Top 5 moments of Carles Puyol's illustrious career 

#2 2010 World Cup

Puyol lifts the famous trophy in South Africa

Spain ran out deserved winners at the 2010 World Cup, playing attractive, possession-based football throughout the length of the competition, under the tutelage of Vincente Del Bosque.

La Roja were simply brilliant, with every player from defence to attack doing his job perfectly, and effectively doing his part to bring the trophy home.

Continuing their good form during the knockout stages, the Spaniards put in a brilliant performance against the Germans in the semi-finals. Puyol too had his moment in the limelight, settling the crucial tie with a thunderbolt header from Xavi's corner and booking a spot for his side in the final against the Netherlands.

Never one to shy away from the big occasion, Puyol put in yet another solid performance at the back for La Roja in perhaps their biggest game ever. Against a Netherlands side with a formidable attack, Puyol managed the situation with expertise and his vast experience paid dividends.

Another one of Spain's Barcelona contingent, Andres Iniesta ultimately sealed the tie for the Spanish in extra time, ensuring that the names of Puyol and all his Spanish teammates would be immortalised in golden letters on the pages of football history.