We look back at the five players who have reached three World Cup finals.
Reaching a World Cup final is a monumental achievement that few footballers ever experience. It is often a once-in-a-lifetime match that can define a career. To win it is a privilege that cements a player's place in sporting history. But to compete in the final not just once, but three times, is the stuff of football legend.
Throughout the history of the World Cup, only five players have accomplished this remarkable feat: Brazilians Pelé, Cafu, and Ronaldo, alongside Germans Lothar Matthäus and Pierre Littbarski.
Pelé: The Original King
1958 - Sweden
Pelé's journey to three finals began at the 1958 World Cup in Sweden. In the final at the Råsunda Stadium, Brazil secured their first-ever world title by defeating the host nation 5-2, with Pelé scoring a memorable brace.
1962 - Chile
Four years later in Chile, Brazil once again reached the final. However, a muscle injury sustained in the second group stage match sidelined Pelé for the remainder of the tournament. He watched from the sidelines as his teammates beat Czechoslovakia to claim Brazil's second consecutive World Cup.
1970 - Mexico
After a disappointing 1966 tournament, Brazil returned to the final in Mexico, facing Italy at the iconic Estadio Azteca in 1970. Pelé set the tone by scoring in the 18th minute, and led La Seleção to a dominant 4-1 victory and his third World Cup winner's medal.
Lothar Matthäus & Pierre Littbarski: The German Duo
The German pair of Matthäus and Littbarski shared a journey of persistence, reaching three consecutive finals with their national team.
1982 - Spain
Their first final was in Spain, 1982. Pierre Littbarski, then a midfielder for FC Köln, started the match, while a young Lothar Matthäus remained on the bench. Germany fell short at the Santiago Bernabéu, losing 3-1 to an inspired Italian side featuring goals from Paolo Rossi, Marco Tardelli, and Alessandro Altobelli.
1986 - Mexico
In Mexico, their roles reversed. Matthäus played the full match in the final against Argentina, while Littbarski was an unused substitute. Despite their efforts, Germany was defeated 3-2 by a legendary Argentina squad led by Diego Maradona.
1990 - Italy
Third time proved to be the charm in Italy in 1990. In a rematch of the previous final, both Matthäus, now captain, and Littbarski played the full 90 minutes at Rome's Stadio Olimpico. This time, Germany emerged victorious, securing a 1-0 win over Argentina thanks to a late penalty converted by Andreas Brehme.
Cafu & Ronaldo: Brazil's Modern Icons
The final two members of this exclusive club are Brazilian legends Cafu and Ronaldo.
1994 - United States
At the 1994 World Cup in the United States, a 17-year-old Ronaldo was part of the squad but did not feature in the final at the Rose Bowl in Los Angeles. Cafu, however, came on as a substitute for Jorginho. The Final against Italy was famous for stars like Roberto Baggio and Paolo Maldini, but ended 0-0 after extra time. Brazil ultimately lifted the trophy after winning the dramatic penalty shootout.
1998 - France
Four years later, at the 1998 France World Cup, both Cafu and Ronaldo were key starters in the final against the host nation. However, they were unable to overcome a formidable French team led by Zinedine Zidane, who scored twice in a decisive 3-0 victory for France at the Stade de France.
2002 - Korea & Japan
The duo's journey culminated at the 2002 World Cup in Korea and Japan, where Brazil faced Germany in the final. With Cafu as captain, Brazil were crowned world champions for a fifth time. Ronaldo was the hero of the match, scoring both goals in a 2-0 win to seal their place in history.
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