From Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simon to French star Kylian Mbappe, via Spanish midfield pivot Rodri and Argentine genius Lionel Messi: a look at the ideal lineup of players who left their mark on the 23rd edition of the World Cup finals.

Unai Simon: Unai Simon was Spain's impenetrable last line of defense, delivering an exceptional performance between the posts, proving he is the rightful heir to Iker Casillas.

Coach Luis de la Fuente hesitated to give him the starting goalkeeper spot before the World Cup, but the Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper, who was a starter at Euro 2024 and entered the tournament in competition with David Raya and Juan Garcia in the United States, quickly established himself as the undisputed choice.

Pedro Porro (AFP)

Pedro Porro: On the right flank where Lamine Yamal terrorizes opponents, the English Tottenham player was ideal in protecting his team behind the young Barcelona talent. He also showed his attacking abilities, scoring two goals, including one in the semi-final that effectively ended France's hopes (2-0).

Lisandro Martinez (EPA)

Lisandro Martinez: The Argentine defensive rock's role is not limited to defensive tasks. He played a crucial role in 'Albiceleste's' qualification to the round of 16 with a precise assist to Lionel Messi, in addition to scoring a goal against Cape Verde (3-2 after extra time).

But he had to leave the final with a heavy heart due to an injury suffered in the 44th minute.

Aymeric Laporte (AFP)

Aymeric Laporte: Despite being called up several times, he never played for the French national team under Didier Deschamps, so he chose to represent Spain after obtaining citizenship in 2021 thanks to his Basque roots.

And 'La Roja' could only welcome this decision, as he has become one of the best defenders in the world as a center-back, helping make the Spanish backline an impenetrable fortress that conceded only one goal in eight matches during the World Cup.

Marc Cucurella (Reuters)

Marc Cucurella: With his strikingly thick hair, the future Real Madrid player never goes unnoticed.

He delivered very consistent performances on the left side of the Spanish defense, being solid against opposing attackers, with the ability to advance and send precise crosses thanks to his high technical skills.

Rodri: The compass of the Spanish midfield and its beating heart, Rodri was undoubtedly the most important element of the Spanish national team.

He made a thunderous return to the forefront after a long absence due to a serious knee injury. Without him, perhaps 'La Roja' would not have imposed its dominance on the World Cup as it did two years ago at the European Championship.

And after being chosen as the best player of the tournament, he is more than ever a candidate for the next Ballon d'Or, which he already won in 2024.

Jude Bellingham (AP)

Jude Bellingham: What could England do without the Real Madrid player? Bellingham shone behind Harry Kane, leading the 'Three Lions' by scoring seven goals, including braces in the round of 16 against Mexico (3-2) and the quarterfinal against Norway (2-1 after extra time).

But two years after losing the European Championship final to Spain, he failed again to win a title that has eluded England since 1966.

Dani Olmo (AFP)

Dani Olmo: The playmaker and artist of space creation, the Spanish number 10 midfielder put his personal touch on the World Cup. Although he did not score any goals, the spark often came from his feet, as in his quick touch that paved the way for Pedro Porro's second goal for Spain in the semi-final.

Michael Olise (Reuters)

Michael Olise: In his first World Cup appearance at 24 years old, the German Bayern Munich player stole the spotlight after taking on the role of playmaker for the French national team.

He impressed everyone with his refined technical skills, which he had previously shown in the Champions League, although his influence waned somewhat starting from the quarterfinals.

And as he did in the last two seasons in the German league, he finished the tournament as the best assist provider with seven assists.

Lionel Messi (AFP)

Lionel Messi: At 39 years old and in his sixth World Cup appearance, 'The Flea' delivered exceptional performances.

His eight goals and four assists saved Argentina on more than one occasion in tense knockout matches. However, he was not effective in the final against Spain, which denied him a second world star on his record.

Kylian Mbappe (EPA)

Kylian Mbappe: The captain of the French national team entered the tournament with great determination to shine in his favorite competition, after a disappointing and trophy-less season with Real Madrid.

He lived up to expectations, leading 'Les Bleus' to the semi-finals while enhancing his incredible personal statistics. During the tournament, he became the all-time leading scorer for the French national team with 66 goals in 106 international matches, also becoming the top scorer in World Cup history with 22 goals, and won the Golden Boot for the second consecutive time after scoring 10 goals, four years after scoring eight goals in the Qatar World Cup. Staggering numbers for the 2018 world champion.