The 2022 FIFA World Cup, held in Qatar, marked the first time the tournament was hosted in the Middle East.
The tournament saw impressive performances from the known suspects, with stars like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe, showcasing their exceptional skill and talent. However, it was also a platform for lesser-known players to shine and make a name for themselves on the global stage. The final saw Argentina and Leo Messi emerge victorious, defeating France in a thrilling match to claim the FIFA World Cup title.
In terms of the sticker set, the numbers for the stickers correspond to the USA edition. Other editions may have different numbers, but as for the list and the stickers themselves, the sets are basically the same. So if you are using a different edition to the International, this list will still be of the same utility, only the sticker number may be different.
Also, this set was especially popular because of the “extra stickers” and their parallels. For the sake of this list, I haven’t included them and have only ranked the base stickers as I think its most suitable for the regular collector.
Enough rambling, let’s get into the top 10!
The Complete Panini FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Album
10 – Bukayo Saka – #ENG19 – International Rookie Sticker from Panini Road to FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 – – True Rookie Sticker from Panini Tabloid Premier League 2019
Bukayo Saka is known for his power, versatility, intelligence, and technical skills on the field. He primarily operates as a right winger but proven himself as a left winger and a wingback. Saka possesses exceptional dribbling ability, close ball control, and agility, allowing him to manoeuvre past defenders with ease. What sets Saka apart from other wingers is his exceptional strength; he is rarely pushed off the ball and is an expert at shielding defenders.
In the 2022 World Cup, Saka showcased his talents on the international stage, playing a crucial role for the England national team. Despite his young age, he displayed maturity beyond his years, contributing both defensively and offensively. Saka’s performances we underlined by his tireless work rate, dynamic runs down the flanks, and willingness to track back and help out defensively. He finished the tournament as joint England top scorer, a fantastic feat for a player of his age.
9 – Aurélien Tchouameni International Rookie Sticker – #FRA13 – True Rookie Sticker from Panini FOOT 2018-2019
Aurélien Tchouameni has exceptional defensive abilities, tactical intelligence, and composure on the ball. As a defensive midfielder, Tchouameni excels in breaking up opposition attacks with his well-timed tackles, interceptions, and physical presence.
In possession, Tchouameni is calm and composed, making him adept at retaining possession under pressure and initiating attacking moves from deep. He showcases strong passing range, capable of both short, precise passes to maintain possession and long, incisive passes to launch counterattacks or switch play.
During the 2022 World Cup, Tchouameni played a pivotal role for the French national team, helping them to the Final! Despite his young age, Tchouameni demonstrated maturity beyond his years, displaying leadership qualities and playing with confidence on the biggest stage in international football.
8 – Mohamed Kudus International Rookie Sticker – #GHA11 – True Rookie Sticker from Panini FIFA 365 2021
Mohamed Kudus has got bundles of flair, creativity, and technical ability. Primarily deployed as an attacking midfielder or winger, Kudus possesses excellent dribbling skills, close ball control, and a keen eye for goal. He loves taking on defenders with his quick footwork and ability to change direction effortlessly, making him a constant threat in the final third. Kudus also possessing the capability to score goals himself with his accurate shooting from distance and opportunistic finishing inside the box.
During the 2022 World Cup, Kudus played a significant role in their midfield. Despite facing tough opposition, Kudus demonstrated his quality on the ball, contributing to Ghana’s attacking play with his creativity and dynamism, scoring 2 goals in the tournament. His performances showcased his ability to thrive on the international stage and highlighted him as one of the rising stars of African football.
7 – Cody Gakpo International Rookie Sticker – #NED18 – True Rookie Sticker from JUMBO Het Grote PSV Stickerboek 2019-2020
Cody Gakpo is versatile forward with dribbling ability and a powerful shot. Primarily deployed as a winger or forward, Gakpo possesses excellent pace, close ball control, and agility, allowing him to beat defenders in one-on-one situations and create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. One of Gakpo’s standout attributes is his ability to deliver accurate crosses and cut-ins from wide positions, making him a constant goal threat.
During the 2022 World Cup, Gakpo made a significant contribution to his team’s attacking play. He was the leading goalscorer for the Netherlands with 3 goals and was their main attacking outlet. Here his first sticker for the Netherlands and a solid sticker for your collection.
6 – Jamal Musiala International Rookie Sticker – #GER17x – True Rookie Sticker from Topps German Football Bundesliga 2021-2022
Musiala is known for his exceptional technical ability, versatility, and intelligence on the pitch. Primarily operating as an attacking midfielder or winger, he possesses superb dribbling skills, close ball control, and the ability to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. Musiala is also adept at picking out key passes and has a keen eye for goal, often finding himself in dangerous positions to score.
One of Musiala’s standout qualities is his composure under pressure and his ability to make quick decisions in tight spaces. Despite his relatively young age, he demonstrates maturity beyond his years and displays a high level of tactical understanding.
During the 2022 World Cup, Musiala was a standout performer for a poor Germany side. Musiala’s standout moments highlighted his potential to become a future star in world football, and he garnered widespread acclaim for his contributions to the German national team.
5 – Gavi International Rookie Sticker – #ESP9 – True Rookie Sticker from Colecciones ESTE Spanish Liga 2021-2022
Gavi excels in central midfield, where he showcases excellent ball control, precise passing, and the ability to break down opposition defences with his incisive through balls. Despite his young age, Gavi possesses remarkable composure on the ball and demonstrates maturity beyond his years in decision-making.
One of Gavi’s standout attributes is his defensive work rate and ability to press opponents effectively, making him valuable both in possession and out of possession. His tenacity and tactical awareness allow him to intercept passes, win back possession, and contribute to his team’s defensive solidity.
During the 2022 World Cup, Gavi became Spain’s youngest ever World Cup scorer.Despite Spain’s disappointing exit from the tournament, Gavi’s performances drew praise for his calmness under pressure and ability to control the midfield against tough opposition.
4 – Julian Alvarez International Rookie Sticker – #ARG14 – True Rookie Sticker from Panini FIFA 365 2020
Julian Alvarez possesses excellent technical skills, allowing him to control the ball effectively in tight spaces and beat defenders with quick changes of direction. Alvarez is particularly adept at making intelligent runs off the ball, exploiting spaces behind opposition defences to create goal-scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. He has a keen eye for goal and can finish with both feet, making him a constant threat in the final third.
During the 2022 World Cup, Alvarez crucial in Argentina’s title! His constant work rate and runs in behind the opposition defence, allowed Messi to flourish. Their partnership at the head of Argentina’s 442 made the difference and brought the World Cup to Argentina!
3 – Cristiano Ronaldo – #POR17 – International Rookie Sticker from Panini UEFA Euro Portugal 2004 — True Rookie Sticker from Panini Futebol 2002-2003
Ronaldo has enjoyed a remarkable career spanning over two decades, during which he has consistently showcased his extraordinary talent and determination. He is renowned for his lightning speed, agility, and powerful physique, which allow him to outpace defenders and create scoring opportunities. Ronaldo’s aerial ability is also exceptional, as he is capable of leaping high to win headers and score goals with his head.
During the 2022 World Cup, Ronaldo represented the Portuguese national team, continuing to lead by example despite his advancing years. When Portugal were faced with elimination against Morocco, they turned to the legendary Ronaldo to bail them out of trouble. Unfortunately, he couldn’t pull it off but it is a testament to his quality and legacy that his country would need him at the age of 37!
This could be Ronaldo’s last World Cup sticker, definitely one for the collection!
2 – Kylian Mbappe – #FRA18 – International Rookie Sticker from Panini FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 — True Rookie Sticker from Panini FOOT 2016-2017
In the 2018 World Cup, Mbappe burst onto the scene as one of the most promising talents in world football. His lightning pace allows him to outrun defenders and make penetrating runs behind opposition defences, often creating goal-scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.
In addition to his dribbling skills, Mbappe is a lethal finisher in front of goal. He has a natural instinct for scoring, demonstrated by his ability to find the back of the net with both feet. Mbappe’s clinical finishing combined with his speed and agility make him a constant threat in the attacking third.
During the 2022 World Cup, Mbappe didn’t disappoint. He was the tournament’s top scorer and scored a hat trick in the final! It was one of the all time great individual performances, single handedly dragging France back into the match. Unfortunately Messi stole the show leaving Mbappe and France with runners up medals.
This sticker is a must collect for his performance in the final alone!
1 – Leo Messi – #ARG19 – International Rookie Sticker from Panini FIFA World Cup Germany 2006 — True Rookie Sticker from Colecciones ESTE Spanish Liga 2004-2005
There was only going to be one winner in this set!
Lionel Messi, often regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, if not the greatest, is an Argentine forward known for his extraordinary dribbling ability, precise passing, vision, and prolific goal-scoring record. Messi’s dribbling skills are unparalleled, characterised by his low center of gravity, quick acceleration, and close ball control. He has the ability to navigate through tight spaces, dribble past multiple defenders, and create goal-scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. Messi’s vision and passing accuracy allow him to orchestrate attacks and provide key assists, showcasing his playmaking abilities.
In addition to his dribbling and passing prowess, Messi is a lethal goal-scorer. He possesses an incredible knack for finding the back of the net, often scoring goals from various positions on the field. Messi’s finishing ability, combined with his intelligent movement off the ball, makes him a constant nightmare to opposition defences.
During the 2022 World Cup, Messi played a pivotal role for the Argentine national team, leading them to success in the tournament. He showcased his world-class skills and leadership qualities, contributing 7 goals and winning the golden ball. More importantly, he finally got to lift the World Cup trophy that he had been seeking his whole career.
This sticker, like Ronaldo, could be Messi’s last World Cup sticker. This is a huge sticker and is a must have, given the historical significance behind it.
Final Word
This Top 10 was a pleasure to write as I got to re-live one of the greatest World Cup Tournaments ever! Despite being far from rookie stickers, Ronaldo and Messi had to rank high as it could be their last stickers, bring a curtain the maybe the greatest rivalry football has ever seen. There were many great stickers and great players to miss out on the list and I am sure that list could change depending on how some players develop in the coming years.
Let me know what you think by commenting below or messaging me on my Instagram.
Thanks for reading!