Football is a game that has been played and enjoyed by millions of fans worldwide. It has produced some of the most illustrious athletes in history, who have captured the hearts of fans with their incredible skills, achievements, and legacy. In this article, we will take a closer look at the top 10 football players of all time and explore their remarkable careers. We will examine their accolades, achievements, and legacies to discover why they are considered the best of the best. So let’s get started and explore the world of football legends.

Criteria for selecting top 10 football players

Choosing the top 10 football players of all time is a difficult task, given the vast number of talented players who have graced the field over the years. There are various factors that we considered when selecting our top 10, including:

• Skill level: The ability to control the ball, execute moves, and score goals.
• Achievements: The number of goals scored, titles won, and awards received.
• Legacy: The impact that the player had on the sport and the world.

Using these criteria, we have narrowed down our top 10 football players of all time.

Number 10: Pele

Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as Pele, is a Brazilian football legend who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. Pele began his career at the age of 15 with Santos FC, where he quickly rose to fame as a goal-scoring machine. He won his first World Cup with Brazil in 1958, where he scored six goals in the tournament, including two in the final. Pele went on to win two more World Cups with Brazil in 1962 and 1970, cementing his status as a football icon.

Pele’s attacking prowess was unparalleled, and his ability to score goals from anywhere on the field was something to behold. He scored a staggering 1281 goals in 1363 games during his career, making him the highest-scoring player of all time. Pele’s on-field achievements were not limited to scoring goals; he was also an excellent dribbler and passer of the ball. His footballing skills, combined with his charismatic personality, made him a global ambassador for the sport.

Pele’s legacy extends beyond the field of play. He is a cultural icon in Brazil, and his impact on the sport is immeasurable. Pele’s name has become synonymous with football, and his influence on the game can still be felt today. His contribution to the sport earned him numerous awards and accolades, including the FIFA Player of the Century award in 2000.

Number 9: Franz Beckenbauer

Franz Beckenbauer, also known as the Kaiser, is a German football legend who is widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders of all time. Beckenbauer began his career at Bayern Munich, where he won numerous domestic and European titles. He was also a key member of the German national team that won the World Cup in 1974.

Beckenbauer was known for his excellent reading of the game, his ability to intercept passes, and his composure on the ball. He was a versatile player who could play in defense, midfield, and even as a striker. Beckenbauer’s impact on the game was not limited to his on-field achievements. He is credited with revolutionizing the role of the sweeper in football, a position that he made his own during his playing days.

Beckenbauer’s managerial career was just as successful as his playing career. He coached the German national team to victory in the 1990 World Cup and led Bayern Munich to three Bundesliga titles and a UEFA Cup. Beckenbauer’s contribution to the sport earned him numerous awards and accolades, including the FIFA World Cup Dream Team in 2002.

Number 8: Michel Platini

Michel Platini is a French football legend who is widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of all time. Platini began his career at Nancy, where he quickly established himself as a creative force in midfield. He went on to play for Saint-Etienne and Juventus, where he won numerous domestic and European titles.

Platini’s attacking prowess was something to behold. He was an excellent passer of the ball, and his vision on the field was second to none. Platini was also lethal in front of goal, scoring a staggering 312 goals in 580 games during his career. His performances on the field earned him numerous awards and accolades, including the Ballon d’Or three times in a row.

Platini’s legacy extends beyond the field of play. He was a key figure in the organization of the 1998 World Cup in France and served as the president of UEFA from 2007 to 2015. Platini’s contribution to the sport earned him numerous awards and accolades, including the FIFA Order of Merit in 2018.

Number 7: Zinedine Zidane

Zinedine Zidane is a French football legend who is widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of all time. Zidane began his career at Cannes before moving to Bordeaux, where he won the Ligue 1 title in 1999. He then moved to Juventus, where he won two Serie A titles and reached two Champions League finals.

Zidane won the World Cup with France in 1998 and led Real Madrid to three Champions League titles as a manager. His legacy extends beyond his football career, as he is considered one of the greatest managers in modern football.

Zidane’s legacy extends beyond the field of play. He was the coach of Real Madrid during their unprecedented run of three consecutive Champions League titles from 2016 to 2018. Zidane’s contribution to the sport earned him numerous awards and accolades, including the FIFA World Coach of the Year award in 2017.

Number 6: Johan Cruyff

Johan Cruyff is a Dutch football legend who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. Cruyff began his career at Ajax, where he won numerous domestic and European titles. He then moved to Barcelona, where he won the La Liga title in 1974.

Cruyff won three Ballon d’Or awards and led Ajax to three European Cups. He also led the Netherlands to the World Cup final in 1974. His legacy extends beyond his football career, as he is credited with revolutionizing modern football with his innovative style of play.

Cruyff’s legacy extends beyond the field of play. He was the coach of Barcelona during their unprecedented run of four consecutive La Liga titles from 1991 to 1994. Cruyff’s contribution to the sport earned him numerous awards and accolades, including the FIFA World Cup Dream Team in 2002.

Number 5: Alfredo Di Stefano

Alfredo Di Stefano is regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time. Born in Argentina in 1926, Di Stefano played for several clubs throughout his career, including River Plate, Real Madrid, and Espanyol. He was a prolific goalscorer and had a remarkable ability to create chances for his teammates. Di Stefano was known for his incredible stamina and could run tirelessly for the entire match. He was also a fierce competitor and had a winning mentality that inspired his teammates.

Di Stefano’s greatest achievements came during his time at Real Madrid, where he won five European Cups and eight La Liga titles. He scored over 300 goals for the club and was the driving force behind their success in the 1950s and 1960s. Di Stefano was a complete player and could play in multiple positions, including forward, midfielder, and even defender. His versatility and tactical awareness made him a valuable asset to any team he played for.

Despite retiring from football in 1966, Di Stefano’s legacy continues to live on. He is remembered as one of the most influential players in the history of the sport and has inspired countless footballers to follow in his footsteps. Di Stefano’s impact on the sport is immeasurable, and his achievements on and off the field will never be forgotten.

Number 4: Ferenc Puskas

Ferenc Puskas is another footballing legend who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. Born in Hungary in 1927, Puskas played for several clubs throughout his career, including Budapest Honved, Real Madrid, and Panathinaikos. He was a prolific goalscorer and had a remarkable ability to find the back of the net from almost any position on the field. Puskas was also known for his incredible dribbling skills and his ability to create chances for his teammates.

Puskas’ greatest achievements came during his time at Real Madrid, where he won three European Cups and five La Liga titles. He scored over 240 goals for the club and was the driving force behind their success in the 1950s and 1960s. Puskas was also a key player for the Hungarian national team and helped them reach the final of the 1954 World Cup.

Puskas’s legacy extends beyond the field of play. He led Hungary to the final of the 1954 World Cup, where they lost to West Germany. Puskas’s contribution to the sport earned him numerous awards and accolades, including the FIFA Order of Merit in 1998.

Number 3: Diego Maradona

Diego Maradona is considered by many to be the greatest footballer of all time. Born in Argentina in 1960, Maradona began his career at Argentinos Juniors before moving to Boca Juniors and then to Barcelona. He later joined Napoli, where he became a legend and helped the team to win two Serie A titles.

Maradona is known for his incredible skill and his ability to dominate games. He was a prolific goalscorer and had a remarkable ability to create chances for his teammates. Maradona is perhaps most famous for his performance in the 1986 World Cup, where he led Argentina to victory and scored one of the greatest goals in football history.

Despite his success on the field, Maradona also had a troubled personal life, which included battles with addiction and health issues. However, his talent and legacy will never be forgotten, and he will always be remembered as one of the greatest footballers of all time.

Number 2: Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the most successful footballers of all time. Born in Portugal in 1985, Ronaldo began his career at Sporting CP before moving to Manchester United in 2003. He quickly established himself as one of the best players in the world, winning three Premier League titles and the Champions League during his time at the club. Ronaldo later moved to Real Madrid, where he won four Champions League titles and two La Liga titles.

Ronaldo is known for his incredible goal-scoring record and his ability to score goals from almost any position on the field. He is also a prolific dribbler and has an incredible ability to beat defenders with ease. Ronaldo has won five Ballon d’Or awards and is the all-time top scorer for both Real Madrid and the Portuguese national team.

Despite his incredible success, Ronaldo is also known for his hard work and dedication to the sport. He spends hours in the gym and on the training field, constantly working to improve his game. Ronaldo’s legacy will continue to grow, and he will undoubtedly go down as one of the greatest footballers of all time.

Number 1: Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time. Born in Argentina in 1987, Messi began his career at Newell’s Old Boys before moving to Barcelona at the age of 13. He quickly established himself as one of the best players in the world, winning numerous La Liga titles and Champions League titles with the club.

Messi is known for his incredible dribbling skills and his ability to find the back of the net from almost any position on the field. He has won six Ballon d’Or awards and is the all-time top scorer for both Barcelona and the Argentine national team. Messi’s incredible talent and dedication to the sport have inspired countless footballers around the world, and his legacy will undoubtedly continue to grow.

Despite his incredible success, Messi is also known for his humility and his dedication to the sport. He is a role model for aspiring footballers and has shown that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.

Conclusion

The top 10 football players of all time have left an incredible legacy on the sport. From Pele to Lionel Messi, each of these players has had an incredible impact on football and has inspired countless footballers around the world.

Their incredible skill, dedication to the game, and achievements will never be forgotten. These players have shown us what is possible with hard work and dedication, and their legacy will continue to inspire future generations of footballers.

So, whether you are a die-hard football fan or someone who is just getting into the sport, take a moment to appreciate the incredible legacy of these football legends. They have left an indelible mark on the sport and have shown us what it means to be truly great.