The World Cup has shaped the imagination of an entire generation, including mine. As someone who turns football moments into cartoons, I always return to the scenes that defined this century. These are the moments that became global symbols — images that still live in our collective memory.
Here are the greatest World Cup moments of the 21st century, the ones that inspired millions of fans and shaped how we remember each tournament:
Zidane’s headbutt in the 2006 final, a shocking moment that instantly became one of the most iconic images in football history. 
Brazil’s 7-1 collapse against Germany in 2014, a night that stunned the world and created one of the most unforgettable score lines ever.
Emiliano Martinez’s last-minute save in the 2022 final, a moment that saved a nation’s dream and instantly became legendary.
Luis Suarez’s bite in 2014, a chaotic scene that turned into a global meme within minutes.
Suarez’s handball against Ghana in 2010, a dramatic and controversial moment that changed the entire tournament.
Ronaldo’s famous haircut in 2002, a bizarre and unforgettable look that became a symbol of that World Cup.
Robin van Persie’s flying header in 2014, one of the most beautiful and visually iconic goals of the modern era.
Andrés Iniesta’s winning goal in the 2010 final and his tribute to Dani Jarque, a moment filled with emotion and meaning.
The drama of Korea versus Italy in 2002, with Totti’s red card becoming one of the most debated decisions of the century.
Messi lifting the World Cup in 2022 wearing the bisht, an image that became much larger than football and instantly went global.
These moments are more than highlights. They are stories, emotions, and snapshots of a football era I grew up watching and later started illustrating in my own style.
Football isn’t always about glory — sometimes, it’s about pain, chaos, and the moments we never forget.
His knee exploded as he tried to dribble past a defender.
It was a complete rupture of the tendon and cruciate ligament — a career-ending injury for most players.
But Ronaldo came back two years later to win the World Cup and Ballon d’Or.
A shoulder lock from Sergio Ramos sent Salah crashing to the ground.
He left the pitch in tears, missing the rest of the final.
A year later, he returned stronger to lift the same trophy — poetic justice.
A reckless knee to the back from Colombia’s Zúñiga fractured one of Neymar’s vertebrae.
He missed the semifinal against Germany… and Brazil were humiliated 7–1 at home.
One of the most brutal tackles ever seen on a global stage.
De Jong’s “kung-fu” kick landed straight on Alonso’s chest — and somehow, it wasn’t even a red card.
The German goalkeeper crashed into the French forward with terrifying force.
Battiston lost two teeth, broke his jaw, and was knocked unconscious.
Shockingly, Schumacher wasn’t sent off — one of the darkest moments in World Cup history.
When we talk about football legends, we usually mention their glorious achievements—World Cups, Champions Leagues, Ballon d’Ors, and Euros. But sometimes, what makes a story funnier is what’s missing.
Cristiano Ronaldo has no World Cup 🌍.
Benzema has no Euro 🏆.
Ronaldo Nazário never lifted the Champions League ✨.
Maldini, despite being a defensive icon, never won the Ballon d’Or 🥇.
And then… there’s Zlatan Ibrahimović. He missed them all, yet still calls himself a legend 👑😂.
That’s why I made this short cartoon: a quick, funny look at Zlatan being the “GOAT of Missing Trophies.” Sometimes football isn’t just about winning—it’s about the laughs it gives us along the way.
⚽ Watch the short on my YouTube channel and enjoy more football cartoons!
In 2002, Ronaldo shocked the world with more than just his football skills—he unveiled a funny triangular haircut that became legendary. Facing constant scrutiny over his knee injury, Ronaldo used the haircut to distract the media and shift the focus away from his fitness issues.
With the press fixated on his new look, Ronaldo was free to focus on his game. And it worked. He led Brazil to victory, scoring twice in the final against Germany, securing the World Cup, and completing a remarkable comeback story.
Our animated cartoon captures this fun and clever tactic that helped Ronaldo reclaim his greatness. Watch how a simple haircut became a key part of his journey to World Cup glory!
A heated match between Juventus and Inter Milan during the 1997-98 season left not only football fans, but also politicians, in uproar.
Tensions ran high after Juventus was denied a penalty, leading to a 0-0 draw and a subsequent 1-0 victory for Inter Milan. However, the controversy reached its peak during the match when referee Piero Ceccarini opted not to award a penalty for a foul committed by Juventus' Mark Iuliano on Inter forward Ronaldo.
Adding fuel to the fire, Juventus, leading 1-0 at the time, was eventually granted a penalty just moments later. However, Alessandro Del Piero failed to convert it. Despite this, Juventus clinched the game with a 1-0 victory, securing the scudetto with a five-point lead.
The aftermath of the match spilled into the political arena, causing a stir in the Italian parliament. During a publicly broadcast "question time" session in April 1998, Domenico Gramazio of the National Alliance erupted, reportedly shouting "They are all thieves!" at Massimo Mauro, a fellow politician and former Juventus player representing the ruling Democrats of the Left.
The spectacle prompted outrage from Walter Veltroni, then-Deputy Prime Minister, who denounced the behavior as "unworthy, embarrassing, and grotesque." The session had to be abruptly suspended, and repercussions followed for several politicians involved.
The incident highlighted the deep intertwining of football and politics in Italian society, where the passion for the sport often spills over into other aspects of public life, sometimes with tumultuous consequences.
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