Who has the most appearances in World Cup history?

MANY players only get a chance to play in one or two World Cups, with the vast majority not going to any at all.

However, a handful of players have done it not once, not twice, but five times.

AP:Associated PressDiego Maradona celebrates after Argentina defeated West Germany 3-2 in the 1986 World Cup final[/caption]

Brazil are the only nation to appear in all 21 tournaments, with Germany having competed in 19.

Italy have participated in the third most, with 18 World Cup appearances under their belt. However, they will miss out this year after failing to qualify.

Who has the most appearances in World Cup history?

Former Germany midfielder Lothar Matthaus has recorded the most appearances in the World Cup, ranking up 25 games over five tournaments.

Miroslav Klose has the second most, having played one game less. The German notably also holds the record for the most goals scored at the tournament, netting 16 times.

Legendary defender Paolo Maldini is next on the list with 23 appearances for Italy.

Argentina’s beloved Diego Maradona is fourth placed, having recorded 21 appearances and scored some iconic goals along the way. Few were more famous than the ‘hand of God’ goal against England during the semi-final of the 1986 World Cup.

PA:Press AssociationDiego Maradona scores his “Hand of God” goal against England during the 1986 World Cup semi-final[/caption]

Lionel Messi is 14th on the all-time list, and is set to play in his fifth tournament in Qatar amid his possible transfer to Inter Miami.

Notable mentions must go to Mexico’s Antonio Carbajal and Rafael Marquez, who are the only other players alongside Matthaus to compete in 5 World Cups.

Here is a list of the top 10:

Lothar Matthaus (25) – Germany
Miroslav Klose (24) – Germany
Paolo Maldini (23) – Italy
Diego Maradona (21) – Argentina
Uwe Seeler (21) – Germany
Wladyslaw Zmuda (21) – Poland
Cafu (20) – Brazil
Philipp Lahm (20) – Germany
Javier Mascherano (20) – Argentina
Bastian Schweinsteiger (20) – Germany

Most read in Football

WELL I NEV-ER

Neville QUITS as chief executive of Salford City with Nicky Butt to come in

UNITED NEWS

Bruno Fernandes OUT of Villa clash, Ten Hag lauds ‘brilliant’ Maguire

IN THE CLEAR

Joey Barton’s assault trial dismissed after he’s accused of ‘kicking wife’

EUR TOP

Do Europa League group winners have to play in the round of 32?

MY RACIST TROLL HELL

Reece James racist troll tracked down in Middle East before World Cup

HAIL HARRY

Ten Hag calls Maguire ‘magnificent’ in Man Utd exile’s first start since August