Who Are the World’s Best Footballers?
The creativity and zeal that typify “the beautiful game” of football (soccer) would render it an art form if not for the physical context within which the sport is played. What distinguishes football from most other sports is the freedom of expression granted to the players. While baseball players and cricketers are limited to specific movements, footballers may shoot, pass, tackle or dribble the ball in any variety of ways, allowing the most talented players to reach the peak of the game.
Only Retired Players Were Considered for This List
This list does not include currently active stars such as Lionel Messi and Ronaldo. They can be properly judged once their careers are over. The list includes retired players from the entire recorded history of the modern game.
YouTube videos are used to showcase the skills of the players listed. The Zidane and Diego Maradona videos are recommended for newcomers to the sport who wish to see a demonstration of the artistic brilliance of the sport.
7. Ferenc Puskás, Hungary
Full name: Ferenc Purczeld (his father changed the family name to Puskás when Ferenc was 10)
Life: April 1, 1927–November 17, 2006
Height: 1.72 m (5 ft 8 in)
Playing position: Forward
Ferenc Puskás was probably the most precise goalscorer ever. Combining his finishing prowess with a general intelligence and ability to invent new skills (such as the drag-back), he scored a sensational 700 goals in 705 appearances during his career (1943–1966). For Real Madrid, he won three European Cups and five league titles. In Hungary, he won a further five league titles. At the international level, he led Hungary to the 1954 World Cup Final.
6. Franz Beckenbauer, Germany
Full name: Franz Anton Beckenbauer
Date of birth: September 11, 1945
Height: 1.81 m (5 ft 11.5 in)
Playing position: Sweeper
Franz Beckenbauer was a sweeper (a ball-playing defender who contributed to attacks) but that didn’t stop him scoring 111 goals in 776 appearances for Germany and Bayern Munich. Much like Di Stéfano, he never had a true position on the pitch; he was literally everywhere at once, dictating the game, exerting his influence, and “sweeping up” opposition attacks that broke through the defensive line.
Beckenbauer was the ultimate captain, but combined with his dribbling, passing and all-round technical ability, he was one of the greatest players ever. He won the 1974 World Cup and the 1972 European Championships, as well as three European Cups and eight league titles during his club career.
5. Michel Platini, France
Full name: Michel François Platini
Date of birth: June 21, 1955
Height: 1.79 m (5 ft 10 in)
Playing position: Attacking midfielder
Michel Platini was an attacking midfielder, scoring 353 goals in 652 games. He was an excellent passer and free-kick taker, but he combined this with ruthless goal-scoring ability. Almost single-handedly, he guided France to the 1984 European Championships, scoring nine goals in the process. He lifted the European Cup with Juventus, and he also won three league titles in his club career.
4. Zico, Brazil
Full name: Arthur Antunes Coimbra
Date of birth: March 3, 1953
Height: 1.72 m (5 ft 8 in)
Playing position: Attacking midfielder
Often removed from top 10 lists due to his lack of achievements, Zico’s footballing ability was never in question. With 527 goals in 769 games, he was not only a prolific goalscorer but also a remarkable creator of goals with a deft touch and an ability to produce unique shots and skills. As an attacking midfielder, he further combined his talents with heading ability and free-kick mastery to be one of the most complete offensive players ever.
He made the famed Liverpool side of the 1980s look like amateurs in the 1981 Intercontinental Cup. He also won the South American equivalent of the European Cup, the Copa Libertadores, and four league titles.
3. Johann Cruyff, Netherlands
Full name: Hendrik Johannes Cruijff (internationally spelled Cruyff)
Life: April 25, 1947–March 24, 2016
Height: 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
Playing positions: Forward, attacking midfielder
Johann Cruyff had the skill, control and strength of Zidane and the dribbling and pace of George Best. He was the total footballer, combining a sublime gracefulness with a clinical ability and calculating intelligence. Cruyff was a prolific goalscorer as well, scoring 401 goals in 710 appearances from attacking midfield. He won three European Cups and 10 league titles, but he wasn’t able to gain an international medal.
2. Pelé, Brazil
Full name: Edson Arantes do Nascimento
Date of birth: October 23, 1940
Height: 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in)
Playing positions: Forward, attacking midfielder
Pelé was the ultimate goal-scoring machine in his native Brazil, and he is often ranked the best player ever to grace the sport. He scored an incredible 1,282 goals in 1,366 games. His sheer power, strength, pace and dribbling ability saw him score all varieties of goal for fun.
He brought his goal scoring to the World Cup, which saw Brazil win the tournament in 1958, 1962 and 1970. He also won two Copa Libertadores and five league titles. These victories saw him within teams of highly talented players, including Garrincha and Carlos Alberto. He became a symbol for these teams, and as a result he is often accredited with all of the praise.
1. Diego Maradona, Argentina
Full name: Diego Armando Maradona
Date of birth: October 30, 1960
Height: 1.65 m (5 ft 5 in)
Playing positions: Attacking midfielder, second striker
Diego Maradona’s talent was without a doubt the greatest ever seen in football. His dribbling ability was mesmerizing, his goal-scoring was unique and clinical, and his passing and crossing were precise—earning him many assists in his career. From attacking midfield he scored 345 goals in 680 games.
With a much more difficult career than Pelé, he still won the 1986 World Cup with Argentina as well as three league titles and one UEFA Cup with Napoli. Against England, he scored one of the greatest goals of all time.
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