The best soccer players of all time
The ingenuity and creativity that the game of soccer symbolizes would represent an art form rather than the physical context of the sport. Soccer players are granted freedom of expression that is why it is the sport distinguished from others. Cricketers and baseball players are limited to specific actions, but soccer players can dribble, tackle, pass or shoot in different ways, allowing them to rise to the top of the sport.
The list below does not include the current star players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, rather the list contains the players who have retired from the beautiful game.
10. Zinedine Zidane – France
Zinedine Zidane’s strengths are passing, strength, ball control and individual skill. We were able to see the best performances of Zidane in the most important or decisive matches that we don’t see from many players. In 789 matches he scored a total of 159 goals as a central midfielder. He won Euro 2000 and the 1998 World Cup with France. With Real Madrid and Juventus he won a European Cup and 3 Leagues.
9. George Best – Northern Ireland
George Best’s career was marred by drinking problems, but his skill and talent were almost unmatched. With Manchester United he won two league titles and the 1968 European Cup. In 579 games he scored a total of 205 goals as an attacking midfielder and was the winner of the Ballon d’Or in 1968.
8. Ferenc Puskas – Hungary
Puskas was known for his precise goal-scoring ability. Combining his goalscoring talent with the ability to produce new skills and general intelligence, he scored 700 goals in a total of 705 games. With Real Madrid he won 5 Leagues and 3 European Cups. In 1954 he led Hungary to the World Cup final.
7. Alfredo Di Stefano – Argentina
Stefano was a prolific player for Real Madrid with a sensational 511 goals in 702 games. However, he was not an orthodox striker; he used to appear all over the field, passing, tackling and dictating the game. On the whole, he was the most complete footballer the game has ever seen. He won 5 European Cups with Real Madrid and won a total of 13 league titles throughout his career.
6. Michel Platini – France
With 353 goals in 652 games, it would not be wrong to say that Michel was an attacking midfielder. He was a superb free kick taker and an excellent passer. Scoring 9 goals in the 1984 European Cup, he nearly helped France win the championship. He won 3 league titles and a European Cup with Juventus.
5. Franz Beckenbauer – Germany
In today’s parlance, Beckenbauer was either a defensive midfielder or a sweeper, but that wasn’t enough to stop him from scoring 111 goals in 776 appearances for Bayern Munich and Germany. Like Di Stéfano, he was seen all over the field, exerting his influence and dictating the game. He obviously he was the decisive captain, but combined with his comprehensive technical ability, passing and dribbling; he surely was one of the greatest footballers of all time. He won Euro 1972, the 1974 World Cup, along with 8 league titles and 3 European Cups during his club career.
4. Johann Cruyff – Netherlands
Cruyff had the pace and dribbling of George Best and the strength, control and skill of Zinedine Zidane. The combination of calculating intelligence, clinical ability and sublime grace made him the complete football player. As an attacking midfielder he scored 401 goals in 710 appearances. He won 10 league titles and 3 European championships.
3. Zico – Brazil
Zico’s ability in the world of soccer was never in doubt, although he was rarely included in the list of the best players due to his lack of success. He was a prolific goalscorer with 527 goals in 769 games. His ability to produce unique skills and shots also made him a notable goal-maker. In addition, he had mastered the free kick and heading skills. He won 4 league titles and the Copa Libertadores.
2. Pele – Brazil
Pelé is often ranked as the greatest footballer in the history of the game. His dribbling ability, pace, strength and sheer power saw him score a variety of goals. In 1366 matches he scored 1282 goals. The ultimate goal scoring machine helped Brazil win the World Cup in 1958, 1962 and 1970. He also won 5 league titles and 2 Copa Libertadores.
1. Diego Maradona – Argentina
Without a doubt, Maradona’s talent was the greatest ever seen in the history of football. His crossing and passing were precise, his goal scoring was clinical and unique, and his dribbling ability was mesmerizing, which helped him get many assists throughout his career. As an attacking midfielder, he scores 345 goals in 680 games. Although he had a difficult career than Pelé, he won 3 league titles and the 1986 World Cup. He also won the UEFA Cup with Napoli.