The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar came with a lot of suspense, excitement, and surprise which brought joy to millions of football fans across the world.
The tournament, dubbed the greatest World Cup ever by FIFA president Gianni Infantino, ended on Sunday, December 18 with Argentina stealing the show from France.
The match ended in a 3-3 stalemate after France pulled an upsetting dramatic comeback. The winners were later decided via penalty as Argentina cruised to victory, thanks to frantic efforts from goalie Emi Martinez.
From Lionel Messi to Frenchman Kylian Mbappe, the tourney was highlighted by records broken and set by players. Ikeja Bird highlights players who did the unthinkable.
Olivier Giroud
AC Milan talisman, Olivier Giroud, had a stellar run at the Qatar World Cup. A legend of the game, the Frenchman showed up for France when needed.
He hit the most goals for France -52 in this World Cup, meaning he’s the goal record holder for the Blues.
Manuel Neuer
Although Germany left the World Cup at the group stage, Neuer set the record for the most appearances for a goalkeeper in World Cup history – 19.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo-led Portugal’s hope of winning the World Cup died after a 1-0 defeat to Atlas Lions of Morocco. However, the former Machester United forward set a record as the first footballer to score at five World Cup tournaments.
Kylian Mbappe
Frenchman Mbappe was instrumental to France’s stellar run in Qatar and he almost gave Blues a second World Cup in a tie with Argentina. But his hattrick was not enough to make the magic.
He would later leave the tournament with these records:
Most goals by a player aged 23 or younger in a single World Cup all-time – 8
Most World Cup knockout stage goals aged 23 or younger in a World Cup- 7
Most goals scored at a World Cup final than any other player – 4
The second player to score a hat-trick in the men’s World Cup final
Lionel Messi
The PSG talisman was the most dominant figure in Qatar, helping the Lionel Scolani’s side to their second World Cup victory against France.
Asides winning the coveted trophy, the 35-year-old set records for appearances, goals, assists. Here are records set by him:
Most Man of the Match awards won in FIFA World Cup history – 8
First person to assist at five different FIFA World Cups
Most FIFA World Cup appearances as captain: 19
Most appearances in FIFA World Cup tournaments by a player
Only player to win two Golden Balls [Best player of the tournament] – 2014, 2022
The most number of minutes played in the World Cup with 234 minutes, surpassing Paolo Maldini.
Oldest player to register a goal and an assist in a World Cup game [vs. Saudi Arabia] at 35
Oldest player to register a goal and an assist in a World Cup knockout game [quarterfinal vs. Netherlands, semifinal vs. Croatia] at 35
Most goal contributions in a World Cup – 21 total (13 goals and 8 assists)
Most appearances in FIFA World Cups – 26
Most goals at World Cup for an Argentina player – 13
The first player to score in Group Stage, the Round of 16, Quarter-finals, Semi-finals, and Final in a single edition of a World Cup
