The FIFA World Cup™ reached another historic milestone on Saturday as the tournament celebrated its 1,000th match in history during Match 36 of the 2026 edition in Monterrey, Mexico.
To mark the occasion, FIFA invited several football legends to reflect on the moments that have defined the world’s most prestigious football competition over the years.
Former France defender Marcel Desailly recalled the sights and emotions that first connected him to the tournament.
“I don’t have one single World Cup memory; I have so many,” Desailly said. “I remember Argentina 1978, Mario Kempes, and those little bits of paper flying all over the stadium. It was an incredible sight and my first glimpse of a World Cup.”
He also reflected on the 1986 tournament in Mexico, particularly Diego Maradona’s iconic triumph.
“Everyone knows that image of Maradona being carried on people’s shoulders with the trophy in his hands. That stayed with me as a teenager,” he added.
Brazilian legend Bebeto pointed to the 1970 World Cup as the tournament that inspired his dream of becoming a world champion.
“Brazil had a formidable team with Pelé, Carlos Alberto Torres, Rivellino, Gérson, Jairzinho and Clodoaldo. From then on, I dreamed of wearing the Brazil shirt and winning the World Cup,” he said.
Bebeto’s most cherished personal memory came in 1994 when he celebrated a goal against the Netherlands with the famous baby-rocking gesture in honour of his newborn son, Mattheus.
Italy’s Marco Materazzi highlighted Paolo Rossi’s goal in the 1982 final against West Germany as his favourite World Cup moment as a fan. As a player, however, nothing compared to lifting the trophy in 2006.
“My favourite moment was seeing my children’s faces as I lifted the World Cup trophy. Twenty years later, it is still special,” he said.
For Bulgarian great Hristo Stoichkov, the 1994 World Cup remains unforgettable. Bulgaria reached the semi-finals in what remains the country’s greatest achievement on football’s biggest stage.
“When we climbed the steps in Los Angeles to receive our medals, we realised we had become heroes back home. Even today, people still talk about that Bulgaria team,” Stoichkov said.
Brazil’s Cafu recalled Italy 1990 as the first World Cup he truly understood as a football supporter. However, his greatest memory came 12 years later when he captained Brazil to a record fifth world title.
“Standing on the podium and lifting the trophy as captain of the world champions was an unforgettable experience,” he said.
Former Tunisia defender Karim Haggui selected Cameroon’s famous victory over Argentina in the opening match of the 1990 World Cup as one of the tournament’s most memorable upsets.
Yet his favourite World Cup moment remains Zinedine Zidane’s second goal in France’s 3-0 victory over Brazil in the 1998 final.
“It was a magical moment that perfectly captures what makes the World Cup so special,” Haggui said.
As the FIFA World Cup reaches its 1,000th match, these reflections from some of the game’s greatest figures serve as a reminder of the unforgettable moments, legendary players and lasting memories that have shaped football’s biggest stage for generations.
