We bring you a list of ten football superstars that will most likely light up the World Cup Finals in South Africa.

KAKA

The former AC Milan star became a Real Madrid 'galactico' this summer but after being a virtual spectator in 2002 and part of a disappointing campaign in 2006, he needs a World Cup to remember with Brazil this time. A difficult player for opposition players to pick up because of his tendency to drop deep, his dribbling skills and range of passing make him a nightmare for defenders to deal with while his long-range shooting also makes him a threat to the opposition.

WAYNE ROONEY

The England striker limped out of Euro 2004 and then left the 2006 World Cup under a cloud after a red card, but in both tournaments he gave glimpses of his ability to shine on the game's biggest stage. Along with fellow Merseysider Steven Gerrard, he will surely be one of the first names on Fabio Capello's team sheet if fit because of his instinctive natural talent and eye for goal.

FERNANDO TORRES

May look lightweight but appearances can be deceptive, and he will be expected along with David Villa to score the goals which would make Spain simultaneous world and European champions. A proven Premier League goalscorer with Liverpool following his move from Atletico Madrid, he is a lethal finisher and a true predator and his importance to club and country cannot be overstated.

STEVEN GERRARD

Struggled for years to replicate his club form with Liverpool at international level but now appears settled on the left of England's midfield four, with licence to roam forward or burst forward from deep as he sees fit. Along with Rooney, he is arguably the provider of the X factor in England's attacking play with his technical brilliance and superb shooting ability making him a constant threat.

ANDRES INIESTA

His Barcelona team-mate Xavi took most of the plaudits for Spain's Euro 2008 success but Iniesta has now deservedly claimed equal billing. Rated by Wayne Rooney as the finest midfielder in the world, a good performance in South Africa might raise his profile to the level his talent warrants. A superb distributor of the ball and also possessing a knack for important goals, Iniesta will be key to Spain's chances in 2010.

MICHAEL BALLACK

Still the main man for a Germany side sure to go far in South Africa. Dominates the midfield with his range of passing while his runs from deep and aerial ability make him a goalscoring threat too, and he is lethal from dead-ball situations. If he and Miroslav Klose have good tournaments then Germany could yet again be tournament over-achievers.

LIONEL MESSI

Messi's career was almost over before it began because his tiny frame made him unsuitable for the rough and tumble of the modern game. Growth hormone treatment helped to an extent and thankfully the world got to see the talents which made him worthy of such a tortuous development programme. His close control allows him to breeze past defenders, which in turn creates space for team-mates as the opposition commit more and more resources to stopping him. The best natural talent Argentina have had since Diego Maradona, and his wonder-goal against Getafe for Barcelona in April 2007 was eerily similar to the one Maradona famously scored in the 1986 World Cup for Argentina against England.

CRISTIANO RONALDO

The world's most expensive player was unable to serve Portugal in the play-off victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina because of injury, but he will be vital to their hopes of equalling or bettering their run to the semi-finals in 2006. Arguably the most complete player in the world, he combines superb technique with height and strength, and is as dangerous meeting a cross with his head as he is from a free-kick 30 yards from goal. Still has his detractors who dislike the swagger and odd lapse into play-acting, but the World Cup would have been much poorer without him.

FRANCK RIBERY

While another of France's star names, Thierry Henry, was tainted by controversy in the play-off victory over the Republic of Ireland, Ribery missed out with injury but will be key to Les Bleus' success in South Africa. His time at Bayern Munich has been disrupted by injuries and speculation that his future lies elsewhere but he remains a real livewire on his day. Possesses a magical left foot and a great creative instinct and is coveted by Real Madrid, where many think he will end up next season.

DIDIER DROGBA

The Ivory Coast look equipped to be the strongest African representative in the first finals to take place on the continent, although they must come past Brazil and Portugal to make the last 16. If they do progress, it will surely have a great deal to do with Drogba. The Chelsea striker has his detractors who question his occasional flashes of temper and tendency to go to ground, but above and beyond all of that he is the perfect 21st century forward. Great in the air, fast over the ground, he is dangerous lurking in and around the six-yard box as he is breaking forward on goal from the halfway line.