<img title="Luis Suarez" src="https://images.mid-day.com/images/2018/jan/surazez-2018.jpg" alt="Luis Suarez" />
Luis Suarez Uruguay have managed to retrieve a bit of their glorious past, in the last couple of years, as they claimed the Copa America title in 2011. A lot of La Celeste's success was without any doubt, thanks to the brilliance of the one and only Luis Suarez, 30. The super star has scored 47 goals in 94 appearances, and is decisive enough on the big occasions more often than not.
Kylian Mbappe
<img title="Luis Suarez" src="https://images.mid-day.com/images/2018/jan/Mbappe-2018.jpg" alt="Luis Suarez" />
French kid Kylian Mbappe, who turned 19 last month, has captured the imagination of football enthusiasts from across the globe at such a tender age. The PSG star is considered to be the biggest rising sensation. After he won the French Young Player of the year award, Mbappe said that &ldquo;a Champions League win and a World Cup success" would make 2018 superb. Fingers crossed.
Antoine Griezmann
<img title="Antoine Griezmann" src="https://images.mid-day.com/images/2018/jan/Griezmann-2018.jpg" alt="Antoine Griezmann" />
French forward Antoine Griezmann has been brilliant in front of goal for Atletico Madrid. Despite that, major titles have eluded him and has tasted disappointment in the finals of the Champions League and Euro 2016. Maybe, a World Cup is there for the taking!
Neymar
<img title="Neymar" src="https://images.mid-day.com/images/2018/jan/neymar-2018.jpg" alt="Neymar" />
Neymar sent shockwaves across the globe when he completed his move from FC Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain for a whopping 222 million euros. Such is the demand of the star striker that his presence raises the stakes of the side. Brazil head coach Tite will hope a Champions League-like performance from Neymar at the World Cup as well.
Cristiano Ronaldo
<img title="Cristiano Ronaldo" src="https://images.mid-day.com/images/2018/jan/ronaldo-2018.jpg" alt="Cristiano Ronaldo" />
With five Ballon d'Or golden trophies in his kitty, this year's FIFA World Cup could be the last for Portuguese super star Cristiano Ronaldo. Portugal have made it to the finals of the quadrennial event on six occasions, this year being the seventh. However, they have never laid their hands on the crown. The script looks set for Ronaldo to finish on a high. Portugal won their maiden Euros in July year. It would be fitting if CR7 can guide his team to World Cup glory this year to make it a memorable double.
Eden Hazard
<img title="Eden Hazard" src="https://images.mid-day.com/images/2018/jan/hazard-2018.jpg" alt="Eden Hazard" />
If Belgium have to progress in the World Cup, a lot of hopes will be on their winger Eden Hazard. The Chelsea star, who has been a target for Spanish giants Real Madrid, was instrumental in Belgium qualifying for the global event. Hazard is finding his fitness after recovering from an ankle injury. Belgium will hope he regains full form and fitness, come June!
Timo Werner
<img title="Timo Werner" src="https://images.mid-day.com/images/2018/jan/timo-2018.jpg" alt="Timo Werner" />
At 21, Timo Werner has already proved his mettle for Germany, guiding them to the Confederations Cup win in June last year. As the defending champs visit Russia, the young striker, who won the Golden Boot award at the Confederations Cup, will be looking for another award.
Harry Kane
<img title="Harry Kane" src="https://images.mid-day.com/images/2018/jan/kane-2018.jpg" alt="Harry Kane" />
He has been in red-hot form for Tottenham Hotspur this season. With Wayne Rooney out of the mix in international football, Kane, who in all certainty will shoulder the skipper's responsibilities, has to lead from the front. That shouldn't be a problem for the ace striker Kane, who last year surpassed England legend Alan Shearer's 22-year-old record to become the highest goal scorer in EPL in a calendar year.
Alvaro Morata
<img title="Alvaro Morata" src="https://images.mid-day.com/images/2018/jan/morata-2018.jpg" alt="Alvaro Morata" />
Alvaro Morata made a goal-scoring return to the Spanish team, after missing two games in October due to a hamstring injury. The Chelsea striker, has scored in four straight games for Spain. He looks set to lead the line for them in Russia this year.
Lionel Messi
<img title="Lionel Messi" src="https://images.mid-day.com/images/2018/jan/messi-2018.jpg" alt="Lionel Messi" />
This year's World Cup may also be the last for Argentina maestro Lionel Messi. The Albicelestes won a do-or-die clash against Ecuador riding on a Messi hat-trick to make the cut for Russia. The wounds of the sad loss to Germany in the 2014 final are still fresh in his mind. Argentina have never won a World Cup with Messi in the ranks. Will Russia be kind to one of the most skillful players in the world?
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With the FIFA World Cup beginning in June this year, mid-day lists the top stars who will battle it out for glory during the global event&nbsp;

Top football stars to watch out for at FIFA World Cup 2018

Neymar spotted hugging and kissing ex-girlfriend Bruna at New Year bash

With the FIFA World Cup beginning in June this year, mid-day lists the top stars who will battle it out for glory during the global event&nbsp;

Top football stars to watch out for at FIFA World Cup 2018

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Top football stars to watch out for at FIFA World Cup 2018

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