With the World Cup coming let's recall who used the mondial best to dramatically change a career.
Johan Neeskens from Ajax to Barcelona in 1974
'Johan the Second' remained at Ajax after both his coach Rinus Michels and best friend Johan Cruyff moved to Barcelona. But it did not take long for the heart of that Oranje to join compatriots in Catalonia. Neeskens was the won to make it 1-0 in the 1974 FIFA World Cup final vs West Germany, but the Dutch lost to become the best team to have never won the World Cup.
Roberto Baggio from Fiorentina to Juventus for £8mln in 1990
At the moment Baggio's transfer fee was a world record, but Fiorentina fans were so dissatisfied that fans took to streets. Anyway, crowd disturbances only show how big Baggio was for the city. His fame multiplied after 1990 FIFA World Cup. At home soil Italy became third and Roberto was supporters' favourite with two great goals.
Patrick Kluivert from Milan to FC Barcelona for €20 mln in 1998
Youngster's time in Milan was a flop with just 6 goals in 27 games. But in 1998 FIFA World Cup in France he was back in business. His two goals were important for the Dutch to get to the semifinals, their best result since 1978 at World Cups.
Ronaldo from Inter Milan to Real Madrid for €45 mln in 2002
Ronaldo's Inter endeavour came to a sad end full of injuries. But 8 amazing goals in Korea and Japan moved him back to wishlists of big clubs. Real Madrid were the ones to pay enough for the Brazilian. In Spanish capital he was one of the brightest original galacticos alongside with Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo, David Beckham and Michael Owen.
James Rodriguez from Monaco to Real Madrid for €75 mln in 2014
Columbian youngster provided amazing performance in Brazil. In just 399 minutes on the pitch he netted 6 goals, more than anyone at 2014 FIFA World Cup and two assists. Such players rarely miss Real Madrid. He joined Los Blancos immediately thereafter.
Alexis Sanchez from Barcelona to Arsenal for €42,5 mln in 2014
A move from Barcelona to Arsenal cannot be called a definite step up, but for Alexis Sanchez that was the case for sure. He was one of the cast in Catalonia, but he became a true star in London. Performance at 2014 FIFA World Cup helped. He became man of the match vs Australia and helped to dismantle acting champions Spain knocking them out at Group Stage.
Keylor Navas from Levante to Real Madrid for €10 mln in 2014
It is hard to believe Real did not manage to spot the keeper in La Liga. However, his amazing display for Costa Rica in Brazil could not have remained unnoticed. He was Man of the Match in three matches out of five he played. He was the one to take his team to quarterfinals where only penalties took the Netherlands further to the semis.
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