When national teams gather for the World Cup, the vast majority of their stars arrive from Europe’s elite club leagues.

The talent magnet

Europe’s biggest leagues attract the finest players from every continent, sharpening their skills week after week against the toughest opposition.

A double-edged sword

Club commitments mean players arrive at tournaments having played gruelling seasons, raising debates about fatigue and player welfare.

Still, the standard of play these leagues produce is a major reason World Cup football reaches such dizzying heights.