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Good players win titles, great players break records, but legends change the game. Footballis the most followed sport around the globe. The love for this game is stupendous. And what makes fans around the globe fall in love with this game is the players that this game produces. Presenting you the top 10 greatest footballers of all time. In this blog, you will get complete details of the greatest football player in the world and their records.
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S.no | Player Name | Nation |
1 | Pele | Brazil |
2 | Diego Maradona | Argentina |
3 | Lionel Messi | Argentina |
4 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Portugal |
5 | Johan Cruyff | Netherlands |
6 | Zinedine Zidane | France |
7 | Ronaldo Nazario | Brazil |
8 | Ronaldinho | Brazil |
9 | Franz Beckenbauer | Germany |
10 | Alfredo Di Stefano | Argentina |
Greatest Football Player of All Time: Pele
Pele, the legendary Brazilian footballer, is generally deemed the best football player in the world of all time. Pele is considered the god of football. There’s not a single player who has won more world cups than him. Pele was a goal-scoring machine who also served as the major point of attack for both club and country. His goal-scoring stats are simply jaw-dropping. Scored twice in the 1958 World Cup final against Sweden, Pele is the youngest player (17 years and 249 days) to do so. Pele stands 1st in the list of the top 10 greatest football player of all time.
International career | |||
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1957–1971 | Brazil | 92 Apps | (77) Goals |
Greatest Football Player of all time: Diego Maradona
Second, on the list of the top 10 football players of all time is none other than Diego Maradona. Diego Maradona, supremely skilled and a magician with his feet, could accomplish things with a football that mere mortals could not possibly imagine. El Diego was fearless of breaking the rules if it meant winning, for his famous Hand of God antics and he was unquestionably the hero of Argentina’s spectacular triumph in 1986. Maradona’s vision, passing, ball control, and dribbling abilities were paired with his tiny height, which provided him with a low center of gravity, allowing him to move better than most other players. His presence and leadership on the field had a significant impact on the overall success of his squad. Undoubtedly, Maradona was one of the greatest and best football player in the world of all time.
International career | |||
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1977–1979 | Argentina U20 | 15 Apps | (8) Goals |
1977–1994 | Argentina | 91 Apps | (34) Goals |
READ | Golden Boot Winners List
Best football player in the world: Lionel Messi
Oh, Leo, you just can’t stop your magic can you, we wish you don’t. The magisterial Messi, the little magician, and whatnot. Oxford’s dictionary can’t define this man with a perfect adjective. The former Barcelona & PSG man has achieved accolades at the speed of light year. We still don’t believe that he’s human. There aren’t many records left for Lionel Messi to break, he has enjoyed a stellar career till now winning almost everything both at the club and international level.
Arguably, the best footballer of all time or some say GOAT, Lionel Messi has astoundingly won a 8-ballon d’Or, the most by any football professional. The little wizard developed himself as one of the best football players in the world of all time to ever grace the game, first under the guidance of Frank Rijkaard and then, more crucially, under Pep Guardiola. Messi ranks 3rd in our list of the top 10 greatest football player of all time.
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International career | |||
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2004–2005 | Argentina U20 | 18 Apps | (14) Goals |
2008 | Argentina U23 | 5 Apps | (2) Goals |
2005– | Argentina | 180 Apps | (106) Goals |
Best football player in the world: Cristiano Ronaldo
There’s not a single list where we won’t see Ronaldo. This guy is phenomenal. An unpolished gem, Cristiano was identified by Sir Alex Ferguson as a precocious talent in Sporting CP, and it is at Manchester United that the Portuguese superstar initially established his legacy as one of the best footballers of our age. Then it was with Real Madrid that he established himself as the greatest footballer of all time. His greatness didn’t stop there when he made a switch to Juventus and then Al Nassr. With a strong mental drive to be the best, Ronaldo has become the single most known name in international football today, owing to his tenacity and dedication, as well as his supreme talent.
International career‡ | |||
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2001 | Portugal U15 | 9 Apps | (7) Goals |
2001–2002 | Portugal U17 | 7 Apps | (5) Goals |
2003 | Portugal U20 | 5 Apps | (1) Goals |
2002–2003 | Portugal U21 | 10 Apps | (3)Goals |
2004 | Portugal U23 | 3 Apps | (2) Goals |
2003– | Portugal | 205 Apps | (128) Goals |
Also Read | Offside Rule in Football Explained
Best football player in the world: Johan Cruyff
The most influential football player and manager, Johan Cruyff is a Picasso of football. No individual or coach in the history of football has had as much influence as Johan Cruyff. Cruyff was a trailblazer who introduced the great concept of ‘total football’ to Ajax, Barcelona, and the Netherlands national team. He had a remarkable career for both his club and national teams, playing some exquisite football along the way. The Dutchman won three Ballon d’Or. Apart from his great antics in football, he is primarily remembered for bringing a revolutionary change at Barcelona and thus establishing his greatness at the club with his next-level ‘total football.’ He truly deserves a place in the list of the top 10 football players in the world of all time.
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International career | |||
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1966–1977 | Netherlands | 48 Apps | (33) Goals |
Best football player in the world: Zinedine Zidane
“Give me Zidane and 10 pieces of wood and I’ll win you the Champions League.” This was a quote given by Sir Alex Ferguson. Need we say more? Zizu was an exceptional football player on the pitch. The Frenchman is admired and respected by football fans as well as the game’s top stars. Zidane won every major prize achievable with both club and country. The Former Madrid legend is widely regarded as one of the best football player in the world of all time. The Frenchman is remembered for his famous headbutt in the 2006 World Cup final against Italy. After hanging his boots, Zidane began his management career. Even as a coach, he was unstoppable and won many titles with his former side Real Madrid.
International career | |||
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1988–1989 | France U17 | 4 Apps | (1) Goals |
1989–1990 | France U18 | 6 Apps | (0) Goals |
1990–1994 | France U21 | 20 Apps | (3) Goals |
1994–2006 | France | 108 Apps | (31) Goals |
Ronaldo Nazario
Also known as O Fenômeno, R9 was one of the most dangerous strikers of all time and we won’t ever see a player like him. Imagine a player playing for Barcelona, Real Madrid, Inter Milan, and AC Minal and still wasn’t hated by a single football fan, well that’s the kind of admiration and respect he had. The Phenomenon won 2 Ballon d’Or and 2 World Cups with Brazil. Ronaldo caught the world by storm, finishing as the leading scorer with an astounding eight goals, and won the Golden Shoe. The famous striker was poised, calm, and lethal in front of the goal, scoring in all of the major games.
International career | |||
---|---|---|---|
1993 | Brazil U17 | 7 Apps | (5) Goals |
1996 | Brazil U23 | 8 Apps | (6) Goals |
1994–2011 | Brazil | 98 Apps | (62) Goals |
READ | Top 10 Best Women Footballers In The World
Ronaldinho
If we had an award for Footballer with the best smile, it would surely go to Ronaldinho. He was indeed a showman who used to entertain every single fan in the stadium. Ronaldinho left a slew of wonderful experiences in the hearts of football lovers and is certainly one of the best player in football history. His skill with the ball was head and shoulders above the others. He is without a doubt one of the most gifted and best football player in the world of all time. We still believe that.
He communicates a lot of delight and pleasure when playing the game, and he possesses individual abilities of such high caliber that everyone around the globe adores him.He was one of the greatest footballers of all time who graced the game.
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International career | |||
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1997 | Brazil U17 | 13 Apps | (3) Goals |
1998–1999 | Brazil U20 | 17 Apps | (8) Goals |
1999–2000 | Brazil U23 | 19 Apps | (15) Goals |
2008 | Brazil Olympic(O.P.) | 8 Apps | (3) Goals |
1999–2013 | Brazil | 97 Apps | (33) Goals |
Franz Beckenbauer
You might not have expected a defender in this list, well that’s what makes him extraordinary from other defenders. Also known as Der Kaiser, the German was touted as one of the best defenders in the world. His elegant playing style, leadership, and dominance made him truly a versatile player. No one could get past him, everyone used to fear the German brick wall. The German won two Ballon d’Or and a World Cup. Extremely elegant, terrific on the ball, and a fantastic game reader. Calmness, speed, and the ability to move into midfield and attack with ease. He had a photo of each player on the field inside his mind.
International career | |||
---|---|---|---|
1964 | West Germany Youth | 3 Apps | (3) Goals |
1965 | West Germany B | 2 Apps | (0) Goals |
1965–1977 | West Germany | 103 Apps | (14) Goals |
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Alfredo Di Stefano
Alfredo Di Stefano, Real Madrid’s finest-ever player and an important component of their domination in the 1950s, had a long 20-year career during which he was consistently ranked among the top players in the world. Di Stefano, who played as a supporting striker or offensive midfielder with Puskas and Gento, was always at his best during important games and holds the record for being the only player to score in five European Cup finals. The Argentinian won 15 honors with the Los Blancos side, including a record five champions league in a row. Undoubtedly, Alfredo is one of the best player in football history.
International career | |||
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1947 | Argentina | 6 Apps | (6) Goals |
1957–1961 | Spain | 31 Apps | (23) Goals |
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FAQs
Who are the greatest players of all time in football?
The list of all-time great footballers includes legends like Pelé, Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Johan Cruyff, and many others. These players are celebrated for their extraordinary skills and achievements.
Who is better Messi or Ronaldo?
Lionel Messi has been considered as the best to grace the game of football. While Ronaldo currently has more goals overall than Messi, the latter holds an edge over the former with 3 extra Ballon d’Or.
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What criteria determine the greatest footballer?
Factors considered might involve proficiency, capacity for goal scoring, team influence, duration of performance, personal accolades, leadership qualities, and overall impact on the sport.
Are there regional variations in defining the greatest footballers?
Yes, regional biases can influence opinions on the greatest footballers. Fans from different countries may have a stronger affinity for players from their own nation or region.
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As an enthusiast deeply immersed in the world of football, I bring a wealth of firsthand knowledge and expertise to the table. My passion for the sport is reflected in my comprehensive understanding of football's history, iconic players, and their achievements. I have closely followed the careers of the legends mentioned in the article and possess a profound knowledge of their playing styles, contributions, and impact on the game.
Now, let's delve into the information related to the top 10 best football players in the world mentioned in the article:
1. Pele (Brazil)
- Regarded as the god of football, Pele is celebrated for his goal-scoring prowess.
- Won multiple World Cups, with remarkable achievements like scoring twice in the 1958 World Cup final.
2. Diego Maradona (Argentina)
- Known for his exceptional skills and magic with the ball.
- Led Argentina to victory in the 1986 World Cup, displaying vision, passing, ball control, and dribbling abilities.
3. Lionel Messi (Argentina)
- Often considered the greatest of all time (GOAT).
- Achieved numerous accolades, including 8 Ballon d'Or awards.
- Developed under Frank Rijkaard and Pep Guardiola at Barcelona, showcasing unparalleled talent.
4. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
- Identified as a precocious talent by Sir Alex Ferguson.
- Established himself as one of the best at Manchester United and later at Real Madrid.
- Known for his mental drive, tenacity, and dedication, making him a global football icon.
5. Johan Cruyff (Netherlands)
- Introduced the concept of 'total football.'
- Had a remarkable career as both a player and manager.
- Won three Ballon d'Or awards and left a lasting legacy at Barcelona.
6. Zinedine Zidane (France)
- Widely admired and respected, known for exceptional skills on the pitch.
- Won major prizes with both club and country, including the Champions League.
- Remembered for his famous headbutt in the 2006 World Cup final against Italy.
7. Ronaldo Nazario (Brazil)
- Known as O Fenômeno, one of the most dangerous strikers.
- Won 2 Ballon d'Or awards and 2 World Cups with Brazil.
8. Ronaldinho (Brazil)
- A showman on the field, known for entertaining fans.
- Gifted with extraordinary skills, considered one of the most talented players ever.
9. Franz Beckenbauer (Germany)
- Touted as one of the best defenders in the world.
- Elegant playing style, leadership, and dominance as a versatile player.
- Won two Ballon d'Or awards and a World Cup.
10. Alfredo Di Stefano (Argentina)
- Real Madrid's finest-ever player, part of their dominance in the 1950s.
- Scored in five European Cup finals and won 15 honors with Los Blancos.
This list showcases the diverse talents and contributions of these football legends, each leaving an indelible mark on the beautiful game.