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Top 10 players with most wins in international football

Published at :November 19, 2024 at 11:54 PM
Modified at :November 19, 2024 at 11:54 PM
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Bhavya Chadha

Lionel Messi is not even in the top three.

Many fans regard international football as the pinnacle of the sport. Players take immense pride in representing their nation on the global stage. Performances in continental tournaments and the World Cup leave a massive mark on their overall legacies and serve as a testament to their skills. The feeling of being declared a winner is always special, but achieving it for your country elevates that victory to unparalleled heights.

International football is incredibly challenging as players have a very limited time to build a great relationship with their teammates. Along with constant media pressure, players have to carry the burden of their country’s expectations. In such difficult circumstances, the number of wins a player accumulates showcases their contribution to shaping the footballing heritage of their country.

Representing your nation on a global stage is more than just a game for these players. It is a chance for them to write their name in the history books. It’s an opportunity for them to turn into national heroes. Legends like Pele, Zinedine Zidane, and Ronaldo Nazario are remembered as some of the greatest players of all time and their impact on the international stage is a massive reason behind that.

So let’s celebrate the legacies of the players who have led their nation to victory on many occasions. Today we will take a look at the stories of the top 10 players with the most international wins.

10. Andrés Iniesta (Spain)

Appearances: 131

Matches won: 96

The Spaniard is known for his technical prowess, intelligence, and composure on the ball. He was one of the most successful players on the club level and is labelled as the greatest midfielder of all time by many. He had an iconic international career as well. The former midfielder won two UEFA Euros titles in 2008 and 2012.

He also scored the winning goal against the Netherlands in the 2010 World Cup final which crowned Spain as world champions for the first time in their history. Andres Iniesta was named player of the tournament in 2012 Euros and won UEFA Player of the Year in the same year as well. He represented his country on 131 occasions and emerged as the winner 96 times.

Also Read: Top 13 highest international scorers of all time

9. Ángel Di María (Argentina)

Appearances: 145

Matches won: 96

The story of Ángel Di María with the Argentina national team is one of hard work and determination. After La Albiceleste’s humiliating exit from the 2018 World Cup, fans wanted Di María out of the national team but fast-forward to 2024 and he had a perfect ending to his international career.

He won the 2024 Copa America in his last-ever match for his country. He showed up for Argentina in important moments throughout his career as he owns a unique feat of scoring in the final of the Olympics, Copa America, and the World Cup for Argentina. He will go down as one of the greatest Argentine players of all time.

8. Xavi (Spain)

Appearances: 133

Matches won: 100

The first centurion on our list is Spain’s and FC Barcelona‘s legend, Xavi. The Spaniard played a pivotal role in Spain’s dominance over world football from 2008 to 2012. His performance against Germany in the 2010 World Cup semi-finals stands as one of the finest performances by a midfielder ever.

He was part of the 2010 FIFA World Cup dream team and was in the team of the tournament for the 2008 and 2012 Euros Championship. He was crowned the best playmaker in the world by IFFHS for four consecutive years which showcases his individual quality. His ability to read the game and dictate its tempo was his biggest asset and made him a very influential figure in football history.

7. Jan Vertonghen (Belgium)

Appearances: 157

Matches won: 101

This might surprise everyone but it’s true. Jan Vertonghen has won more international matches than the likes of Xavi, Iniesta, and Ángel Di María. He was part of Belgium’s golden generation and played a crucial role in the backline of the star-studded team. He represented his nation for 17 years and became their most-capped player in the process.

He retired from international football in 2024 and his career with Belgium just demonstrates his incredible consistency. Despite not winning any major silverware with his country, Jan Vertonghen has cemented his legacy as one of the best and most important players in his nation’s history.

Also Read: Top 10 players with most assists in international football history

6. Andrés Guardado (Mexico)

Appearances: 182

Matches won: 103

The Mexican legend bid farewell to the beautiful game this month. He ended his career as a very prominent figure in Mexican football history. Despite playing for clubs like Valencia and Real Betis, Guardado is mostly recognized for his career with El Tricolor.

He debuted for his national team in 2005 and took part in five different world cups, a feat achieved by only a handful of players. He won the CONCACAF Cup in 2015 and won three Gold cups in 2011, 2015, and 2019 for his national team.

5. Soh Chin Ann (Malaysia)

Appearances: 195

Matches won: 108

The only Asian player on our list today is Malaysian legend Soh Chin Ann. He played as a centre-back for his national team and was given the nickname, ‘Boss’ by his teammates. He is considered one of the most successful Asian football players of all time due to his stacked trophy cabinet and individual accolades.

He was the first footballer in the entire history of the sport to win more than 100 international games. He won the bronze medal in the Asian Games in 1974 and was crowned the King’s Cup champion with Malaysia in 1972, 1976, and 1978.

4. Lionel Messi (Argentina)

Appearances: 190

Matches won: 119

The Argentine’s international career has been an emotional rollercoaster for him and his fans. He is one of only two active international players on our list and can certainly climb up the ranks with a few more victories. Ever since his debut, he was compared to Diego Maradona but when Messi struggled with the national team in his early years, he was criticized by his people.

He lost three consecutive finals with Argentina and announced his international retirement only to come back and win three consecutive international titles. The list of Lionel Messi‘s international achievements is very long. He has won an Olympic gold medal, two Copa Americas, Finnalisima, and the World Cup. He is also the top scorer for his country with 112 goals.

Also Read: Top 10 highest goalscorers in the history of football

3. Iker Casillas (Spain)

Appearances: 167

Matches won: 121

The third place on this list belongs to the only Spanish captain to lift the World Cup. Iker Casillas is a legend of the game. He is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers of all time. He won every single trophy on club level with Real Madrid and captained Spain during their most successful period.

Iker Casillas was incredible throughout his international career but he showed his best level in the 2010 World Cup. Spain only conceded two goals in the entire tournament and Casillas was a major reason behind that. He was given the title of the best goalkeeper of the tournament. His save against Arjen Robben in the final is an iconic moment that is replayed even to this day.

2. Sergio Ramos (Spain)

Appearances: 180

Matches won: 131

Spain are one of the most successful footballing nations of the 21st century and having four players on this list perfectly reflects their past dominance in international football. Sergio Ramos is one of the most decorated players of all time and is considered a great defender by players from the past and present.

Sergio Ramos succeeded Iker Casillas as Spain’s captain in 2016 and led his nation for almost five years. Although his international career ended abruptly as he was omitted from the squad after 2021, he will go down as a legend for his country. He has won every single title on club and international level. Four Champions Leagues, two Euros titles, and a World Cup are some of his major achievements in football.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

Appearances: 215

Matches won: 132

The Portuguese superstar broke this record recently when he scored a brace against Poland in the UEFA Nations League. Even at 39, Cristiano Ronaldo seems as hungry as ever to win and score goals. Portugal have only won two international trophies in their history and both came under the leadership of Cristiano Ronaldo: the 2016 Euros and the 2019 Nations League.

He is the all-time top goalscorer of football history and is showing no signs of slowing down. His achievements include five Ballon d’Ors and three FIFA and UEFA Best Player awards. Cristiano Ronaldo has expressed his desire to play in the 2026 World Cup as he aims to continue making history on the global level.

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