The Best No.5s In World Cup History

There are five days to go until the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, and as part of our countdown, we have looked at some of the best No. 5s in the tournament's history.

Tired of reading? Click through the gallery above to see some of the best No. 5s to have played at the World Cup.

The No.5 jersey is often occupied by the central defenders, and the first player on our list is one of Italy's all-time greats, Fabio Cannavaro.

The former Juventus and Real Madrid defender, who is retired, is the second most capped player for Italy with 132 appearances and he led the Azzuri to World Cup glory in 2006 in Germany.

Following Italy's success in 2006, Cannavaro was awarded the Ballon d'Or that year, becoming only third defender to win the award after Franz Beckenbauer and Matthias Sammer.

Another No.5 that deserves an honorable mention is former FC Barcelona and Spain defender Carles Puyol.

Puyol notched up 100 caps for La Roja over 13 years, where he also helped the nation secure their first-ever World Cup title eight years ago in South Africa. 

Our list of the most iconic No.5s is rounded off by Laurent Blanc, who helped France clinch the 1998 World Cup, and former England and Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand 

Read: The Best No. 6s In World Cup History

Can you think of any other players to have worn the No.5 jersey at the World Cup? Let us know in the comment section below.