Cup Bronze Ball: 2009

Decorations

• Spanish Sportsman of the Year: 2009
• Gold Medal of the Royal Order of Sporting Merit: 2010
• Prince of Asturias Award for Sports: 2010, 2012

Diego Forlan

A player with a legacy, third generation of football players. Forlan (35) was awarded Golden Ball in 2010 world cup, after scoring 5 goals (top score leveled with David Villa). He played a major role in finishing fourth. He is the most caped Uruguay player (111 - 36 goals). 

Diego Forlán and Youri Djorkaeff were, respectively, members of the Uruguay and France squads that met in the 2002 World Cup, in Group A. Their respective fathers, Pablo and Jean, featured in the match between Uruguay and France at the1966 World Cup, which was also in Group A.

Awards and honours

Club

Manchester United

• Premier League: 2002–03
• FA Community Shield: 2003
• FA Cup: 2003–04

Villarreal

• UEFA Intertoto Cup: 2004

Atlético Madrid

• UEFA Europa League: 2009–10
• UEFA Super Cup: 2010

Internacional

• Rio Grande do Sul State League: 2013

National team

Uruguay

• Copa America: 2011
• FIFA World Cup Fourth Place: 2010
• FIFA Confederations Cup Fourth Place: 2013

Individual

• Pichichi Trophy (2): 2004–05, 2008–09
• European Golden Shoe (2): 2004–05*, 2008–09
• Trofeo EFE: 2004–05
• 2010 UEFA Europa League Final Man of The Match
• 2010 FIFA World Cup Man of The Match (3): vs France, vs South Africa, vs Ghana
• 2010 FIFA World Cup Co-Top Scorer
• 2010 FIFA World Cup Golden Ball
• 2010 FIFA World Cup All-Star Team
• Campeonato Gaúcho Top Scorer: 2013

DIDIER DROGBA

I don't think any one who love football would hate this iconic striker. Well known for his days at Chelsea, Drogba is the most scored Ivory Coast player(103-65goals). He is one of the best strikers game have ever seen. He was good in air, strong and excellent in retaining possession. He played major role in bringing Ivory Coast to world cup in 2006 for the first time. 

Honours

Club

Chelsea

• FA Premier League: 2004–05, 2005–06, 2009–10
• FA Cup: 2006–07, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2011–12
• Football League Cup: 2004–05, 2006–07
• UEFA Champions League: 2011–12
• FA Community Shield: 2005, 2009

Galatasaray

• Süper Lig: 2012–13
• TFF Süper Kupa: 2013
• Türkiye Kupası: 2013–14

Individual

• Onze d'Or: 2004
• UEFA Cup Top Scorer: 2003–04
• Ligue 1 Goal of the Year: 2003–04
• Ligue 1 Team of the Year: 2003–04
• Ligue 1 Player of the Year: 2003–04
• African Footballer of the Year: 2006, 2009
• Chelsea Players' Player of the Year: 2007
• Golden Boot Landmark Award 10: 2006–07
• Golden Boot Landmark Award 20: 2006–07
• PFA Team of the Year: 2006–07, 2009–10
• FA Community Shield Man of the Match: 2005
• Ivory Coast Player of the year: 2006, 2007, 2012
• League Cup Final Man of the Match: 2007
• Premier League Golden Boot: 2007, 2010
• FA Cup Final Man of the Match: 2010
• ESM Team of the Year: 2006–07
• UEFA Team of the Year: 2007
• FIFA/FIFPro World XI: 2007
• BBC African Footballer of the Year: 2009
• Chelsea Player of the Year: 2010
• Time Top 100: 2010
• Africa Cup Top Scorer: 2012
• Africa Cup Team of the Tournament: 2006, 2008, 2012
• UEFA Champions League Final Man of the Match: 2012
• Turkish Footballer of the Year: 2013
• Golden Foot: 2013
• Ivory Coast all-time Top Scorer

Some other leading players of the decade, who would be playing their last world cup in Brazil, are: 

      Wayene Rooney (England)
Wesley Sneijder (Holland)
Arjen Robben (Holland)
Frank Lampard (England)
Daneil De Rossi (Italy)
Frank Ribery (France)
Podolski (Germany)
Schweinsteiger (Germany)
Essien (Ghana)
Kuyt (Holland)
Van Persie (Holland)
David Villa (Spain)
Samuel Etoo (Cameroon)
Dario Srna (Croatia)
Lukas Modric (Croatia)
Patrice Evra (france)
Philip Lahm (Germany)

      Tim Cahil (Australia)