Football is a sport renowned for its skill, aggression, and athleticism. For many, football is a source of entertainment and passion. Throughout history, there have been numerous football players that have left their mark on the sport. Here are the top 10 best football players of all time.
1. Pelé
There’s no doubting that the Brazilian footballing legend Pelé deserves the number one spot on this list. Often referred to as the ‘King of Football’, Pelé scored over 1,000 goals throughout his career and won three World Cups with Brazil.
2. Lionel Messi
Messi’s talents have earned him the title of one of the most gifted footballers in the world and he has won numerous awards, including the Ballon d’Or six times. His superb ball control, quick feet and extraordinary goalscoring ability have elevated him to the status of a true football icon.
3. Diego Maradona
Argentine Maradona is widely considered to be one of the greatest footballers of all time. His infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal against England in the 1986 World Cup is still talked about today. Maradona’s skill with the ball was unmatched, and despite his personal problems, he never lost his passion for the game.
4. Cristiano Ronaldo
The former Real Madrid and Manchester United star is one of the most prolific goalscorers of all time. He has won five Ballon d’Or awards and has helped his former clubs lift a total of six European Cups. When it comes to performing on the big stage, Ronaldo is one of the best in the business.
5. Johan Cruyff
Cruyff’s innovative ‘Total Football’ approach revolutionized the game. The Dutch footballing legend won three European Cups in a row with Ajax in the 1970s and his style of play set a new standard for football.
6. Zinedine Zidane
A true artist with the ball, Zidane had amazing control, vision and technique. The Frenchman helped his country win the World Cup in 1998 and was instrumental in Real Madrid’s Champions League triumphs in 2002 and 2014.
7. Franz Beckenbauer
Beckenbauer was a winner both as a player and a coach. He won the World Cup as a player for West Germany in 1974 and led the team to victory as the coach in 1990. The ‘Kaiser’ also won six domestic titles with Bayern Munich.
8. Sir Bobby Charlton
Charlton was a true legend of Manchester United and England. He helped England win the World Cup in 1966 and was a key player in United’s first European Cup win in 1968. The former midfielder is still regarded by many as one of the greatest footballers ever to grace the pitch.
9. Ronaldo
The Brazilian Ronaldo is arguably the greatest striker the game has ever seen. His lightning quick pace, technical ability and near-perfect finishing saw him score over 400 goals in his career.
10. George Best
Last but not least, is George Best, the charismatic and talented Northern Irishman, who was the star attraction of Manchester United in the 1960s. Best’s dribbling skills and goal-scoring ability was unequalled in his time and he won two league titles and a European Cup with the Red Devils.
In conclusion, these ten football players revolutionized the game and set a new standard for what it means to be a football legend. Their feats on the pitch have made them household names and their legacies continue to inspire the next generation of footballers.
