Greatest World Cup Moments of the 21st Century

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.