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The hottest footballers to watch during the World Cup and we're not talking talent

This article is more than 12 months old

The Fifa World Cup is almost upon us. Egged on by her editors, Sue-Ann Tan identifies the players worth watching - and we're not talking about football skills.

Scroll through the gallery above for more pictures.

Cristiano 
Ronaldo

AGE: 29

COUNTRY: Portugal

HOT METER: 10/10

This man surely needs no introduction.

A winner of countless trophies and titles, this pacy and powerful winger has no problems winning the hearts of adoring fans too.

If they don't fall for his thumping free-kicks, then there's his piercing eyes, sculpted abs (oh, those sculpted abs) and that disarming-and-cheeky grin.

He beats every one else in the list hands-down.

Sergio Ramos

AGE: 28

COUNTRY: Spain

HOT METER: 7/10

This Real Madrid central defender, who also plays right-back, is famed for his silky defending.

And silky is the key word here for those dark blonde locks and his smooth-operator looks.

Keep an eye out for him if you've got a thing for stubble.

Olivier Giroud

AGE: 27

COUNTRY: France

HOT METER: 8/10

The Arsenal striker is known for his physical style of play, but it's his physique that puts him on our list.

Just look at his chiselled nose, minimalist stubble and carefully styled brush-up hair.

With this much French style on display, what's not to love?

Shinji Kagawa

AGE: 25

COUNTRY: Japan

HOT METER: 8/10

The Manchester United attacking midfielder's playing style is fast and furious, with stunning passes and well-honed technique.

But we loooove his boyish good looks and innocent charm.

That crinkly-eyed smile would melt any heart.

Toby 
Alderweireld

AGE: 25

COUNTRY: Belgium

HOT METER: 7/10

The versatile Belgian central defender is likely to be fielded at right-back in the World Cup.

Alderweireld is known to tackle strongly and aggressively. We can dig that aggression with the bad boy vibe with his dirty blonde hair and cheeky grin.

Add a chiselled jawline and it all adds up to one swoon-worthy player. He and his girlfriend - brunette Shani Van Mieghem - really make a good-looking pair.

Robin van Persie

AGE: 30

COUNTRY: Holland

HOT METER: 8/10

The handsome Manchester United striker combines Dutch flair and dribbling with his eye for goal, putting the ball in the net with exceptional regularity.

Dark and brooding in appearance, this player's also got an intense stare and sexy short spikes in his hair.

I'm digging this look.

Sergio Aguero

AGE: 26

COUNTRY: Argentina

HOT METER: 7/10

The Manchester City hotshot is agile and strong in keeping the ball.

Tenacious and determined in attack, the perfect poacher wins the ladies' hearts with his beautiful features.

If you're not into blonds, this lad might just be the eye candy to look out for on the pitch. The look in his eyes when they come alight with football fury, coupled with a toothy smile, is to die for. And if that isn't enough, he also recorded a song as a lead singer for the band Los Leales.

James 
Rodriguez

AGE: 22

COUNTRY: Colombia

HOT METER: 9/10

One of the hottest prospects in world football at the moment.

Thanks to his exceptional dribbling ability, the 22-year-old is touted as Cristiano Ronaldo's South American counterpart.

Playing as an attacking midfielder or a winger, he is not only key to Colombia's potential success at the World Cup, but also holds the key to many a girl's heart. He really hits the spot with his innocent smile and schoolboy charm, with neatly styled hair and his thick thoughtful eyebrows. No better hottie to round up this list.