Pablito magnificently propelled Italy, against all odds, to FIFA World Cup? glory in 1982. Diego delivered a mind-blowing campaign as Argentina conquered the Trophy four years later. With quotes, videos, statistics and more, we hail two unforgettable footballers.
This document lays out a plan to further modernise the football world, make it increasingly inclusive and pave the way to a landscape in which, one day, we will have around 50 national teams and 50 clubs from all continents at a top competitive level. This is a vision to make football truly global.
Croatia
The 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia? represented a milestone for Croatian football, a summer fairy tale that will likely never be forgotten. Under Zlatko Dalic’s stewardship they made it to the Final, where they succumbed to a 4-2 defeat by France in a spectacular encounter.
The team subsequently underwent a period of transition as stars such as striker Mario Mandzukic and penalty-stopper supreme Danijel Subasic decided to call time on their international careers following that particular highlight. However Dalic, who has been at the helm since 2017, remained, determined that his path had not yet come to an end.
The 54-year-old successfully integrated talented youngsters into the side and led the national team to comfortable qualification for UEFA EURO 2020, which will take place in the coming summer. Before then, however, they face another serious test when the qualifying campaign for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022? begins in March.?
FIFA.com spoke to Dalic about the upcoming challenges, the difficulties 2020 brought, and coaching through the coronavirus pandemic.
The 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia? represented a milestone for Croatian football, a summer fairy tale that will likely never be forgotten. Under Zlatko Dalic’s stewardship they made it to the Final, where they succumbed to a 4-2 defeat by France in a spectacular encounter.
The team subsequently underwent a period of transition as stars such as striker Mario Mandzukic and penalty-stopper supreme Danijel Subasic decided to call time on their international careers following that particular highlight. However Dalic, who has been at the helm since 2017, remained, determined that his path had not yet come to an end.
FIFA.com spoke to Dalic about the upcoming challenges, the difficulties 2020 brought, and coaching through the coronavirus pandemic.
We fulfilled our dreams in Russia. But it also gives us an extra motivation because we know how special it is to make the whole nation so joyful and proud.
FIFA Football Awards
In any discussion about the world’s best goalkeepers, the name Jan Oblak invariably comes up.
The Slovenian, now in his seventh season at Atletico Madrid, where he is captain and one of the pillars of Diego Simeone's side, has been nominated for The Best FIFA Men’s Best Goalkeeper for 2020.
Oblak always cuts a restrained and composed figure between the sticks, even in the most difficult moments, perhaps most memorably his performance at Anfield in the last edition of the UEFA Champions League.
"Our goalkeeper is the best in the world," enthused Diego Simeone, the Atletico coach, that night in Liverpool. "He decides game the way Messi does for Barcelona."
FIFA.com chatted with the 27-year-old who shared with us his childhood dreams, the key to those ‘miracle’ saves, and his desire to win titles with the Los Rojiblancos.
In any discussion about the world’s best goalkeepers, the name Jan Oblak invariably comes up. The Slovenian, now in his seventh season at Atletico Madrid, where he is captain and one of the pillars of Diego Simeone's side, has been nominated for The Best FIFA Men’s Best Goalkeeper for 2020.
Oblak always cuts a restrained and composed figure between the sticks, even in the most difficult moments, perhaps most memorably his performance at Anfield in the last edition of the UEFA Champions League.
FIFA.com chatted with the 27-year-old who shared with us his childhood dreams, the key to those ‘miracle’ saves, and his desire to win titles with the Los Rojiblancos.
My father played, though not as a pro, and he too was a goalkeeper. So, I imitated him because I wanted to be like him. That's why I wanted to be a keeper from a young age.
Japan
World football has recently been captivated by several players in Japan, who have been performing week in, week out at the highest level well into their 40s (and some into their 50s!) respectively. What's the secret to their longevity and approach to life and football?
Perhaps the best-placed person to speak to on the subject is the Japan national team's and J1 League's all-time leader in appearances, Yasuhito Endo.
Endo has played over 800 matches in his storied professional career and is known for his elite set-piece-taking technique and otherworldly vision and broad range of passing.
Currently on loan from long-time club Gamba Osaka with Jubilo Iwata in the J2 League (second division), Endo has logged over 1,000 minutes this season and has been a key contributor on and off the pitch as he seeks to help the club win promotion back to the top division.
The 40-year-old spoke with FIFA.com about his career, his standout FIFA World Cup? at South Africa 2010 and who he is away from the pitch.
World football has recently been captivated by several players in Japan, who have been performing week in, week out at the highest level well into their 40s (and some into their 50s!) respectively. What's the secret to their longevity and approach to life and football?
Perhaps the best-placed person to speak to on the subject is the Japan national team's and J1 League's all-time leader in appearances, Yasuhito Endo. Endo has played over 800 matches in his storied professional career and is known for his elite set-piece-taking technique and otherworldly vision and broad range of passing.
Currently on loan from long-time club Gamba Osaka at Jubilo Iwata in the J2 League (second division), FIFA.com caught up with Endo to talk about his career, his standout FIFA World Cup? at South Africa 2010 and to find out who he is away from the pitch.
I have noticed that the trend has been changing. People do seem to value power and speed. I loved No10s growing up and wanted to play like Platini, Zico, Maradona and Cruyff. I want the No10 role to come back to the world of football. This is my desire.
Mexico and Italy return to top ten
Discover
Belgium
Pts. 1780
France
Pts. 1755
Brazil
Pts. 1743
England
Pts. 1670
Portugal
Pts. 1662
Spain
Pts. 1645
Malta join the party, USA stay top
Discover
USA
Pts. 2192
Germany
Pts. 2091
France
Pts. 2032
Netherlands
Pts. 2023
Sweden
Pts. 2009
England
Pts. 1999
As the world’s number one sport, football is uniquely placed to strengthen initiatives that can improve the lives of young people around the world.
