Maradona’s Record Remains Untouchable by Stars

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup just days away, excitement is mounting for potential new records on football’s biggest stage. Yet, amid the anticipation, some records appear untouchable—most notably one held by Argentine legend Diego Maradona.

Maradona remains the most fouled player in World Cup history. Since comprehensive foul statistics were first tracked in 1970, he played in four tournaments (1982, 1986, 1990, and 1994) and suffered 152 fouls across just 21 matches—an average of 7.23 fouls per game. Remarkably, over 100 of these fouls occurred in the 1986 Mexico and 1990 Italy World Cups alone, highlighting how aggressively opponents targeted the diminutive playmaker.

Modern-era stars, while prolific, fall far short of this total. Current Argentina captain Lionel Messi occupies second place, having endured 75 fouls in 26 World Cup matches across five tournaments, averaging 2.88 fouls per match.

Brazilian stars Zé Jairzinho and Neymar follow, with 64 and 60 fouls respectively, while Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo rounds out the top five with 58 fouls. Neymar’s average stands at four fouls per match across three World Cups, while Ronaldo averages 2.63 over 22 matches.

Even if Messi, Neymar, or Ronaldo participate in the 2026 tournament, it is unlikely that Maradona’s record will be challenged. Experts note that modern football places greater emphasis on player safety, stricter refereeing, and the use of VAR technology, all of which reduce the frequency of high-contact fouls. By contrast, Maradona’s era was notoriously physical, with matches often featuring aggressive clashes and limited protection for attacking players.

Looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup:

Argentina are in Group J, facing Austria, Algeria, and Jordan. Their campaign opens against Algeria on 16 June.

Portugal compete in Group K, matched with Colombia, Uzbekistan, and the Intercontinental Playoff winner.

Brazil are in Group C, with Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland, starting against Morocco on 13 June.

Participation remains uncertain for Messi, who has not confirmed his place, while Neymar must regain full fitness from injury. Ronaldo, however, has confirmed his involvement, indicating that 2026 could be his final World Cup appearance.

In short, while the modern greats continue to dazzle and set records of their own, Diego Maradona’s unmatched status as the most fouled World Cup player remains firmly secure, a testament to both his brilliance and the brutal era in which he played.