ASHLEY COLE
England — 2002, 2006, and 2010 World Cup
“The World Cup means everything, as a player. When you’re a young kid, you dream of playing in a World Cup, and to be lucky enough to play in a couple of them? You are there with the greats. It’s a dream.”
GIOVANI DOS SANTOS
Mexico, World Cup 2010 and 2014
“I will always remember 1998. Mexico had a good tournament, had a very good team. I was young but it was special. To play in the World Cup myself… I feel so proud to have represented my country on that stage. And this summer, Mexico will be great. We have approached this tournament in a very positive way.”
LANDON DONOVAN
USMNT—2002, 2006, and 2010 World Cup
What does the World Cup mean to you as a player?
For most players, the World Cup is the apex. It’s the dream that every player has. It’s what every player wants. As a young player, I don’t think I really understood what the World Cup meant, but as it became more visible to me… I remember practicing in the street, thinking about how each move would help me in the World Cup one day. I got to realize that dream and it exceeded every one of my expectations.
Where will you be watching?
This is the first time in my life that I can watch the World Cup without having to worry about training or playing games or being part of a professional team. I’m going to enjoy it to the max. There’ll be games I watch at home, but I’ll be heading down to watch some in bars in San Diego to watch with the fans. I’m looking forward to that experience. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do: enjoy a World Cup as just a true soccer fan.
ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC
Sweden, World Cup 2002 and 2006
“The World Cup is nothing without me” - Zlatan, 2013
What’s it like playing in a World Cup?
It’s amazing. To play for your country, being the captain of the time, it’s a big moment, a moment of huge proudness. There is not a bigger moment as a player.
How will Sweden do this year?
I think they will win. They are the favorites. They have a really great collective in the squad, and they have something big going on...
