Why Arsenal’s Trossard stands taller than Messi and Olise at the World Cup

The neon glow of a New York stadium pulsed under the night sky as the ball arced toward Charles De Ketelaere, who steered Belgium into a 2–1 lead against the USA. The assist came from a player whose name rarely appears beside Lionel Messi or Kylian Mbappé in global headlines: Leandro Trossard. Trossard’s creativity has not merely matched the elite; it has surpassed them. The 2026 World Cup has showcased superstars—Messi, Mbappé, Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Michael Olise—delivering moments of brutal efficiency across the USA. Yet the Arsenal winger sits apart from the headlines. Over the past weeks, Trossard has crafted 17 chances, the highest tally among all players. Neither Messi nor Olise, both renowned for their inventiveness, have matched that figure. The Belgian’s ability to thread passes through packed defences has redefined his role in Roberto Martínez’s system. His latest contribution arrived in the USA clash, where his through-ball set up De Ketelaere for the decisive goal. The moment underscored Trossard’s knack for timing and precision, traits that have made him Belgium’s creative fulcrum in the tournament.

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At 31, Trossard is not the youngest star on the pitch, yet his output places him among the most influential. His 17 chances have directly shaped Belgium’s quarter-final run, a campaign built on collective resilience and individual brilliance. The contrast is striking: while superstars dominate headlines, Trossard’s impact is measured in assists and chances created. His rise at Arsenal in the Premier League has translated seamlessly to the World Cup stage, proving that creativity, not just star power, defines success.

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For Belgium, Trossard’s form offers a blueprint. His ability to elevate teammates—De Ketelaere, the Red Devils’ young forward, included—highlights the value of unheralded players in elite tournaments. The World Cup’s narrative is often written by the biggest names, but this edition may remember the player who quietly authored the most chances of all.