Some of the biggest names in world football will be spectators throughout the 2018 World Cup due to their respective countries failing to qualify for the tournament. Italy’s Gianluigi Buffon, Holland’s Arjen Robben and Chile’s Alexis Sanchez all join Real Madrid and Wales star Gareth Bale among the list of noteworthy footballers who won’t take the pitch in Russia this summer. Don’t forget about those who represent the United States Men’s National Team, a squad unable to notch a victory in a must-win game over Trinidad and Tobago last fall. Michael Bradley, Jozy Altidore and Christian Pulisic won’t don the red, white and blue during football’s biggest summer party.
Never fear, as multiple men atop Ballon d’Or power rankings will be featured at the World Cup. This includes the two top players in La Liga and, probably, the sport, along with the PFA Premier League Player of the Year. Will 2018 be the year when Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi add the one achievement missing from their historic résumés, or will a different individual emerge as a breakout performer as James Rodriguez did during the 2014 World Cup?
We'll find out when these 20 players take the pitch in Russia.
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