FIFA's Special Gesture to Messi, Ronaldo, and Other Football Legends at the World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has introduced a unique way to honor some of the greatest players in the history of the game.

Fans watching superstars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo during the tournament may have noticed a special "FIFA World Cup Legacy" badge on their sleeves – an exclusive mark reserved for a select group of football legends.

The badge is a personalized sleeve patch awarded to footballers whose longevity and achievements have left an indelible mark on World Cup history. The design features a golden silhouette of a player, accompanied by the inscription "FIFA World Cup Legacy," symbolizing the player's enduring contribution to the tournament.

Positioned just below the official World Cup badge, the patch also includes personalized elements such as the player's name and national flag. Some versions even incorporate iconic details specific to a particular footballer. For instance, Ronaldo's badge features a silhouette inspired by his famous "SIUU" celebration.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo made their World Cup debuts in Germany in 2006 and are now participating in their sixth tournament, already making history. For Messi, this journey included the ultimate prize – lifting the World Cup with Argentina in Qatar in 2022. Ronaldo, for his part, remains Portugal's all-time leading goal scorer. The "Legacy" badge serves as recognition for this extraordinary achievement. By participating in a record-breaking sixth World Cup, the iconic duo are among the first players to wear the prestigious patch.

Messi and Ronaldo are not the only footballers honored with this distinction in 2026. Other recipients include celebrated veterans such as Luka Modrić (Croatia), Manuel Neuer (Germany), and Yuto Nagatomo (Japan), all of whom are playing in their fifth World Cup. Mexican veteran Guillermo Ochoa, who could also join Ronaldo and Messi with six World Cup appearances, has also been recognized, of course.

FIFA has introduced several special sleeve badges for the 2026 World Cup. Former champions wear a golden World Cup badge, debutants receive a "Debut FIFA World Cup" patch, players with five or more World Cup appearances wear a "Legacy" badge with their national flag, and former winners of the best goalkeeper award also have a special distinguishing badge. These patches pay tribute to both rising stars and veterans of the tournament.

Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé, and James Rodríguez have received the "Golden Boot" winner's badge. Emiliano Martínez, Thibaut Courtois, and Manuel Neuer (again) have been awarded the "Golden Glove" winner's patch.