The Mandatory Snapshot That No Player Can Escape
At the World Cup, every one of the 1,248 players and 48 managers is required to sit – or stand, or dance – for the official portrait. It’s a ritual as inevitable as the anthems and the handshakes, a moment of forced stillness before the frenzy of the tournament. This year, the results are a vivid gallery of personality, from rigid stiffness to playful exuberance.
The Guardian has gone behind the scenes of FIFA’s obligatory photo shoot, revealing how the poses and backstage snaps offer a window into the players’ minds. Whether they embrace the camera or merely tolerate it, the portraits have become a talking point of their own.
Poses That Speak Volumes
The range of expressions is striking. Lionel Messi of Argentina, a man who has faced more cameras than most, stands rigidly, his gaze direct and unflinching. It’s a pose that whispers of the weight he carries – the captain, the icon, the relentless competitor. By contrast, Marc Cucurella of Spain whips his hair and appears to boogie, a spontaneous burst of energy that has already gone viral among fans.
Then there’s Diego Moreira of Belgium, who covers his eyes with his forearm, revealing an eerie, intricate tattoo. The image is both haunting and hypnotic, a deliberate choice that sets him apart. Harry Kane, England’s record scorer, leans onto one knee, a blend of casual confidence and captain’s composure. Other familiar faces – including Ronald Araújo of Uruguay – add to the eclectic mix, each frame a snapshot of individuality within the team structure.
The Mechanics Behind the Magic
While the portraits appear effortless, the production is anything but. With thousands of subjects to photograph in a tight window, the logistics are immense. Players are rotated through specially designed sets, often with only minutes to strike a pose. Some rehearse their look; others improvise. The Guardian’s report highlights the controlled chaos: lighting rigs, hurried assistants, and the constant hum of the next subject waiting in the wings.
“It’s a bit like a factory line, but each person brings something unique,” one insider told the publication. The portraits are later used for official broadcasts, marketing, and the iconic sticker albums that fans worldwide collect. While some players treat it as a chore, others see it as a chance to show a side of themselves rarely seen on the pitch.
The backstage environment is equally revealing. Snaps from the holding area show players joking, checking phones, or striking mock-serious poses. It’s a rare unguarded moment in a tournament where every gesture is scrutinised. For the stars, the portrait is a brief, controlled performance; for the viewers, it’s a fascinating glimpse of the human behind the hero.
Key Takeaways
- Every player and manager at the World Cup must take an official portrait, resulting in a diverse collection of poses that reflect their personalities.
- Lionel Messi’s rigid stance contrasts with Marc Cucurella’s dancing and Diego Moreira’s eerie eye-covering, demonstrating a spectrum of engagement.
- The shoot is a massive logistical operation, with thousands of subjects processed in rapid succession behind the scenes.
- Backstage moments capture the players’ off-guard reactions, adding a layer of intimacy to the highly orchestrated tournament imagery.
- The portraits feed into FIFA’s marketing machine and are cherished by fans through official broadcasts and sticker collections.
Quick Facts
Total participants: 1,248 players, 48 managers
Notable poses: Messi (rigid), Cucurella (dancing), Moreira (eye cover), Kane (knee lean)
Purpose: Official use in broadcasts, marketing, and sticker albums
Behind-the-scenes insight: Photographers work under tight time constraints, with players cycling through in minutes
