From Ozil to James: World Cup stars Who earned blockbuster transfers

The FIFA World Cup stage has consistently proven to be a career-defining platform for footballers, offering them the chance to transition from relative obscurity to global stardom through standout performances. The tournament's immense visibility often translates into significant transfer opportunities, reshaping players' professional trajectories.

A recent testament to this phenomenon is Cape Verde's goalkeeper Vozinha. At the remarkable age of 40, his heroic efforts during the 2026 World Cup secured him a move to Chilean giants Colo-Colo. While Vozinha's journey from the Portuguese second division to one of South America's most prestigious clubs is extraordinary, he joins a storied list of players whose World Cup displays have been pivotal in their careers.

BBC Sport compiled a list of such players, including Marc-Vivien Foe. Before the 1994 World Cup, Foe was not widely recognized, but his performances for Cameroon, particularly against Brazil, attracted attention and led to a free transfer from Canon Yaounde to French club Lens. He later achieved success with Lens, winning the Ligue 1 title, and went on to play for other notable clubs before his tragic death in 2003.

Similarly, Gilberto Silva became a household name following Brazil's 2002 World Cup victory. His consistent midfield performances earned him a move to Premier League champions Arsenal, where he became a vital player, contributing to their unbeaten league title in the 2003/04 season. Javier Mascherano also announced his arrival on the international scene at the 2006 World Cup, leading to a move to West Ham United. Mesut Ozil, a breakout star of the 2010 World Cup, was subsequently signed by Real Madrid after his impressive goal and assist record.