FIFA legends reflect on oconic World Cup memories as tournament reaches historic 1,000th match

The FIFA World Cup reached a historic milestone on Saturday, June 20, 2026, as Match 36 of the ongoing tournament in Monterrey became the 1,000th fixture in the competition’s illustrious history.

Since its inception in 1930, the FIFA World Cup has grown into the most prestigious tournament in world football, producing countless unforgettable moments across 23 editions.

To commemorate the landmark occasion, FIFA invited several football legends to share their fondest memories from the global showpiece.

Former France captain Marcel Desailly reflected on his earliest World Cup experiences, recalling the spectacle of Argentina 1978 and the iconic image of Diego Maradona lifting the trophy at the Estadio Azteca after Argentina’s triumph in Mexico 1986.

“I don’t have one single World Cup memory. I have so many in mind,” Desailly said. “Seeing Maradona carried on people’s shoulders with the trophy is an image that stayed with me forever.”

Brazilian legend Bebeto highlighted the inspiration he drew from Brazil’s legendary 1970 team, featuring Pelé, Jairzinho, Gérson and Carlos Alberto Torres.

As a player, however, his most cherished memory was his famous baby-rocking celebration after scoring against the Netherlands during Brazil’s victorious 1994 campaign.

For Italy’s Marco Materazzi, Paolo Rossi’s goal in the 1982 final remains a treasured memory from his youth. Yet nothing compares to lifting the World Cup trophy in Berlin in 2006 and sharing the moment with his children.

Bulgarian great Hristo Stoichkov reflected on his country’s remarkable run to the semi-finals in the 1994 tournament in the United States.

He described the emotional moment of receiving bronze medals in Los Angeles and realising the team had become national heroes.

Brazil’s Cafu remembered Italia ’90 as the first World Cup he truly followed with a deep understanding of the game.

His greatest personal moment came in 2002 when he captained Brazil to a record fifth world title and lifted the trophy in Yokohama.

Former Tunisia defender Karim Haggui pointed to Cameroon’s stunning victory over defending champions Argentina in the opening match of the 1990 World Cup as one of the competition’s greatest upsets.

He also fondly recalled Zinedine Zidane’s brilliant performance in France’s 1998 final victory over Brazil.

As the FIFA World Cup celebrates its 1,000th match, these reflections from some of football’s biggest names serve as a reminder of the tournament’s enduring ability to inspire generations, create heroes and produce memories that last a lifetime.