World Cup's Finest

LANDON DONOVAN

If You Like: An all-or-nothing guy
With the U.S. facing World Cup elimination, the midfielder, 28, scored the match-winning goooaaaal against Algeria, sending Team USA to the round of 16. Equally impressive: Donovan's love of country, which he put on display in a flag-baring photo shoot for Vanity Fair.

CARLOS BOCANEGRA

If You Like: A leader
As captain of the U.S. national team, Bocanegra, 31, helped lead America to the final round of 16 in the World Cup. He's someone who knows how to use his head – literally, having scored most of his 10 goals with his noggin.

GIANLUCA ZAMBROTTA

If You Like: Confident guys
The Italian team may be eliminated – just don't tell the AC Milan defender, 33. "We haven't thought about it and we're not thinking about it," he said.

GREGORY VAN DER WIEL

If You Like: Bad boys
While sidelined with a concussion, the Dutch star, 22, took time off not to rest – but to go to a Lil' Wayne concert. After posting a pic with the rapper on his Twitter page, it ignited public fury in his country. Naughty, naughty!

SERGIO AGUERO

If You Like: A man with family ties
The Argentine player, 22, has some heavy-hitters behind him – his father-in-law is international superstar Diego Maradona, who now manages Argentina's national team. FATHER-IN-LAW? Dammit.

IKER CASILLAS

If You Like: The next big thing
Agile and quick-thinking, the Spanish goalkeeper, 29, is being hailed as the best goalie in the world – no wonder he wears Real Madrid's prestigious No. 1 jersey.

LUKAS PODOLSKI

If You Like: Funny men
The German footballer, 25, and teammate Franck Ribery were known for playing pranks on each other during training camp (toothpaste under doorknobs), earning him the nickname, "The Joker with a Hammer for a Left Foot" – which probably sounds better in German.

CRISTIANO RONALDO

If You Like: The total package
Like David Beckham, he's an international superstar who already has his own wax figure at Madame Tussauds. The Portuguese team captain, 25, even took over for Becks as the face – and, er, package – of Emporio Armani's underwear line.

And last, but by no means least, my own personal favourite...

KAKÁ

If You Like: The Boy Next Door
A Brazilian football midfielder, currently playing for Real Madrid C.F. and the Brazilian national team. Starting his footballing career at the age of eight, he eventually signed his first professional contract with the club at the age of fifteen. In addition to his many contributions on the pitch, Kaká is known for his humanitarian work. In 2004, he became the youngest ambassador of the United Nations' World Programme.