They’re eight of the best and most popular players in the world, and they’re all signed up for Pepsi’s 2014 team of world superstars.
Without any further ado, we’re starting from the back…
1) Vincent Kompany (Belgium)
Arguably the world’s best central defender, the 27-year-old captains both the Belgium and Manchester City sides and can also operate as a defensive midfielder. Kompany started his career in his home country with Anderlecht, before moving on the City at the age of 22 via Hamburg.
Greatest achievement? Lifted the Premier League trophy as City captain in 2011/2012.
2) Sergio Ramos (Spain)
The most remarkable thing about Spain and Real Madrid centre-half Ramos is that he is still only 27-years-old. Known as one of the toughest competitors in the Spanish league, Ramos has been an integral member of the Madrid rearguard for almost nine full seasons now, having joined from Sevilla in 2005.
Greatest achievement? Amassing 113 caps for Spain three years before turning 30.
3) David Luiz (Brazil)
Equally at home in central defence and at the base of the midfield, the flamboyant Luiz has become one of the Premier League’s most recognised stars since joining Chelsea from Benfica in 2011. An excellent passer of the ball with a terrific shot, he is assured of a place in Luis Felipe Scolari’s squad when the World Cup hits his home country this summer.
Greatest achievement? A strong performance in Chelsea’s Champions League victory over Bayern Munich.
4) Jack Wilshere (England)
Still only 22, the dynamic Arsenal midfielder has recently returned to the very pinnacle of his game for the Premier League leaders after a subdued start to the campaign. Wilshere’s injury struggles appear to be behind him as the Gunners look to end a trophy drought that stretches back to 2005. He also stars for the English national team and can expect to be on the plane to Brazil this summer.
Greatest achievement? Forming the best young central midfield partnership in England with Welshman Aaron Ramsey.
5) Mario Gomez (Germany)
The 28-year-old Fiorentina frontman is nearing a return to action after suffering a knee injury back in September, and there’s no doubt that the Italian side will welcome the dynamism of the former Bayern Munich star with open arms.
Greatest achievement? 25 goals in 59 appearances for the German national team.
6) Robin van Persie (Netherlands)
One of the greatest strikers the Premier League has ever seen, the 30-year-old raised more than a few eyebrows when swapping Arsenal for Manchester United in the summer of 2012. RvP, however, just kept on scoring goals, shooting United to their last league title under legendary manager Alex Ferguson. While this year hasn’t been quite so prolific for the Dutchman, he will hope to be firing on all cylinders in the summer.
Greatest achievement? Firing United to yet another league title in 2013.
7) Sergio Aguero (Argentina)
Along with Luis Suarez, ‘Kun’ is arguably the most lethal plying his trade in England this season. The Manchester City striker is still only 25 but has made almost 50 appearances for his country, while banging in the goals for both previous club Atletico Madrid and City.
Greatest achievement? Scoring THAT goal against QPR on the final day of the 2011/2012 season, sealing the Premier League title with almost the final kick of the game.
8) Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Quite possibly the greatest player to have played the game, Messi has scored 368 in 477 matches without yet reaching the grand old age of 27. He’s a phenomenon who will be hoping that an international career that has never quite lived up to his club achievements with Barcelona will ignite this summer on his home continent.
Greatest achievement? Just the four World Player Of The Year trophies.
To read more about the Pepsi world superstars, check out the Facebook page or search #FUTBOLNOW on Twitter…
