Kylian Mbappe – France
Mbappe arrives in North America after a turbulent two seasons at Real Madrid without a major trophy. His commitment was questioned after he went on holiday while nursing a hamstring injury towards the end of the season.
The international stage has always been where Mbappe is at his best. He terrorised defences as a teenager in France’s 2018 World Cup triumph and scored eight goals including a hat-trick in the 2022 final as France fell short on penalties against Argentina.
He needs just four more World Cup goals to equal Miroslav Klose’s all-time record of 16. A change of scenery could be exactly what the 27-year-old needs.
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Erling Haaland – Norway
After years of watching from the sidelines, Haaland finally gets his first taste of a major international tournament. He struck 16 times in eight qualifying games as Norway ended a 28-year absence from the World Cup – taking his international tally to a remarkable 55 goals in 49 appearances.
Norway have been tipped as dark horses alongside Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard and a golden generation of players. They will need Haaland firing from the start after being drawn in Group I alongside France and African champions Senegal.
Vinicius Junior – Brazil
Neymar’s return to the Brazil squad has generated headlines but it is Vinicius who will ultimately determine how far Carlo Ancelotti’s side go. The World Cup offers him the platform to become a national hero and finally claim the Ballon d’Or he believes he was denied two years ago.
His record for Brazil remains modest – just eight goals in 47 caps – and he scored only once in 2022. The stage is set for him to change that narrative.
Harry Kane – England
Kane enters what is likely his last realistic shot at World Cup glory after scoring 58 goals in 50 games for Bayern Munich this season. England’s all-time record scorer has consistently delivered at club level but is yet to end his nation’s 60-year wait for a major title.
Crucially, Bayern managed his minutes carefully in the final months of the season – he arrives fresher than he has for any previous tournament.
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Lamine Yamal – Spain
The breakout star of Euro 2024 is racing against time to be fit after a hamstring injury sustained on 22 April.
The 18-year-old could miss Spain’s first two group games but arrives having scored 24 goals in all competitions as Barcelona won back-to-back La Liga titles.
When fit, many consider him the best player in the world. Spain will be patient and wait.
– AFP
Photo: Bagu Blanco / Pressinphoto / Icon Sport
