Matthew Glenesk

matthew.glenesk@indystar.com

Prior to leaving for Brazil, U.S. men's national team defender DaMarcus Beasley was asked by ESPN's Julie Foudy what it meant to be going to his fourth World Cup.

"Means I'm old," he responded.

Old (we suppose 32 qualifies in soccer), perhaps, but it also means the Fort Wayne product has been good for a long time.

Only 22 players in the tournament's history have played in four World Cups. Beasley is expected to join that elite list when the U.S. faces Ghana Monday in its group opener.

Beasley started two of the United States' three sendoff games at left back and at the very least should appear as a substitute during the group stages. If he does, Beasley would become the first American player to participate in four different World Cups.

(Both Claudio Reyna and Kasey Keller were named to four World Cup teams, but neither played in all four.)

You don't normally associate Beasley with the likes of Pele and Diego Maradona, but in this case, the pacy fullback makes the cut. Here are some of the more notable players to compete in four or more World Cups.

Lothar Matthaus (5 World Cups)

The only German to win FIFA World Player of the Year, Matthaus is also the only non-goalkeeper to play in five World Cups. A central midfielder, Matthaus owns the record for most World Cup matches played (25) and no player has represented Germany more (150 appearances). Matthaus captained the West Germany squad that won the 1990 World Cup and scored four goals during the tournament. He finished his career in the U.S. with the MLS' then-New York/New Jersey Metrostars.

Antonio Carbajal (5)

Nicknamed "El Cinco Copas" for appearing in five World Cups, Carbajal was in goal for Mexico's first World Cup win in 1962. It would be Mexico's only World Cup victory during Carbajal's tenure in goal (1950-66). He is tied for the most World Cup goals allowed (25).

Pele (4)

Considered by many the greatest player in football history, Pele won three World Cups with Brazil. He was a teenager when he helped the "Selecao" lift the trophy in 1958, then four years later he won again despite playing only one match because of an injury. Pele's career was at its peak when he led Brazil to victory in 1970. He remains the only player to win three titles.

Diego Maradona (4)

Maradona was joint FIFA player of the 20th century with Pele. "El Pibe de Oro" inspired Argentina to victory in the 1986 tournament. The English will never forgive him for his "Hand of God" goal en route to winning in Mexico. And perhaps his own people, the Argentines, will never forgive him for being a terrible national coach four years ago in South Africa. But as a player, Maradona was peerless in his heyday, although drug problems marred the end of his career.

Paolo Maldini (4)

The linchpin of Italy's defense for nearly 15 years, Maldini played 126 times for his country and is regarded as one of the best defenders ever. He captained his country a record 74 times and in 2002, he was named to the FIFA World Cup Dream Team, an all-time all-star team selected by fans. However, Maldini never raised the Cup for the Azzurri. Maldini and Italy fell victim to penalties in 1990, '94 (final vs. Brazil) and '98.

Cafu (4)

Of all the stars Brazil has produced over the years, none played more for their country than Cafu. Regarded as one of the best right backs ever, Cafu was capped 142 times for Brazil. He is the only player in history to play in three World Cup finals, winning the title in 1994 and '02.

Fabio Cannavaro (4)

He surpassed Maldini as Italy's all-time appearance leader with 136 caps and did something Maldini couldn't — win the World Cup. In 2006, Cannavaro captained the Italian squad that won the World Cup and was named FIFA World Player of the Year, becoming just the third defender to win the award.

Thierry Henry (4)

A relative unknown at the 1998 World Cup in France, Henry led the French with three goals as Les Bleus won the tournament on home soil. Henry scored three more goals in the 2006 World Cup, but he hardly factored in France's disastrous 2010 World Cup effort. He finished his career as France's all-time leading scorer (51) and only defender Lillian Thuram has played more matches for the French. Henry now plays Stateside for the New York Red Bulls.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.