Analyzing the best soccer players throughout history requires looking at their talent, contributions to the sport, accomplishments and overall impact. Here are a few of the most renowned soccer legends and what sets them apart, from the rest.
1. Pelé
- Career: 1950-1977
- Teams: Santos, New York Cosmos
- Achievements: Three FIFA World Cups (1958, 1962, 1970) more than 1,000 career goals and a collection of league titles and cups.
- Why He’s Great: Pelé is widely considered the greatest football player ever thanks to his astonishing goal scoring prowess, adaptability and achievements on the international stage. His style, technical prowess and role in promoting soccer worldwide solidify his status, as an iconic figure.
2. Diego Maradona
- Career: 1976-1997
- Teams: Barcelona, Napoli, Boca Juniors, others
- Achievements: Winning the FIFA World Cup in 1986 along with multiple league titles and cups particularly during his time at Napoli.
- Why He’s Great: Maradonas legendary "Hand of God" goal and his stunning solo display against England in the 1986 World Cup are etched in history. His exceptional dribbling skills, footballing vision and creativity set him apart as a true maestro of the game.
3. Lionel Messi
- Career: 2004-present
- Teams: Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Inter Miami
- Achievements: Several Ballon dOr trophies, numerous La Liga and Champions League victories, Copa America triumph (2021), World Cup win (2022).
- Why He’s Great: Messis brilliance lies in his unparalleled dribbling, playmaking and scoring skills. His unwavering performance consistently and pivotal contribution to Barcelonas rise as a footballing force solidify his status as one of the all time greats.
4. Cristiano Ronaldo
- Career: 2002-present
- Teams: Real Madrid, Manchester United, Juventus, Al Nassr, Sporting CP
- Achievements: Multiple Ballon dOr awards, numerous Premier League and La Liga titles, UEFA Champions League victories, European Championship win in 2016 and Nations League triumph in 2019.
- Why He’s Great: Ronaldos exceptional athleticism, impressive goal scoring record and versatility set him apart. His accomplishments in leagues and international competitions showcase his adaptability and top notch performance.
5. Johan Cruyff
- Career: 1964-1984
- Teams: Ajax, Barcelona, others
- Achievements: Three Ballon dOr trophies, several league championships, the European Cup in 1971 and a significant impact on contemporary football strategies.
- Why He’s Great: Cruyffs foresight, skills and creative approach to the game played a role in its evolution. His influence on "Total Football" coaching methods and tactics endures to this day.
6. Zinedine Zidane
- Career: 1989-2006
- Teams: Bordeaux, Juventus, Real Madrid
- Achievements: FIFA World Cup (1998), UEFA Champions League (2001 02) and several domestic championships.
- Why He’s Great: Zidane was celebrated for his grace with the ball, remarkable passing abilities and pivotal contributions in important competitions. His talent and composure set him apart as a player during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
7. Michel Platini
- Career: 1972-1987
- Teams: Nancy, Saint-Étienne, Juventus
- Achievements: 3 Ballon dOr trophies a UEFA European Championship win in 1984 and several domestic league championships.
- Why He’s Great: Platinis imagination, ability to score goals from midfield and on field leadership established him as one of the best athletes of his time. His showing at the 1984 European Championship stands out as especially unforgettable.
8. George Best
- Career: 1963-1984
- Teams: Manchester United, others
- Achievements: Ballon dOr (1968), English League titles and the European Cup (1968).
- Why He’s Great: Best was celebrated for his dazzling dribbling, style and charisma. His knack for turning matches single handedly and his impact on Manchester United during the 1960s solidified his legacy, as an icon.
9. Franz Beckenbauer
- Career: 1958-1983
- Teams: Bayern Munich, Hamburg, others
- Achievements: Three European Cups, a FIFA World Cup 1974 as both a player and coach along with numerous national championships.
- Why He’s Great: Beckenbauer, affectionately called "Der Kaiser" transformed the position of the sweeper (libero) and played a pivotal role in the triumphs of Bayern Munich and the German national team throughout his career.
10. Alfredo Di Stéfano
- Career: 1945-1966
- Teams: River Plate, Real Madrid, others
- Achievements: 5 European Cups won with Real Madrid, a host of domestic championships and 2 Ballon dOr accolades.
- Why He’s Great: Di Stéfano played a role in establishing Real Madrids supremacy in European soccer. His versatility goal scoring prowess and strategic insight contributed to his status as one of the all time greats in football history.
11. Ronaldinho
- Career: 1998-2015
- Teams: Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, AC Milan, others
- Achievements: FIFA World Cup 2002 UEFA Champions League 2005 06 Ballon dOr 2005.
- Why He’s Great: Ronaldinhos flair, creativity and joyful style of play endeared him to fans. His impact at Barcelona was crucial in elevating the clubs status, on the world stage.
12. Roberto Baggio
- Career: 1982-2004
- Teams: Juventus, AC Milan, Inter Milan, others
- Achievements: FIFA World Cup runner up (1994), Ballon dOr (1993) and numerous domestic titles.
- Why He’s Great: Baggio was known for his technical skills, vision and free kick prowess. Although he missed a penalty in the 1994 World Cup final he continues to be a beloved figure in soccer history.
These players are celebrated not, for their individual talents and accomplishments but also for their impact on the growth and popularity of soccer. Each has made an indelible mark on the sport inspiring countless fans and players worldwide.
