The Top 10 – Panini FIFA World Cup Russia 2018

Andres Iniesta is widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of his generation. Known for his exceptional vision, intelligence, and technical ability, Iniesta has is one of the icons of the hame. Iniesta has exquisite dribbling, precise passing, and remarkable ball control. Iniesta has an innate ability to dictate the tempo of the game, effortlessly orchestrating attacks and unlocking defences with his creative flair.

Iniesta’s illustrious career includes numerous accolades, including multiple La Liga titles, UEFA Champions League triumphs, and a FIFA World Cup victory with the Spanish national team in 2010. In that tournament, Iniesta scored the winning goal in the final against the Netherlands, securing Spain’s first-ever World Cup title and etching his name in footballing history.

This sticker represents his final tournament with Spain. Although it wasn’t a succesful tournament for Spain and Iniesta, I think his last international sticker is worth collecting because of the incredible career he had.

Mohamed Salah is known for his electrifying pace, exceptional dribbling ability, and clinical finishing. He has ability to run at defenders, beat them with quick changes of direction, and create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. Salah possesses excellent close control and is capable of scoring from various positions on the field, whether cutting in from the wing or making well-timed runs behind the defence.

He has established himself as one of the most feared attackers in world football, breaking records and leaving defenders in his wake with his blistering pace and clinical finishing. Salah’s impact both on and off the pitch has made him not only a footballing icon but also a source of immense pride and inspiration for fans around the globe.

During the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Egypt had a horrid time losing every single match they player. Interestingly, as according to my research, this is Salah’s international rookie sticker. I did see an earlier sticker of Salah in an Egyptian shirt, but it was from a no name unofficial set so I decided to omit it.

N’Golo Kante is renowned for his exceptional work rate, tenacity, and ability to break up opposition attacks. His playing style is characterised by his relentless energy, intelligent positioning, and impeccable tackling ability. Kanté excels in intercepting passes, making crucial tackles, and swiftly transitioning defence into attack. Despite his relatively small stature, he possesses incredible strength and stamina, allowing him to cover large areas of the pitch and dominate midfield battles.

During the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Kante played a crucial role in France’s successful campaign, showcasing his defensive prowess and tactical intelligence in midfield. He provided vital protection to the French defence, acting as a shield in front of the backline and disrupting the opposition’s rhythm with his relentless pressing and interceptions.

I think without Kante, France would have been a much weaker team. His energy in the center of the pitch gave Paul Pogba the freedom he needs to have an offensive impact on the game. Kante’s career has been a case of shining very bright for a short time. As for this sticker, he was shining the brightest!

Leo Messi is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, known for his exceptional dribbling skills, vision, and goal-scoring prowess. Messi is renowned for his low center of gravity, which allows him to change direction rapidly and evade defenders effortlessly. He possesses incredible balance and agility, enabling him to navigate through tight spaces and create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. I am sure most reader’s know what Messi is capable of!

During the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Messi and Argentina had a disappointing tournament. Argentina was eliminated in the Round of 16 by France, with Messi scoring once and assisting twice in the tournament.

Although it wasn’t a tournament marked by success for Messi, I wasn’t going to leave the potential GOAT from this top 10 list!

Eden Hazard is known for his exceptional dribbling ability, close ball control, and creativity on the field. He can navigate through tight spaces and create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. Hazard is adept at using both feet and possesses a low center of gravity, enabling him to maintain balance while dribbling at high speeds. When on form, Hazard is a terror for defences and is pretty much unstoppable. He can score or assist at will.

During the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Hazard played a pivotal role for the Belgian national team, serving as one of their key attacking threats. He was in blistering form, scoring 3 and assisting 2 in the tournament, and won man of the match 3 times! He showcased his talent with impressive performances throughout the tournament, demonstrating his ability to influence matches with his skillful dribbling, precise passing, and clinical finishing.

Hazard’s contributions were instrumental in guiding Belgium to the semi-finals, where they were eventually defeated by France, who went onto become champions. Hazard’s strong performances in the tournament, I think, make this sticker worth collecting.

Cristiano Ronaldo is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. He is known for his remarkable athleticism, exceptional goal-scoring ability, and versatility on the field. His goal record is ridiculous and his career has been exceptional!

During the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Ronaldo played a central role for the Portuguese national team. Despite facing tough competition, he demonstrated his ability to influence matches with his goal-scoring prowess and leadership qualities. Ronaldo scored four goals in the tournament, including a memorable hat-trick against Spain in the group stage. I will always remember the clutch free kick to secure his hat-trick!

While Portugal was eliminated in the round of 16 by Uruguay, Ronaldo’s individual performances make this a big sticker!

Harry Kane possesses a well-rounded skill set, combining physical strength, technical ability, and intelligent movement off the ball. He is known for his clinical finishing, adeptness in both aerial and ground duels, and ability to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. He is capable of operating as a traditional striker, holding up play and bringing teammates into the game, as well as dropping deep to participate in build-up play. Even though Kane is a striker, he is one of the best passers of the ball in the world.

During the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Kane served as the captain of the England national team and led by example both on and off the pitch. He played a pivotal role in England’s journey to the semi-finals, finishing as the tournament’s top scorer with six goals. Despite England ultimately falling short in the semi-finals against Croatia, Kane’s tournament was outstanding and worthy of making the 4th position in the Top 10 List.

Antoine Griezmann possesses excellent dribbling skills, close control, and vision, making him a potent threat in the final third of the pitch. He is known for his quick feet, agility, and ability to create space for himself and his teammates through clever movement and combination play.

Griezmann has the ability to play in multiple positions across the forward line. He is equally adept at operating as a striker striker, a second striker in a supporting role, or as an attacking midfielder. His versatility allows him to link up play between midfield and attack, drift into wide areas to provide width, or make well-timed runs into the penalty area to take advantage of goal scoring opportunities.

During the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Griezmann played a crucial role in France’s triumph, showcasing his talent and leadership on the international stage. He contributed important goals and assists throughout the tournament, including key performances in the knockout stages. Griezmann won man of the match 3 times, scoring 4 goals and providing 3 assists.

In my opinion, he was the best player for France. Naturally, I think this is a big and underrated sticker!

Luka Modric is renowned for his exceptional vision, passing ability, and technical skill. As a deep-lying playmaker, Modric orchestrates the game from midfield, dictating the tempo and rhythm of play with his precise distribution and intelligent movement off the ball. He possesses excellent close control, allowing him to evade pressure and retain possession even in tight spaces.

Modric has had incredible club success with Real Madrid, winning leagues and UCL titles, playing an indispensable role in those titles. He will go down as one of the all time great Real Madrid midfielder and all time great midfielders in history!

During the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Modric was instrumental in leading Croatia to the final of the tournament. His performances in midfield were amazing, as he showcased his leadership, tactical intelligence, and technical prowess throughout the competition. Modric drove his Croatia to victories against some of the world’s best teams. Despite Croatia ultimately finishing as runners-up in the tournament, Modric’s performances earned him the Golden Ball award as the best player of the World Cup.

A very strong sticker and rare to rank second on my lists as a player of his age!

Kylian Mbappe is the best Rookie Sticker in Panini FIFA World Cup Russia 2018.

Kylian Mbappe is known for his explosive speed, dribbling skills, and clinical finishing ability. He possesses remarkable athleticism, agility, and technical proficiency, making him one of the most dangerous attacking players in the world.

Mbappe’s playing style is characterised by his directness and ability to take on defenders with his quick footwork and acceleration. He excels in one-on-one situations, often using his speed to leave defenders trailing behind him.

In the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Mbappe played a pivotal role in France’s triumph, showcasing his immense talent and maturity on the biggest stage. He scored four goals in the tournament, including a brace in the round of 16 match against Argentina and a crucial goal in the final against Croatia.

Mbappe’s electrifying performances earned him the FIFA Young Player Award, recognising him as the best young player of the tournament. He burst onto the scene in this tournament and the world took notice. This has been particularly notable in the hobby and prices for his products sky rocketed after this tournament.

An easy choice for the number 1 spot. Get this sticker!