BBC Sport ranks the best men's World Cup finals by weighing goals, drama, superstars at their peak, compelling storylines, and enduring legacies across the tournament's 23 editions. The list opens with Ronaldo's 2002 redemption as Brazil beat Germany in Yokohama, followed by Zidane's infamous 2006 headbutt in Berlin that handed Italy the title on penalties. Johan Cruyff's Total Football Netherlands fell to West Germany in 1974, while the 1954 Miracle of Bern saw Hungary's Golden Team shockingly lose a 2-0 lead. Maradona's 1986 masterclass delivered Argentina victory over West Germany in the Azteca, and Zidane starred again in 1998 as hosts France crushed Brazil 3-0 amid pre-match mystery around Ronaldo.

The 1958 final introduced a 17-year-old Pele with two goals in Brazil's 5-2 win over Sweden, the highest-scoring final ever. England's 1966 home triumph and 1970 Brazil's Azteca masterpiece also feature. Readers can submit their own rankings at the bottom of the article.