Star Players
STARS OF THE 2026 WORLD CUP | At 18, Spain’s Lamine Yamal on cusp of being world’s best player
Once photographed as a baby in the arms of Lionel Messi, Barcelona's teen prodigy could even eclipse the Argentinian great
By Marc Strydom
STARS OF THE 2026 WORLD CUP | Ousmane Dembélé stepping out of Mbappé’s shadow with France
The 29-year-old did not live up to his potential for many years, but the 2024-25 Ballon d’Or made the world sit up and take notice
By Sihle Ndebele
STARS OF THE 2026 WORLD CUP | Sadio Mané remains one of African football’s greats
Former Liverpool striker can entrench himself in African folklore if he helps Senegal roar again in North America
By Nkareng Matshe
STARS OF THE 2026 WORLD CUP | Harry Kane is the world’s deadliest striker
The England centre-forward’s scoring statistics are mind-boggling, and at 32 he is only getting better
By Marc Strydom
STARS OF THE 2026 WORLD CUP | Egypt to rely on Liverpool talisman ‘King Salah’
Superstar has struggled to reproduce his club heroics for his national team
By Sihle Ndebele
STARS OF THE 2026 WORLD CUP | Vinícius out to restore Brazil glory
Real Madrid star reunites with mentor Ancelotti seeking football's ultimate prize
By Marc Strydom
STARS OF THE 2026 WORLD CUP | Monster Haaland relishing first tournament
Norway's huge Viking smasher of records is perhaps the most destructive striker in world football today
By Marc Strydom
STARS OF THE 2026 WORLD CUP | Achraf Hakimi can take Atlas Lions far again
Best right-back in the world has a huge trophy cabinet.
By Marc Strydom
