The 30 best players in World Cup history
By James Dudko
15. Bobby Moore, England
Class personified on a World Cup pitch, Bobby Moore led England’s golden period with a graceful dominance. The quintessential captain, Moore was the figure his teammates looked to for guidance and inspiration.
He provided ample amounts of both during the Three Lions’ lone triumphant campaign in 1966. Moore was irrepressible on home soil, a gentleman gladiator who underpinned a tough and resourceful group, but one with plenty of eye-catching quality.
Most of it came from Moore, who was the antithesis of the traditional stereotype often applied to English center-backs.
Rather than being a rough-and-ready, hoof-and-head merchant, Moore was a creative force with the ball at his feet. His stylish distribution proved the catalyst for many successful attacks.
There was also an effortless composure about the way Moore defended. He tackled cleanly and stepped suavely out of defense to gain possession and get his nation going again.
The image of Moore holding the trophy aloft on the shoulders of his mates at Wembley in ’66 became ingrained in England’s sporting culture.
He couldn’t match the achievement in 1970, despite an outstanding effort. Moore put on a clinic in how to defend against the world’s best during a narrow loss to eventual winners Brazil in the group stage.
Moore never played in another World Cup, but few defenders since have matched his greatness.