The worst XI players at the 2018 World Cup - in pictures

A list of XI players who are unlikely to be leaving Russia with their reputations enhanced

Goalkeeper – David de Gea (Spain) With Manuel Neuer still feeling his way back to form following serious injury, De Gea came into this tournament more or less universally acclaimed as the best goalkeeper in the game. Then he waved through a shot from Ronaldo early in the classic first game against Portugal, and it set the tone for a nervy campaign. Lucy Nicholson / Reuters

Paul Radley

Jul 03, 2018

Much was made of the early exits of football’s Big Two – Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi – from the 2018 World Cup.

They are hardly the first great players to miss out on winning football’s most famous trophy, though. Even during this competition itself, a number of other players of celebrated standing have suffered.

A list of XI players who are unlikely to be leaving Russia with their reputations enhanced.

Scroll left/right on the picture gallery above.

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