The World Cup Is the perfect moment to introduce people to the Beautiful Game. And for the purposes of this article, we do mean beautiful.
If you're new to the sport and have noticed just how attractive some of the greats of this game are, you're not alone.
Some players can and do double as models, like Lionel Messi, Olivier Giroud just to name a few.
But who were the most ... erm, striking ... footballers of this global festival? Here's The Striker's top 10, in no particular order.
Goal-'keepers
Alisson Becker, Brazil
Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson Becker has stolen many hearts with stunning blue eyes and a smile that had many cheering his team to advance beyond the quarters and keep Backer in action.
And Becker's looks are a bonus. He's been one of the best goalkeepers in the tournament and in the Premier League this season with Liverpool.
He's also a class act. After pulling off a couple amazing saves in a 4-1 win over South Korea, Becker was captured on camera trying to console team captain Son Heung-min.
Where to catch him when club soccer resumes
Liverpool
Guillermo Memo Ochoa, Mexico
The curly-haired goalie has long been the subject of affection, with his perfectly placed locks starring for Mexico in five World Cups, including Brazil in 2014, Russia in 2018, and in Qatar 2022.
Many said Ochoa was “too old” to make the Qatar 2022, but he proved doubters wrong by being arguably their best player and making a heroic penalty save on Poland's Robert Lewandowski in a 0-0 draw on Matchday 1.
The 37-year-old is currently part of Club America in Liga MX, but rumors are he could be on the move after the tournament.
Where to catch him when club soccer resumes
Club America (for now)
Kevin Trapp, Germany
His last name says it all. Kevin Trapp (as in thirst trap?) posts very elegant pictures online that make him look like a movie star or a model.
He might not be the starting 'keeper for Germany, but the 32-year-old is a very solid option off the bench ... and he's still a 'keeper!
And he's a busy man, finding time between soccer and modeling to run an oat milk company called Moelk and date Brazilian supermodel Izabel Goulart.
Where to catch him when club soccer resumes
Eintracht Frankfurt
Striking strikers
Olivier Giroud, France
French striker Olivier Giroud has proven to be too much for rival defenders in this tournament.
In the match against Poland, Giroud became France's all-time leading men's goal scorer with 52 goals in 117 caps, surpassing Thierry Henry. The 36-year-old then scored his 53rd against England.
He wasn't always in favor for Les Bleus, with many of his appearances coming as a substitute. But as he has said before, practice, time and resilience will get you the results you want.
Where to catch him when club soccer resumes
AC Milan
Son Heung-min, South Korea
With stealth, agility and talent, Son played his third World Cup, and scored on the biggest stage in the world.
A lethal combination of a sweet smile and talent has him on the list. The 30-year-old excels in the English Premier League with Tottenham Hotspur, being called one of the best players often.
Where to catch him when club soccer resumes
Tottenham Hotspur
Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal
Say what you may of Cristiano Ronaldo — and he's certainly polarizing – but many still regard him as a good-looking man with impeccable taste in pretty much everything.
The forward has been going through a rough spell of late (considering his recent drama with Manchester United and his World Cup exit with Portugal) and has drawn some criticism for his conduct as a teammate.
But he remains ripped as can be and has been the face of many luxury products. He also owns his own brand, and not that he needs money, but he could certainly fall back on modeling should this soccer thing cease to work out.
Where to catch him when club soccer resumes
TBD
Nothing 'mid' about these midfielders
Rodrigo de Paul, Argentina
Rodrigo de Paul took some time to find his footing in Qatar 2022, but has now turned into a driving force for the South American finalists.
Teammates call him “motor," giving an insight into what they think of his role with the Albiceleste. And his hairstyle has resulted in “Rodrigo de Paul haircut” becoming a popular Google search term.
He's gained followers for his moves, hair, and flirtatious smile.
Where to catch him when club soccer resumes
Atletico Madrida
Sofiane Boufal, Morocco
If this viral photo of Morocco's Sofiane Boufal celebrating with his mother doesn’t warm your heart, then nothing will (and you might be the Grinch.)
The camera lens has since followed the player and his mom after each win. Boufal has been an integral part of the Morocco's historic run to the semifinals.
The midfielder also has an eye for fashion, as you can see if you follow his Instagram.
Where to catch him when club soccer resumes
Angers SCO
Idrissa Gana Gueye, Senegal
Senegal's Idrissa Gana Gueye enamored much of the world with his uplifting smile.
The 33-year-old is known as the heart of his national team, which reached the round of 16 before losing to England.
He serves a similar role in the midfield for Everton, his Premier League club team. And his absence due to yellow card suspension was certainly felt when his teammates faced the Three Lions.
Where to catch him when club soccer resumes
Everton
Delightful defenders
Matthijs de Ligt, Netherlands
Defenders don't often get the attention of strikers and midfielders, but 22-year-old Matthijs de Ligt that caught the eyes of many.
The blond, blue-eyed center back was one of the best defenders of the tournament, and there may be even brighter things to come in 2026 in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Where to catch him when club soccer resumes
Bayern Munich