Football World Cup winners have often been spotted at Formula 1 events, enjoying the synergy between two of the world's top sports. From Messi to Maradona, these icons have brought their star power to the F1 paddock.
The worlds of football and Formula 1 have long enjoyed a symbiotic relationship, with several World Cup winners making memorable appearances at F1 events. As the 2026 World Cup reaches its final stages, let's explore ten such stars who've mingled with motorsport's elite.
Before Lionel Messi lifted the World Cup with Argentina in 2022, his legacy as one of football's all-time greats was already secure. Messi has also been a familiar face in the F1 paddock, notably at the 2026 Miami Grand Prix, where he toured the Mercedes garage, meeting drivers like Kimi Antonelli and George Russell. Additionally, Messi had a memorable encounter with Alpine's Franco Colapinto, linking two of Argentina's celebrated sports figures.
Pele, famed for his three World Cup wins with Brazil, has also left his mark on F1. He waved the chequered flag at the 2002 Brazilian Grand Prix when Michael Schumacher clinched victory, albeit a tad late. Pele returned in 2006 to present Schumacher with a trophy celebrating his illustrious career before the German's first retirement.
French star Kylian Mbappe burst onto the World Cup stage in 2018, scoring in the final and earning the Best Young Player award. His F1 appearances include waving the chequered flag at the 2024 Monaco Grand Prix, where Charles Leclerc achieved his first home victory.
Brazilian legend Ronaldo, a key figure in Brazil's 1994 and 2002 World Cup triumphs, has been a regular at F1 events. His appearances date back to the 1999 Italian Grand Prix, where he took a seat in Rubens Barrichello's car. More recently, he's been a guest at races in Abu Dhabi and Imola with Ferrari and Red Bull.
Diego Maradona, Argentina's football deity before Messi, led his nation to World Cup glory in 1986. He too mingled with F1 stars, including a meeting with Michael Schumacher and Niki Lauda at the 1995 Monaco Grand Prix. In 2014, he joined forces with Fernando Alonso for a charity football match.
Zinedine Zidane, a pivotal figure in France's 1998 World Cup victory, has also dabbled in F1 events. He participated in Alpine's car launch in 2023 and has been a fixture at Monaco Grands Prix. Zidane even presented the Sprint trophy at the 2024 Miami Grand Prix, where Max Verstappen was victorious.
Mario Gotze, the hero of Germany's 2014 World Cup win, visited the 2026 Monaco Grand Prix. He and other German football icons, like Lukas Podolski, exchanged jerseys with Audi's Nico Hulkenberg.
Alessandro Del Piero, who played a crucial role in Italy's 2006 World Cup win, has been spotted at numerous Grands Prix. He waved the flag as Leclerc secured a home victory for Ferrari at the 2024 Italian Grand Prix.
Roberto Carlos, known for his thunderous free-kicks, was instrumental in Brazil's 2002 World Cup triumph. He's frequent in the F1 paddock, having met with stars like Alonso and Carlos Sainz at various races, including the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix.
Sergio Busquets, a linchpin in Spain's 2010 World Cup-winning side, has also enjoyed the F1 spectacle. He's attended events like the 2026 Barcelona Grand Prix, witnessing Lewis Hamilton's first win for Ferrari.
These football legends have not only left indelible marks on the pitch but have also brought their star power to the glitz and glamour of Formula 1.