Only a few Aston Villa players can be considered among the best in World Cup history based on their performances for their national teams.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is already at the latter stage, and two teams have progressed to the semi-finals: France and Spain. One Aston Villa player has been in fine form and helped his nation reach the semi-finals in three consecutive editions. He is France left-back Lucas Digne.
The 32-year-old left wing-back has featured in four games so far, including all of France’s knockout-stage matches. The former Everton man is probably not the only Villa player who could help his team advance to the last four. Ezri Konsa, Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins could still join him in the semi-finals with England, while Emiliano Martinez could do the same with Argentina.
They would be on the list of the best Aston Villa men in FIFA World Cup history. They are regarded as the best not only in terms of their individual performances but also because of how far their teams progressed in the competition, with reaching the semi-finals being the minimum requirement for inclusion.
Peter McParland was probably the best in terms of individual performance, but he could only lead his nation to the quarter-finals at the 1958 FIFA World Cup. Therefore, he is excluded from the list. Which players are included besides Lucas Digne? Here are those who managed to do so in previous editions.
David Platt was the first Aston Villa player who not only contributed brilliantly individually but also helped his nation reach the semi-finals. Platt made six appearances in the tournament. He was sidelined for the opener.
The former attacking midfielder scored three goals against Belgium and Cameroon in the knockout stage, plus Italy in the third-place play-off. It was England’s first semi-final since winning the tournament in 1966 and the last one before Harry Kane and co. repeated the achievement in Russia 2018.
The former defender was part of Aston Villa’s squad from 2000 to 2004. Ozalan featured in five games in the tournament, four in the knockout stages and one game in the group stage. He was sent off in the opener against Brazil and was benched for the third game of the group stage.
The former Besiktas and FC Köln man helped Türkiye achieve a historic milestone by reaching the semi-finals and winning the third-place play-off. It was only their second appearance at the World Cup and they have yet to repeat that achievement.
Vlaar was an Aston Villa player from 2012 to 2015 and the key figure in the Netherlands’ defence during that World Cup campaign. He made appearances in every game of the tournament and was also one of the penalty takers in the semi-final shootout against Lionel Messi’s Argentina. Sadly, he was the one who missed his penalty.
The former AZ Alkmaar and Feyenoord man earned 32 international caps, and Brazil 2014 was the last major international tournament of his career.
He is probably the best Aston Villa player in World Cup history so far. The 34-year-old goalkeeper is still playing for the Lions, although he is on the verge of leaving Villa Park after the tournament.
Martinez has been a key figure for Albiceleste since 2021. He is also the current record holder for the most World Cup appearances by an Aston Villa player, with 12 matches so far, and he could add more as he remains Argentina’s first-choice goalkeeper.
The former Arsenal man has not been at his peak this year, but he was outstanding in Qatar 2022, playing a vital role in helping his nation clinch their third World Cup title after beating France on penalties.
He made crucial contributions in the quarter-final as Argentina defeated the Netherlands in a penalty shootout. Martinez was eventually awarded the Golden Glove and FIFA Best Goalkeeper in 2022. No other Aston Villa player has achieved what he has accomplished so far.
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