Several well-known footballers experienced major setbacks early in their careers and came close to abandoning professional football before eventually reaching the World Cup stage.
Jamie Vardy spent years in non-league football and even worked outside the sport before breaking through late and earning an England call-up.
Luka Modrić grew up during wartime in Croatia under very difficult conditions, and his future in football was uncertain before he rose to become a World Cup finalist.
Riyad Mahrez was initially overlooked in France due to doubts about his physicality and nearly gave up before rebuilding his career in England and reaching international success with Algeria.
Sadio Mané faced early pressure to focus on education and struggled to pursue football seriously, but persistence led him to become a key figure for Senegal at the World Cup.
Didier Drogba moved frequently in his youth and faced instability in his early football journey before eventually establishing himself at the highest level.
Carlos Tévez grew up in poverty and faced difficult life circumstances that almost pulled him away from football before he became an Argentina international.
N’Golo Kanté was repeatedly rejected by youth academies due to his size and spent years in lower divisions before breaking through and reaching the World Cup with France.
Didier Deschamps was not always seen as a standout talent early in his career but worked through doubts to become a World Cup-winning captain.
Gennaro Gattuso faced early career uncertainty and skepticism about his playing style before proving himself at the highest level and winning the World Cup with Italy.
These stories highlight how many top footballers faced serious doubts and setbacks before ultimately reaching the biggest stage in world football.