Players who turned World Cup heroics into big transfers

World Cup heroics often serve as a catalyst for players' career transitions, as evidenced by the recent move of Vozinha to Chilean side Colo-Colo. At 40 years old, Vozinha's journey from the Portuguese second division to a major club is a rare example of such a dramatic shift. However, he is not alone in benefiting from the stage of the World Cup.

Marc-Vivien Foe, a Cameroonian goalkeeper, transformed his career after the 1994 World Cup. Despite Cameroon's disappointing campaign, Foe stood out against Brazil, leading to a free transfer to French club Lens. He went on to play for West Ham United, Manchester City, Lyon, and win the French League Cup and Lyon's first Ligue 1 title in 2002. Tragically, Foe passed away in 2003 during a Confederations Cup semi-final.

Gilberto Silva, a Brazilian midfielder, also capitalized on the World Cup stage. In 2002, he helped Brazil win the tournament and earned a move from Atletico Mineiro to Arsenal for £4.5 million. Silva's six-year stint at Arsenal included winning two FA Cups and playing a crucial role in their 2003-04 unbeaten season, famously known as the Invincibles.

Javier Mascherano, an Argentine defender, emerged as one of the stars of the 2006 World Cup, helping his team reach the quarter-finals. His performances caught the attention of European clubs, leading to a move from Corinthians to West Ham United. Mascherano later joined Liverpool and Barcelona, winning multiple Champions League titles and La Liga championships.

Mesut Ozil, a young German-British midfielder, captured the world's attention at the 2010 World Cup, where he helped Germany finish third. His performances, including four goals and four assists in seven games, led to a move from Werder Bremen to Real Madrid for about €15 million. Ozil went on to win multiple trophies with Real Madrid, including two Champions Leagues, before joining Arsenal for a British record fee of £42.4 million in 2013.