Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi and Thibaut Courtois wear special FIFA badges at the 2026 World Cup | OneFootball

Some of the biggest names at the 2026 World Cup are sporting special sleeve badges, with Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi and Thibaut Courtois among those recognised by FIFA.

L'Équipe reports that FIFA has introduced several categories to highlight standout achievements and milestones, applied to the shirt sleeve during the tournament.

Mbappé’s badge marks his Golden Boot from Qatar 2022, earned with eight goals in seven matches.

Messi, the reigning world champion and now at his sixth World Cup, wears a ‘Legacy’ badge reserved for players appearing at least a fifth time. Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric, Manuel Neuer and Guillermo Ochoa are also eligible.

Goalkeepers are recognised too, with badges honouring the best from previous editions, including Neuer in 2014, Courtois in 2018 and Emiliano Martinez in 2022. The Argentine also wears a badge on his left sleeve.

For France, Rayan Cherki and Michael Olise are among those carrying the ‘Début’ badge, which denotes a first World Cup appearance.

Source: L'Équipe