The Top 10 – Panini FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan 2002

Hasan Şaş was known for his versatility, skillful dribbling, and attacking flair on the field. One of Şaş’s most notable attributes was his ability to take on defenders and create scoring opportunities. His explosive pace, close control, and quick feet allowed him to bamboozle defenders.

During the 2002 FIFA World Cup, Şaş played a crucial role in Turkey’s remarkable run to the semi-finals, which remains their best-ever finish in the tournament. His performances on the wing were instrumental in Turkey’s attacking play, as he provided assists (3) and contributed to key goals (2) throughout the competition.

His performances earned him a place in the team of the tournament! I think this is a really cool sticker. It’s not often Turkey go so far in these competitions, let alone third place! A lot of that was down to this man, so I think a really nice one for the collection.

Carles Puyol, the legendary defender, was known for his exceptional leadership, defensive skills, and physicality. Puyal had tenacity, bravery, and willingness to put his body on the line to block shots and win aerial duels. Puyol’s impeccable timing and anticipation allowed him to make crucial interceptions and tackles, often thwarting opposition attacks before they could develop.

You may have noticed he is in a Barcelona kit instead of a Spain kit. Honestly I don’y know why this was the case, but you will notice, this is the case for all the Spain stickers (Check at the bottom of the blog). Maybe Panini didn’t have the license for the kit?

Overall, this is a really great sticker – one of his first stickers in his career and is an absolute Barca icon!

Oliver Kahn was renowned for his imposing presence, shot-stopping ability, and leadership on pitch. Kahn possessed a unique combination of athleticism, reflexes, and mental fortitude that made him one of the most formidable shot-stoppers of his generation. Beyond his shot-stopping, Kahn was also renowned for his leadership qualities. As the captain of both his club and national teams, he led by example with his vocal presence, determination, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

Kahn played a pivotal role in Germany’s World Cup campaign, leading them to the final match against Brazil. His performances throughout the tournament were nothing short of outstanding, as he kept a record five clean sheets and conceded only one goal in the group stage. Kahn’s heroics in goal helped Germany navigate through the knockout rounds and reach the final, where they ultimately fell short against Brazil – ironically he made a mistake in the final!

Despite Germany’s defeat in the final, Kahn’s performances earned him widespread praise and recognition. He was awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player, becoming the first ever goalkeeper to win the award!

A sticker late in his career, but a historic sticker worth having!

Michael Ballack was a central midfielder with versatility, leadership, and technical ability. Ballack could influence games both defensively and offensively. He was a box-to-box midfielder known for his tireless work rate, intelligent positioning, and ability to read the game. Ballack excelled in breaking up opposition attacks with his tackling and interceptions, while also contributing to his team’s attacking play with his passing, vision, and goal-scoring ability.

During the 2002 World Cup, Ballack played a crucial role in Germany’s campaign, helping them reach the final match against Brazil. His performances throughout the tournament were recognised by being named in the team of the tournament. Ballack scored important goals for Germany, including the winning goal in the quarter-final match against the United States and the opening and winning goal in the semi-final match against South Korea.

In total, he scored 3 goals and assisted 4 times! This is a great sticker!

Steven Gerrard was renowned for his exceptional leadership, versatility, and technical ability. One of Gerrard’s most notable attributes was his ability to influence games in multiple facets. He was known for his dynamic box-to-box style of play, combining defensive solidity with attacking flair. Gerrard excelled in breaking up opposition attacks with his tackling and interceptions, while also contributing to his team’s attacking play with his passing range, vision, and goal-scoring ability. He had the ability to score absolutely insane goals from distance!

Injury kept Gerrard out of the squad, but since this is such a big sticker, it makes the list. Here his International Rookie Sticker and a iconic one at that! He is the greatest ever Liverpool player and is loved by collectors all over the world!

Samuel Eto’o possessed a diverse skill set that made him one of the most feared goal scorers of his generation. He was known for his explosive bursts of acceleration, which allowed him to outrun defenders and create scoring opportunities with ease. In combination with his pace, Eto’o was also a prolific goal scorer. He had a natural instinct for finding the back of the net and was clinical in front of goal with both feet. Eto’o’s ability to finish from various positions and angles, combined with his composure under pressure, made him a killer in front of the goal.

It was a poor tournament for the Cameroonian National Team. They didn’t make it out of the group stages, but Eto’o’s highlight of the tournament came in the group stage match against Saudi Arabia, where he scored a crucial goal to help Cameroon secure a 1-0 victory.

Eto’o has gone onto be a huge player in football with countless trophies. This sticker, representing his first for Cameroon and one of the first of his career, in my opinion, is a very big one!

Park Ji-sung was known for his tireless work ethic, versatility, and tactical intelligence. Park could run all day and became a fan favourite because of this. Most notably at Manchester United, where he has immense success. Alex Fergurson once said that he was one of the most underrated players in the world!

During the 2002 FIFA World Cup, Park played a pivotal role in South Korea’s historic run to the semi-finals. His relentless energy and defensive work, coupled with timely contributions in attack, made him a standout performer. One of his memorable moments came with a crucial winning goal against Portugal in the group stage.

This Rookie sticker is a very big sticker. His popularity in South Korea is huge, and they will all be hunting for this sticker to add to their collections!

Ronaldo, ‘The Phenomenon‘, was renowned for his incredible speed, agility, goal-scoring ability and incredible flair with the ball at his feet. As one of the most prolific forwards of all time, Ronaldo possessed a unique combination of physical attributes and technical skills that made him a true phenomenon!

One of Ronaldo’s most notable attributes was his lightning-fast pace. He was known for his explosive acceleration and ability to leave defenders for dead. Ronaldo’s agility and quick footwork allowed him to navigate through opposition defences with remarkable agility, making him a nightmare for defenders to contain. Ronaldo was also a clinical finisher. He had a natural instinct for finding the back of the net and was renowned for his ability to score goals in a variety of ways. Whether with powerful strikes, delicate chips, or rounding the keeper, Ronaldo had an unparalleled ability to put the ball in the back of the net.

Ronaldo played a pivotal role in leading the Brazilian national team to the World Cup Final. His performances throughout the tournament were nothing short of exceptional, as he finished as the tournament’s top scorer with 8 goals. Ronaldo’s highlight of the tournament came in the final match against Germany, where he scored both goals in Brazil’s 2-0 victory to secure their fifth World Cup title. Everyone will remember that haircut!

Probably unlucky not the get the Golden Ball, Ronaldo was the headliner of this World Cup. I highly recommend adding this sticker to your collection!

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, is renowned for his imposing physical presence, exceptional skill, and prolific goal-scoring ability. As one of the most unique and talented forwards of his generation, Ibrahimovic possesses a diverse skill set that sets him apart from his peers. Standing at 6 feet 5 inches tall, he has a towering presence that allows him to dominate aerial duels and outmuscle defenders. Ibrahimović’s strength, agility, and balance enable him to hold off opponents and create space for himself and his teammates in the attacking third. Beyond his physicality, Ibrahimovic is also known for his technical proficiency and creativity. He possesses world-class ball control, dribbling skills, and an array of finishing techniques, making him a constant threat in front of goal. Ibrahimovic’s ability to score goals with both feet, his head, and from long range showcases his completeness as a striker.

During the World Cup, Ibrahimovic featured in only 2 appearances failing to make an impact. he was still a very young man and his legacy in football was well ahead of him. Off the field, Ibrahimović’s larger-than-life personality and charisma have made him a beloved figure among football fans worldwide. His success with top clubs across Europe, combined with his memorable moments and iconic goals, have cemented his status as one of the greatest strikers of his generation.

This International Rookie sticker is actually his second ever sticker with the first being his rookie sticker from 2000. This is a very valuable sticker!

Ronaldinho was a footballing magician and was renowned for his extraordinary flair, creativity, and technical ability on the pitch. One of Ronaldinho’s most notable attributes was his dazzling dribbling skills. He had an uncanny ability to glide past defenders with effortless ease, using an array of feints, stepovers, and tricks to leave opponents bewildered. Ronaldinho’s close control and ball mastery made him a constant threat in one-on-one situations and allowed him to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.

During the World Cup, Ronaldinho played a pivotal role in Brazil’s victorious campaign. He scored 2 goals and assisted 3 in the tournament. Ronaldinho’s highlight of the tournament came in the quarter-final match against England, where he scored a stunning long-range free kick to secure Brazil’s victory – was it on purpose?

For me, at the peak of his powers, Ronaldinho was the greatest player I have ever seen. He was no match for Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo’s consistency and longevity, but when he was at his best, he was simply unplayable. The joy he brought fans was unmatched! It wasn’t about putting up numbers with goals and assists, most of the stuff everyone loved Ronaldinho for isn’t on a stat sheet!

This is an extremely valuable sticker! For starters, it is from the Panini World Cup 2002 Update Set so there is not too many in circulation. And second, it is one of the greatest ever players first ever stickers!