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.
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.
CROATIA
Ivan Rakitic has played alongside Luka Modric, Manuel Neuer, Raul, Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez. He captained Sevilla to UEFA Europa League glory, scored the opener for Barcelona in a triumphant UEFA Champions League final, and helped propel Croatia, against all odds, into the FIFA World Cup™ Final.
The 32-year-old recently returned to Seville, which he calls “probably the craziest city in Spain for football passion”, with the goal of helping take Sevilla to the next level in the Champions League. More recently, he made the emotional decision to retire from international football, which he explains.
In this fascinating interview, he also raves about Modric, sends a heartfelt message to Messi, tells the incredible story of how he met his wife, and discusses earning an honour previously bestowed only on Diego Maradona, his glorious time at Barcelona and performances in El Clásico, Russia 2018 and the mind-blowing reception Croatia received on their return to Zagreb.
Ivan Rakitic has played alongside Luka Modric, Manuel Neuer, Raul, Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez. He captained Sevilla to UEFA Europa League glory, scored the opener for Barcelona in a triumphant UEFA Champions League final, and helped propel Croatia, against all odds, into the FIFA World Cup™ Final.
The 32-year-old recently returned to Seville, with the goal of helping take Sevilla to the next level in the Champions League. More recently, he made the emotional decision to retire from international football, which he explains.
In this fascinating interview, he also raves about Modric, sends a heartfelt message to Messi, tells the incredible story of how he met his wife, and discusses earning an honour previously bestowed only on Diego Maradona, his glorious time at Barcelona and performances in El Clásico, Russia 2018 and the mind-blowing reception Croatia received on their return to Zagreb.
There’s only one number one – it’s Leo. I just want to say this: ‘Thank you for everything, Leo, because you’ll never know how much it meant to me to play next to you.’
SPAIN
Santi Cazorla wrote his name large in Spain’s football history. He was a member of a golden generation that dominated world football for years, earning La Roja one FIFA World Cup™ and two UEFA European Championships.
Now 35, Cazorla made his senior Spain debut in 2008 and has proved over the years that he is a midfielder of unique qualities. His nickname, El Mago (the Magician), is testament to his laser-like passes, sumptuous dribbling skills and two-footed shooting.
Despite some long and serious injuries, Cazorla’s playing career has still endured. After impressing at his former club Villarreal, which he rejoined in 2018, he caught the attention of Qatar’s Al Sadd and their coach Xavi, who convinced him to move to the country that is set to host the FIFA World Cup in two years’ time.
Four months after touching down in Doha, FIFA.com spoke with the Spaniard about his move to Qatar, his time with La Roja, his experience with Luis Aragones and Vicente del Bosque, and his opinion of Xavi, the Qatari league and Al Sadd.
Santi Cazorla wrote his name large in Spain’s football history. He was a member of a golden generation that dominated world football for years, earning La Roja one FIFA World Cup™ and two UEFA European Championships.
Now 35, Cazorla made his senior Spain debut in 2008 and has proved over the years that he is a midfielder of unique qualities. His nickname, El Mago (the Magician), is testament to his laser-like passes, sumptuous dribbling skills and two-footed shooting.
Despite some long and serious injuries, Cazorla’s playing career has still endured. After impressing at his former club Villarreal, which he rejoined in 2018, he caught the attention of Qatar’s Al Sadd and their coach Xavi, who convinced him to move to the country that is set to host the FIFA World Cup in two years’ time.
Four months after touching down in Doha, FIFA.com spoke with the Spaniard about his move to Qatar, his time with La Roja, his experience with Luis Aragones and Vicente del Bosque, and his opinion of Xavi, the Qatari league and Al Sadd.
Xavi is a great coach. I deal with him on a daily basis, and the many leadership qualities he had as a player he now has as a coach.
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
Status quo remains in Women's Ranking
Discover
USA
Pts. 2181
Germany
Pts. 2090
France
Pts. 2036
Netherlands
Pts. 2032
Sweden
Pts. 2007
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.
