Top 10 players with most goal contributions in single World Cup edition

A lot of legendary players went on to make a high number of goal contributions for their country in a single edition.

The FIFA World Cup 2022 is delivering fabulous entertainment for the spectators in attendance in Qatar and the fans across the globe who are tuning in on their televisions and other streaming devices. Players like Lionel Messi, Bruno Fernandes, Kylian Mbappe, Marcus Rashford, etc are setting the stage on fire with goals and assists for their respective national teams.

Making goal contributions for the national team at the World Cup is a huge achievement. It helps the team secure wins and advance in the tournament. In the past, many legendary players went on to make a lot of goal contributions, particularly in a single edition.

Thanks to the data provided by our friends at Sofascore, here is a look at the past tournaments (since 1966) and find out the top 10 players with the most goal contributions at a single World Cup:

James Rodriguez - 8

Colombia’s James Rodriguez took the world by storm at the FIFA World Cup 2014. He made eight goal contributions for the team, announcing his arrival on the biggest stage in world football in style. Out of eight goal contributions, he had six goals and two assists. The midfielder won the Golden Boot at the end of the tournament.

Thomas Muller - 8

Thomas Muller of Germany made eight goal contributions at the FIFA World Cup 2010 and then repeated the feat four years later in 2014. He won the golden boot during the former with five goals and three assists. In Brazil, Muller scored five goals and again made three assists.

Ronaldo - 8

Ronaldo was the hero for Brazil in their triumph at the FIFA World Cup 2002. The striker got eight goal contributions for the national team which had eight goals and one assist. He won the golden boot and scored a brace in the final in the process. 

Zico - 8

Zico is regarded as one of the finest football players that Brazil has produced. In the 1982 edition of the FIFA World Cup hosted by Spain, he got eight goal contributions. The attacker got four goals and four assists but could not help the team go past the second group stage.

Jairzinho - 8

Jairzinho scored seven goals and made one assist for Brazil at the FIFA World Cup 1970 in Mexico. Brazil won that edition thanks to an impeccable performance by the attacker. He scored in the final as well but finished second to Gerd Muller in the race for golden boot who scored 10 goals.

Grzegorz Lato - 9

West Germany hosted the FIFA World Cup in 1974 which saw Grzegorz Lato make nine goal contributions. Thanks to his memorable performance, Poland finished third, beating Brazil in the third-place playoff where he was the scorer of the sole goal in a 1-0 win.

Diego Maradona - 10

Legendary footballer Diego Maradona got 10 goal contributions during the FIFA World Cup 1986 in Mexico. He scored five goals and also got five assists. Interestingly, he did not win the golden boot but took Argentina to the World Cup win. However, he won the golden ball award.

Pele - 10

Diego Maradona’s good friend and rival Pele of Brazil got 10 goal contributions at the FIFA World Cup 1970 in Mexico. In six appearances, the incredible attacker scored four goals and provided six assists for his teammates. Brazil went on to win the World Cup that year.

Eusebio - 10

Portugal’s Eusebio got 10 goal contributions in the 1966 edition of the FIFA World Cup in England. He scored nine goals, won the golden boot, and got one assist. Thanks to his performance, the Portuguese national team finished third at the end of the tournament.

Gerd Muller - 13

Gerd Muller of Germany holds the record for most goal contributions at a single FIFA World Cup. He made 13 goal contributions at the 1970 edition, scoring 10 goals and providing three assists. He won the golden boot and also took Germany to a third-place finish.