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The 2014 FIFA World Cup is remembered fondly for great fans and an excellent atmosphere throughout the tournament, which resulted in the competition being a huge success.
Some truly big names played at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, but as with any major football tournament, some new names emerged as well. A relatively unknown name in James Rodriguez was one of the best players at the tournament, while goalkeeper Keylor Navas caught the attention of top clubs with some stunning performances.
Not all 2014 FIFA World Cup heroes proved to be successful after the tournament, though. On that note, here's a look at five 2014 FIFA World Cup heroes who have lost their way.
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#5 Mesut Ozil
Mesut Ozil was regarded as one of the best players in the world during his days with Real Madrid and his first few seasons with Arsenal.
A highly creative midfielder, Ozil made his name as a technically gifted and elegant player with excellent vision and passing. The Germany international played a pivotal role as his country won the FIFA World Cup in 2014, and enjoyed some good seasons with Arsenal soon thereafter.
However, Ozil's decline was sudden. The midfielder had signed a new contract in 2018 which made him Arsenal's highest earner, but Ozil only had a minimal impact after that.
Under Mikel Arteta, the former Schalke man barely featured, and was not included in Arsenal's 2020-21 Premier League squad. The 32-year-old subsequently joined Fenerbahce in January 2021 on a free transfer.
#4 Sergio Romero
Sergio Romero was in inspired form for Argentina at the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The goalkeeper will be remembered for his achievements with the national team rather than for his club exploits.
Romero's talent has never been question, but the Argentine has never truly settled at a club. Having made appearances for AZ Alkmaar and Sampdoria, Romero moved to Manchester United in 2015 on a free transfer as a backup to David de Gea, who was regarded as the best goalkeeper in the world at that time.
Romero was given limited chances at Manchester United, and he did well. He was the starting goalkeeper during the club's 2016-17 victorious Europa League campaign, and was an assured presence during domestic cup tournaments as well.
The arrival of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and the emergence of Dean Henderson saw Romero become third-choice goalkeeper last season, and he left the club this summer.
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#3 Andre Schurrle
Andre Schurrle was a highly-rated talent during his young days, and provided the assist for the goal that won Germany the FIFA World Cup in 2014.
A versatile forward, Schurrle made his name with Mainz and Bayer Leverkusen before moving to Chelsea in 2013. The attacker produced some good performances for the Blues in the Premier League, winning the competition in 2015.
Schurrle's career stagnated after that, though. Disappointing spells with Wolfsburg, Borussia Dortmund, Fulham and Spartak Moscow followed before the 30-year announced his retirement from the sport in 2020.
#2 Mario Gotze
A prodigious talent, Mario Gotze seemed destined for the very top during his days with Borussia Dortmund.
It was not surprising to see Bayern Munich spend £33.3 million in 2013 to acquire one of the best young players in the world. Gotze, though, never truly established himself as a consistent starter for Bayern Munich under Pep Guardiola.
Mario Gotze scored the only goal of the game in the final of the 2014 FIFA World Cup to ensure Germany won the trophy. The forward returned to Borussia Dortmund in 2016, and currently plays for Eredivisie side PSV Eindhoven, where he has fared well.
#1 James Rodriguez
James Rodriguez was arguably the best player at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, and earned a £67.5 million move to Real Madrid after the tournament.
Rodriguez was one of the best in the world for a brief period. Technically gifted, extremely creative and with good vision, the Colombia international enjoyed some good moments with both Real Madrid and later Bayern Munich, the club where he spent two seasons on loan from Los Blancos.
Injuries did not help his cause, though, and Rodriguez was never a consistent starter in both Spain and Germany. The 30-year-old moved to Everton in 2020, but the departure of Carlo Ancelotti and the arrival of Rafael Benitez has not helped Rodriguez, who is reportedly free to leave the club this summer.
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