Football has had several legendary players throughout its history, many of them have left a lasting impression on the game. These athletes have excelled, inspiring generations and enthralling spectators. However, the argument becomes more heated when it comes to deciding who is the best of all time. Opinions are shaped by sentimental events and personal tastes, but some names just leap out from the discussion thanks to their accomplishments, records, and indisputable influence on the beautiful game. These are the top ten football players who revolutionized the game with their skill.
10. France’s Michel Platini: 353 goals, 12 trophies
A legendary character in French football history, Michel Platini is renowned for his skill in the midfield. Platini, who was born to Italian parents in northern France in 1955, began his playing career with Nancy before joining the team as a professional and winning the French Cup in 1978. After that, he moved to Saint-Étienne, where he won the 1981 Ligue 1 championship. Platini relocated to Juventus a year later, where he won more championships and enhanced his legacy even further.
9. Argentina’s Alfredo Di Stefano: 509 goals, 26 trophies
Many people consider Alfredo Di Stefano, a great of Real Madrid and Argentina, to be one of the most complete football players in history. Di Stefano, who was born in Buenos Aires, started his career with River Plate but was first loaned to Huracán. After his comeback, he played a key role in River Plate’s 1947 championship team. Di Stefano, however, rose to fame during his tenure at Real Madrid, where he helped the team win eight La Liga championships and five straight European Cups from 1954 to 1960.
8. Brazil’s Ronaldo Nazario, with 414 goals and 15 trophies
Despite a career marred by injuries, Ronaldo Nazario, sometimes known as “O Fenômeno,” is among the best strikers in football history. Before relocating to Europe to play for PSV, where he scored 30 goals in his first season, he established himself as a youth with Cruzeiro. Ronaldo’s career, which already included two Ballon d’Or victories, reached its climax in 2002 when Brazil won the World Cup, following periods at Barcelona and Inter Milan.
7. Germany’s Gerd Müller, with 722 goals and 16 trophies
One of Germany’s most prolific goal scorers is Gerd Müller, often known as “Der Bomber.” He scored an incredible 398 goals in 453 games while he was a member of Bayern Munich for the majority of his career. Müller was instrumental in West Germany’s victories at the international level, helping them win the FIFA World Cup in 1974 and the European Championship in 1972. There is no denying his status as one of football’s most lethal strikers.
6. France’s Zinedine Zidane, with 156 goals and 16 trophies
On the football pitch, Zinedine Zidane is a byword for style and skill. After playing for Bordeaux, Juventus, and Real Madrid, where he won the Champions League in his first season, Zidane began his career in France with Cannes. In addition, Zidane guided France to their first-ever World Cup victory in 1998 and Euro 2000 victory. As a player and then as a manager, he had a significant impact on football.
5. Netherlands’ Johan Cruyff: 433 goals, 22 trophies
As a player and a strategist, Johan Cruyff transformed football. Cruyff, who invented “Total Football,” was a key contributor to Ajax’s three straight European Cup triumphs in the 1970s. His ideology influenced contemporary football strategies, hence his influence went beyond the field. Cruyff solidified his reputation as a footballing visionary by leading the Netherlands to two World Cup finals and winning three Ballon d’Ors.
4. Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, with 923 goals and 35 trophies
The greatest goal scorer in football history, Cristiano Ronaldo has won league championships in Italy, Spain, and England. With five Champions League wins and five Ballon d’Ors to his name, his career has been characterized by exceptional consistency and the capacity to succeed on the grandest stages. Ronaldo further cemented his status as one of the greatest by leading Portugal to their first-ever international trophy with the 2016 UEFA Euro victory.
3. Argentinean Diego Maradona: 353 goals, 12 trophies
Generations of football players have been inspired by Diego Maradona’s skill on the field. Known for his exceptional vision and ball control, Maradona scored some of the most iconic goals in football history, such as the “Hand of God” and the “Goal of the Century” against England, to lead Argentina to World Cup success in 1986. Additionally, he led Napoli to previously unheard-of heights by winning their only two Serie A championships.
2. Pele (Brazil): 26 trophies, 767 goals
Because he won three World Cups with Brazil (1958, 1962, and 1970), a record that has never been surpassed, Pele is regarded as football’s first worldwide celebrity. At the age of 17, Pele made his international debut by scoring six goals during the 1958 World Cup. He scored more than 700 goals for his club and country during his career, and he was a key contributor to Santos’ supremacy in Brazilian football.
1. Argentina’s Lionel Messi, with 850 goals and 46 trophies
When Lionel Messi eventually won the FIFA World Cup in 2022, it solidified his position at the top of the footballing hierarchy. Messi became a football legend after graduating from Barcelona’s renowned La Masia program. He won seven Ballon d’Ors and numerous local and international championships, including a record 46 trophies. He has won two trebles with Barcelona, won the Copa America, and now won the World Cup, the pinnacle of his remarkable career. Since Messi joined Inter Miami in the latter stages of his career, the MLS team has already won two awards, and supporters are still hoping for more.
