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In the beautiful game of football, while many players have carved out legendary status with their clubs, a select few have truly come alive wearing their national team's colours.
Here's a rundown of those who lit up the international stage, often outshining their club careers.
Peter Crouch
Towering forward Peter Crouch became an English icon, not just for his height but for his knack for crucial goals and that unforgettable robot dance.
Despite a solid club career, including a century of Premier League goals, it was with England where he truly excelled, boasting a striking rate of better than a goal every two games.
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John Heitinga
Dutch defender John Heitinga was a rock at the back for the Netherlands, earning 87 caps and playing a pivotal role in their journey to the 2010 World Cup final.
His international performances often overshadowed his club stints, particularly during his time at Everton and Atletico Madrid.
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Henri Camara
Senegal's Henri Camara, with his speed and agility, was a standout at the 2002 World Cup, propelling his country to an unprecedented quarter-final berth. Unlike his globe-trotting club career, which never quite settled, his international outings were consistently impressive.
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Keisuke Honda
A midfield maestro for Japan, Keisuke Honda shone brightly on the international stage, particularly during World Cups and the 2011 Asian Cup.
Despite a journeyman club career that saw him at AC Milan among others, Honda's performances for Japan were always a level above.
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Landon Donovan
Arguably the USA's greatest, Landon Donovan's international performances, including being the joint-top scorer, were legendary. His European club spells didn't quite hit the same heights, making his contributions for the USMNT even more significant.
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Sergio Romero
Goalkeeper Sergio Romero was a stalwart for Argentina, securing his spot as the nation's number one over a glittering decade. \
However, his club career, with notable benches at Manchester United among others, didn't quite match up to his international exploits.
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Guillermo Ochoa
Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa became a World Cup sensation with his remarkable saves, a stark contrast to his quieter club career across Europe. His World Cup heroics made him a household name every four years.
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Asamoah Gyan
Ghana's all-time top scorer, Asamoah Gyan, left an indelible mark on the international stage, particularly at the 2010 World Cup. Despite a well-traveled club career, it's his performances for Ghana that are most remembered.
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Harry Maguire
While facing scrutiny at club level with Manchester United, Harry Maguire has been a steadfast defender for England. His international form has often been in stark contrast to his club woes, proving his worth on the biggest stage.
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Lukas Podolski
German forward Lukas Podolski's international career is the stuff of legend, highlighted by his World Cup win in 2014. While he had respectable spells at Bayern Munich and Arsenal, it's his time with the national team that's most celebrated.
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Miroslav Klose
The epitome of a World Cup legend, Miroslav Klose's record-breaking 16 goals in the tournament for Germany are unmatched.
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Despite a productive club career, his international exploits, including a World Cup win, stand out as his crowning achievement.
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