World Cup 2018: The Top Stars So Far

Before a ball was kicked this summer, all eyes were on Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. It’s likely to be their last ever World Cup, both battling it out for the Golden Boot and the biggest prize in football.

What we saw instead was two countries, reliant on two men, and ultimately them not able to do it on their own.

That wasn’t without moments of magic, particularly from the Portuguese, but as the tournament has gone on, you get a sense that there’s a change of the guard underway.

Some real stars are beginning to shine this tournament, catapulting themselves from a world famous footballer, to one of the planet’s superstars.

With the tournament in the depths of the knockout stages, we take a look at the players who’ve made the biggest impression…

Kylian Mbappe

Mbappe is expected to make a £166million move to PSG once the World Cup is over, but there will be a number of other clubs with their eyes on him.

The Frenchman was phenomenal against Argentina and has now bagged three goals at Russia 2018.

His run to produce the penalty in that game was blistering and he’s only heightened his superstar status.

Romelu Lukaku

The Manchester United forward has been well among the goals and will be battling it out with Harry Kane for the Golden Boot.

The Belgians are the ones to watch with Lukaku finishing off the changes created by Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard and Alex Witsel.

Harry Kane

Record figures watched England versus Tunisia in their World Cup opener, and that was even without those were watching a link to football live streaming.

Kane has helped galvanise his country and has scored a staggering amount while having hold of the England captaincy.

Fans are desperate to bring the trophy home after over 50 years without it, a feat that really would have football fans and expats streaming from all over the world.

Juan Quintero

Quintero has been a real revelation this summer and already has a number of Premier League clubs watching his progress.

At 25-years-old, the Porto midfielder has shown a fantastic sense of awareness alongside a glorious first touch and the ability to produce moments of magic.

His goal against Japan showed how clever he can be, going under the wall from a free kick and nestling it in the bottom corner.