There are several soccer stars who enjoy global fame for their consummate skills and sportsmanship. However, they will miss this year's FIFA World Cup due to various reasons: injury, unsatisfactory performance, or age. The following are some of those football players:

1. Michael Ballack, born 26 September 1976 in Germany

2. David Beckham, born 2 May 1975 in England

3. Michael Owen, born 14 December 1979 in England

4. Michael Essien, born 3 December 1982 in Ghana

5. René Adler, born 15 January 1985 in Germany

6. Francesco Totti, born 27 September 1976 in Italy

7. Ronaldo, born 22 September 1976 in Brazil

8. Ruud van Nistelrooy, born 1 July 1976 in the Netherlands

9. Luca Toni, born 26 May 1977 in Italy

10. Ronaldinho, born 21 March 1980 in Brazil

11. Karim Benzema, born 19 December 1987 in France

12. Juan Roman Riquelme, born June 24, 1978 in Argentina

13. Raul, born 27 June 1977 in Spain

14. Patrick Vieira, born 23 June 1976 in Senegale