Kaka picks the most iconic individual attacking performances in FIFA World Cup history

Brazil legend Kaka has chosen his favourite individual attacking performances in World Cup history through the lens of the FIFA Power Rankings, powered by Aramco.

The former AC Milan and Real Madrid superstar, who won the World Cup with Brazil in 2002, has focused on three of the greatest forwards ever to play the game as his top choices.

Ronaldo Nazario, Brazil 2002

Ronaldo Nazario completed one of the greatest ever sporting comebacks at World Cup 2002 in South Korea and Japan as he inspired Brazil to victory.

The striker had already lifted the trophy in 1994 but then suffered heartache in 1998 when he suffered a seizure before the final as Brazil lost to France.

A series of knee injuries followed which ensured Ronaldo had been all but written off by the time the 2002 tournament rolled around.

Ronaldo swiftly silenced his critics, scoring eight times to lift the Golden Boot and twice in the final to down Germany and ensure Brazil were crowned world champions for a fifth time.

“In 2002 nobody believed in him anymore. He’s had an injury, his knees were really bad. But he won the World Cup and he won the Ballon d’Or,” explained Kaka. 

“Football sometimes teaches what we are willing to do for what we want. And I saw the sacrifice that Ronaldo did to be ready for the World Cup and to help Brazil win the five stars. He’s the best player that I played with.”

Kylian Mbappe, France 2022

Kylian Mbappe won the World Cup in 2018 at the age of just 19 and was back in the final again four years later. The France star proceeded to put on a master class, scoring three times in the final, but it still wasn’t quite enough as Argentina prevailed on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw.

“It’s incredible. He was 23 years old, a lot of pressure, France was losing 2-0 and he started playing and having fun and scoring goals. One of the best performances in a World Cup final for sure,” says Kaka.

Mbappe became just the second man to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final, and his treble did at least ensure he went home with the Golden Boot as the tournament’s top scorer.

Lionel Messi, Argentina 2022

Lionel Messi led Argentina to victory in Qatar in 2022 and picked up the one trophy that had managed to elude him throughout his sensational career along the way.

The forward led from the front and his two goals in the final helped end Argentina’s 36-year wait to be crowned world champions for the third time.

“It’s a privilege to watch Messi play in a World Cup, in clubs and everywhere. If you have Leo on the field, something will happen,” says Kaka. “His ability to keep the ball close to his feet and to move the ball very, very fast, it’s insane.