The biggest names are staying at home this summer – and it's hard not to feel a pang of disappointment for the stars who've missed out on World Cup qualification. For those of us who love football, the absence of these superstars is like watching your team play without its captain – it just doesn't feel right. The 'best XI' we've compiled highlights the incredible talent that's been left on the bench, waiting to shine at the sport's biggest stage.
Gianluigi Donnarumma's name has been etched into the history books as one of the world's top shot-stoppers – but he'll be watching from the sidelines this summer. The Italian captain had a baptism by fire in the Premier League, adapting seamlessly to Manchester City's demands for ball-playing goalkeepers honed during his Paris Saint-Germain days. It's especially cruel given Italy's status as reigning European champions, clinched with a dramatic final victory over England.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is another high-profile absentee – the Georgian winger has electrified audiences with his blistering pace and creative flair on the pitch. His club form has made him a fan favourite, and it's hard not to wonder what he could have brought to the World Cup stage. Fans will miss his excitement and goal-scoring ability, making his absence all the more keenly felt.
The 'best XI' selection was a tough one – with only two players allowed per country – but it highlights the remarkable depth of talent that's been left behind. The implications for these stars extend far beyond missing a single tournament: for some, it may mark a missed opportunity to etch their names into the World Cup history books, potentially impacting their careers and international legacies.
The absence of such high-calibre players raises questions about the qualification format – are there lessons to be learned from the fine margins that separate success from failure in international football? For fans here in the UK, seeing Premier League stars like Donnarumma miss out on the global spectacle is a harsh reminder of just how cutthroat the sport can be.