The FIFA World Cup comes around once every four years. This cycle means that many a player has grown out of form or a tad too old to make the World Cup, despite helping in the qualifying stages. Here are five recognizable players who, despite being regular fixtures in games past, will most likely miss the World Cup this summer for younger and more in-form talent:
Out – John Terry
In – Gary Cahill
England’s notorious ex-captain John Terry has been a regular fixture for the Three Lions for the better part of the last 20 years, but it seems his time at the helm has come to a close. Terry, 33, was still on the fringe but manager Roy Hodgson came out and told reporters he would not be calling him up for the World Cup, opening the door for Gary Cahill.
Cahill and Terry form Chelsea’s starting choice at central defence but for England, it seems to be a case of one or the other, with Cahill winning the battle. Cahill is essentially a younger version of Terry, who is more physically capable because of it. He won’t fatigue as easily but offers a similar playing style for Hodgson.
Out – Maicon
In – Rafinha
His bursting runs and goal scoring skill made Maicon Brazil’s first-choice right fullback for many years. He seemed a lock for the national team even a year ago, despite being bounced around from Inter to Manchester City. Lately, though, Maicon has been dropped in favour of Barcelona’s Dani Alves, and, most recently, Bayern Munich’s Rafinha.
Rafinha was a fringe player for Brazil, having picked up his first few call-ups back in 2008. He didn’t really become a fixture for the national team until recently, when he was called up by Luiz Felipe Scolari for a friendly against South Africa. Now, this is by no means a guarantee of a spot in the World Cup but with a full season under his belt at Munich, he is certainly more ready than Maicon for the role as back up.
Out – Carles Puyol
In – Iñigo Martinez
Puyol is an iconic Spanish defender, a familiar face to those who watched the World Cup in 2010. His long, shaggy hair and stern look make him instantly recognizable. However, come World Cup time, Puyol will be 36 years old. He hasn’t played regularly for F.C. Barcelona, a team he once captained, nor has he received a Spanish call up since February 2013.
Martinez is the opposite of Puyol, short-cropped hair and all. He’s a young defender at 22 years old, and plays regularly for his side, Real Sociedad. He has picked up a pair of national team caps as of late and looks set to make Vicente Del Bosque’s final Spanish roster for the World Cup, and for good reason – he’s consistent and in-form.
Out – Kaká
In – Oscar
In 2010, Kaká was still considered one of the hottest commodities in the game, and Real Madrid paid top price to acquire the Brazilian star. However, four years later, Kaká has fallen from his perch at the top, a string of recurring injuries preventing him from getting back to consistent playing form. He’s found his feet once again at A.C. Milan but perhaps not in time, especially with Oscar’s form at Chelsea.
Oscar is younger, fitter, healthier and arguably as instrumental as Kaká for his club and for his country. He played a big role in Brazil’s 2013 Confederations Cup triumph and is a lock for a spot in the World Cup, barring injuries. Even if Oscar does miss the World Cup, Kaká isn’t guaranteed to make the team, with Lucas Moura, Paolo Henrique Ganso and Hernanes also available to Scolari at attacking midfield.
Out – Esteban Cambiasso
In – Fernando Gago
It’s not so much that Cambiasso missed out on a World Cup spot because of a lack of international form – he hasn’t made the Argentine squad since 2011. No, the reason why Cambiasso makes this list is because, for the first time in many years, Argentina won’t have that recognizable baldhead in midfield causing havoc for the opposition. Cambiasso is an icon on the international scene for Argentina, but there are many new options for the squad, such as Fernando Gago.
Gago isn’t necessarily the only starting option for Argentina at central midfield. Other players that could start include Ever Banega, Maxi Rodriguez and Javier Mascherano. However, they all sport a healthy head of hair (except Mascherano, who himself is slowly balding, but I digress). None possess the iconic shiny head of Cambiasso, making his presence sorely missed in the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
These five players have served their respective nations well over their long careers, but as with every World Cup, the young guard replaces the old and new heroes are born. For Terry, Maicon, Puyol, Kaká and Cambiasso, the 2014 FIFA World Cup will be a new experience for them as they prepare for the final years of their playing careers.
