Only 5 Liverpool players have won FIFA World Cup with 44 years between them
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The World Cup is the most coveted prize in football, but only five stars have lifted the trophy while Liverpool players - and there was a 44-year gap between themRoger Hunt scored three goals as England won the 1966 World Cup(Image: Central Press/Getty Images)Liverpool is one of the most decorated clubs in Europe — but only five men have held the World Cup as Reds players.The 2026 FIFA World Cup gets underway this week, and several stars in action ensure Liverpool’s interest in the tournament remains high. The first Liverpool players to lift the coveted trophy were part of England’s famous World Cup win back in 1966.Roger Hunt, Ian Callaghan, and Gerry Byrne were part of Alf Ramsey’s iconic team.
Hunt played a key role for the Three Lions, featuring in all six matches and scoring three goals, including two against France in the group stage.Callaghan played in just one match but recorded an assist, teeing up Hunt for his second against the French.Fernando Torres came off the bench as Spain defeated the Netherlands to win the 2010 World Cup(Image: Getty Images)Byrne did not play in any matches. Because he was a non-playing squad member, Byrne was originally not awarded a medal — but he was belatedly presented with a winner's medal at a special ceremony in 2009.Liverpool had to wait for some time before another player hoisted the World Cup as a member of the team.
The next winners came 44 years later, with goalkeeper Pepe Reina and striker Fernando Torres part of Spain’s triumphant team at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.The 2010 World Cup was a frustrating one for Torres, who returned from a knee injury right before the tournament. The issue affected his playing time and sharpness, and he played in seven matches for Spain but failed to score or provide any assists as fellow forward David Villa starred.However, Torres came off the bench in the World Cup final and played a role in the buildup to Andres Iniesta’s winner in the 1-0 win over the Netherlands.Meanwhile, Reina served as Spain's backup goalkeeper, playing zero minutes across the team's 7 tournament matches.