Having recovered from a serious knee injury, Rodri Hernández led Spain to the title with record-breaking statistics and a masterclass in football in midfield. We take a look at the key aspects of a performance worthy of a ‘Ballon d'Or’.

Serious injuries do not discriminate, cruelly depriving great players of game-time as well as good. Read on to discover how the current Ballon d’Or recipient Rodri returned to Manchester City’s midfield after enduring a devastating ACL.

With legs that seemed to be from another planet and a shot capable of defying the laws of physics, Roberto Carlos built a career characterised by explosive speed and some of the most impressive free-kicks in the history of football. A World Cup winner with Brazil and an eight-time nominee for the ‘Ballon d'Or’ award, he also helped to redefine the role of the left-back in modern football.

Four Ballon d’Or nominated superstars are primed to participate in their first World Cup tournament. The expectation on each to perform is almost too much to bear.