These are names that transcend the game. They are icons, legends and national heroes: players who will take over at the World Cup this summer. Behind each of these footballers is a community that propelled them to stardom, from the streets of Rosario to the beaches of Madeira.

With the World Cup on the horizon we retraced the steps of Lionel Messi, Javier Hernández, Luis Suárez, Kevin De Bruyne and Cristiano Ronaldo to see where it all started for these larger-than-life players. Along the way, we took in the stories, the cultures and the flavours of each player’s home town, looking back at what made these players who they are, while looking ahead to their massive role in Russia.

Lionel Messi’s origin story feels like a fantasy and his mythical rise to stardom is not lost on the proud people we met in Rosario. His childhood neighbour, primary school teacher and youth coaches make clear that his legacy in his home city may be eternal. However, despite the adoration he receives in Rosario, when it comes to the World Cup, he still has much to prove in the country where Maradona remains Dios.

World Cup origin stories: Lionel Messi

Chicharito is the product of a famous football family in Guadalajara. Following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Tomás Balcázar, Hernández has given his country magical World Cup moments while also setting the standard for Mexican excellence at the club level. The former Manchester United and Real Madrid player’s roots can be retraced to Mexico’s most popular club: Chivas. As one of their fans told us: “Chicharito is pretty much an embodiment of what it is to be Mexican. He is hardworking; he is humble; he went somewhere else and he triumphed. That is what it means to be Mexican in a time when Mexicans are being painted to be something completely different. That’s what he means to me.”

World Cup origin stories: Javier Hernández

Luis Suárez is a world-class goalscorer but, when it comes to the World Cup, he is best known for his controversial actions on the field. He is a villain to many football fans around for the world for his handball in 2010 and his bite in 2014. In our trip to Uruguay, we saw these actions in a new light. In his hometown of Salto and in the capital of Montevideo, Suárez is not just popular. He’s a role model for Uruguayans. Grit, determination and a willingness to win at any cost are important values where Suárez is from. When his actions are seen through the lens of his love for his home, in many ways, he is absolved of them.

World Cup origin stories: Luis Suárez

For this film we headed to Drongen, a quiet town outside of Gent and the birthplace of Kevin De Bruyne, one of the most in-form players in the world and a massive part of Belgium’s plan to win their first World Cup. With perspective from Kevin’s father, his favourite restaurant owner and the fans who supported him at Genk, this episode highlights how dedicated Kevin was to become one of the best players in the world.

Cristiano Ronaldo is a larger than life figure, but his origin story is a humble one. On the Portuguese island of Madeira, his legacy is unmissable. The airport is named after him; the infamous statue of his face greets all new arrivals; and a museum in his honour sits by the water in Funchal. This remote island just might be the most extraordinary place visited in the series, which is just what you’d expect for the home of Ronaldo.