Top 10 Best Soccer (Football) Players of All Time

Soccer (or football, depending on where you're from) is a global phenomenon, a language that transcends borders. It's the late-game equalizers, the jaw-dropping saves, the screamers from outside the box, and the moments of sheer brilliance that leave us talking for days, weeks, or even years.

From the local parks to the grandest stages like the World Cup, soccer captivates hearts and minds around the world.

Determining who are the best players of all time is no easy feat. Is it the number of titles won, the skills, the impact on the game, or perhaps something less tangible that defines greatness?

The beauty is, there's no single answer, and what you'll find here is a list that tries to capture the essence of what makes soccer players great in the eyes of fans, critics, and peers alike.

The Top Ten

Diego Maradona

Diego Armando Maradona (October 30, 1960 - November 25, 2020) was an Argentine professional footballer. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, he was one of the two joint winners of the FIFA Player of the 20th Century award. Maradona was nicknamed "El Pibe de Oro... read more

I am not sure if the person who created this list plays soccer or football, if you want to call it that. Diego Maradona CANNOT be compared to Pele or other players, with all due respect. He is completely in a different category - the best of the best. Maradona is an acronym for beautiful football. You enjoy seeing him play, giving perfect passes, dribbling, and scoring. I'm sure if he played as a goalkeeper, he would be the best as well.
Putting someone else at the top of the list rather than Diego is an insult to the game. So far, no one has ever scored a goal like his against England from the middle of the field - fantastic. Diego, you are simply the best.
Lionel Messi

Lionel Andrés "Leo" Messi, born June 24, 1987, is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a forward for Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer. Widely considered one of the greatest players of all time, Messi has won eight Ballon d'Or awards and numerous domestic and international titles. He... read more

I have watched Maradona play, and the only difference between him and Messi is the World Cup trophy that Maradona won in 1986. Messi is in the same sentence as Maradona because his personal contribution during the 90 minutes on the field can actually impact the outcome of the game every time he plays.
He is a playmaker. Whenever he touches the ball, he tries to start something, and most of the time, it is the trying that finally creates goals. His touch, signature moves, and ability to take on a double/triple team from another team are remarkable. His ability to always get in the box is what makes him so dangerous, even when he doesn't score.
I will have to say that at this time, Messi is the greatest player in the world who has not won a World Cup.
Pelé

Edson Arantes do Nascimento, known as "Pelé", was a Brazilian professional footballer who played as a forward. In 1999, he was named Athlete of the Century by the International Olympic Committee and was included in Time's list of the 100 most important people of the 20th century. In 2000, Pelé was voted... read more

He's the best that ever played. He moved like a jungle cat. No one had ever seen anyone play like that before. His skill at full speed was mesmerizing. His passing was as precise as a surgeon's scalpel, unlocking opposing defenses.
Look at what the Brazilians did to Italy in the 1970 World Cup. That wasn't TFC out there, that was the 1968 defending European Champions Brazil were playing. Italy's defense was known to stifle the opposition. Pele cut them open at will. Pele changed the way the game was played. Players today, that people fawn over because of their skill, Pele did 60 years ago. He did it before big contracts, endorsements, and personal trainers. Most importantly, he showed up and performed at major tournaments. Ronaldo and Messi can't hold a candle to Pele. Simply put, Pele is a winner, the greatest of all time.
Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro (born February 5, 1985) is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a forward for Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr and captains the Portugal national team. He has collected five prestigious Ballon d'Or awards and countless major trophies over his storied career... read more

He is the perfect player, a complete package who can dribble, juggle, take free kicks, deliver deadly crosses, make long-range efforts, exhibit never-ending stamina, display great accuracy with both feet, possess serious pace, showcase impressive height when jumping for the ball, have a perfect body shape, and execute unforgettable free kicks. And last but not least, he is from Portugal.
Unarguably, he is the best player they have ever produced, and they might not produce someone like him again. Although his country of origin is not as famous as Pele's, Maradona's, Messi's, Ronaldinho's, and Zidane's, he is now among them. This means his will and hunger for goals and victory surpass theirs. I love his style!
Zinedine Zidane

Zinedine Yazid Zidane, nicknamed "Zizou," (born 23 June 1972) is a French former professional football player who played as an attacking midfielder. He received many individual accolades as a player, including being named FIFA World Player of the Year in 1998, 2000, and 2003, as well as winning the 1998... read more

Put France back onto the worldwide football map.
His playing skills were simply marvelous, amazing, punctuated in my opinion by his incredible performance against Brazil in the 2006 FIFA World Cup. At that point in his career, he was more Brazilian than any Brazilian at the time.
Always present when needed, he led France to back-to-back major championships in 1998 and 2002. He came back in 2006 and almost won it for France in overtime with another amazing headshot (his specialty in the Finals), blocked by a certain Gianluigi Buffon, at the top of his craft.
Zidane's name should be well ahead of the two Ronaldos. Cristiano is a great player, but he hasn't won anything worthy now and probably won't.
Ronaldo (Ronaldo Luiz Nazario da Lima)

Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima, commonly known as Ronaldo, is a Brazilian businessman, president of La Liga club Real Valladolid, and a retired professional footballer who played as a striker. Nicknamed "O Fenômeno" ("The Phenomenon") in Portuguese, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers... read more

He might not be the greatest, but he will remain the best player in history with the best technical ability, like dribbling, skills, and tricks efficiency (ahead of Ronaldinho), pace, shooting, and even passing (surprisingly good for a center forward).
I've seen many players in the past like Pele, Cruyff, Maradona, Di Stefano, Zico, Ronaldinho, George Best, Denis Law, George Weah, Michel Platini, Beckenbauer, Figo, Eusebio, Kaka, Rivaldo, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Lionel Messi, and so I can call them one of the greatest. They're certainly in the best list as well. But the one that tops the best list is just Ronaldo and none else. If Ronaldo had won the European Champions League, he would have certainly been the greatest ever. Please don't even compare anyone with Ronaldo. He's beyond comparison.
Ronaldinho

Ronaldo de Assis Moreira, born March 21, 1980, is better known by his nickname Ronaldinho or Ronaldinho Gaúcho. He is a Brazilian former professional footballer and a current ambassador for FC Barcelona.
He primarily played as an attacking midfielder but was also effective as a winger. Ronaldinho... read more

In terms of technique, no one has ever been close. He carried his Barcelona team at times, and I have no doubt that if he had the luxury of playing in the current Barcelona team with such a talented squad, it would not be Messi who would be taking the plaudits.
Possibly, Maradona, Pele, and Beckenbauer could be named ahead of him, but for me, he was amazing. He could do everything. His passing was immaculate, he had the vision and ability to find the killer ball, he could beat any number of defenders with amazing skill, and of course, he scored some fabulous goals, and lots of them.
My favorite footballer of all time without a doubt, the best to watch and by far the most skillful. At times... absolutely mind-blowing (not to mention, a lovable guy). Who doesn't like Ronaldinho?!
Johan Cruyff

Hendrik Johannes "Johan" Cruijff (April 25, 1947 - March 24, 2016) was a Dutch professional football player and coach. He won the Ballon d'Or three times, in 1971, 1973, and 1974.
Cruyff was a leading figure in the development of Total Football, a tactical approach popularized by Rinus Michels... read more

As some of you have rightfully pointed out, both Pelé and Maradona were better (but just barely) individual players, but they did not bequeath anything as revolutionary or enduring as Cruyff's vision of "Total Football." Cruyff modernized the game of football. He not only possessed outstanding tactical ability, but he also had an unparalleled vision of the game that no other football player could match.
For his superior visionary skills, his technical and tactical abilities, as well as his titles and legacies, Cruyff deserves to be recognized as the greatest player of all time.

The top 3 should be:
1. Pele
2. Diego Maradona
3. Johan Cruyff
Come on, third? That's very good. Johan Cruyff isn't one of those footballers who's good but ends up as a washed-up celebrity. He was a very special footballer who shaped football into what it is today. The least they can do is put him in the top 5.
Do you know why he was the first to call football the beautiful game? Johan Cruyff called football the beautiful game because he made it the beautiful game. He definitely deserves to be higher on the list. Come on everybody, vote for Johan Cruyff!
David Beckham

David Robert Joseph Beckham (born May 2, 1975) is an English former professional footballer, the president and co-owner of Inter Miami CF, and co-owner of Salford City. He played for Manchester United (including a loan to Preston North End), Real Madrid, AC Milan (on loan), LA Galaxy, Paris Saint-Germain... read more

David Beckham is my idol. He literally does everything a soccer player could do. David Beckham is probably the greatest soccer player ever to step foot on this earth. I would watch a thousand games of David Beckham.
Besides, a lot of people look up to Beckham as their idol. For example, in the movie "Bend It Like Beckham," pretty much every character looks up to Beckham as their idol or hero. He just inspires so many people that it is unbelievable. He has so much talent and potential that people just love him.
It is probably an honor for the LA Galaxy coach to have such a talented player on his team. Beckham's parents are so blessed to have a child like Beckham. There is nothing bad to say about Beckham because he is a hero in my eyes and he inspires me.
Franz Beckenbauer

Franz Anton Beckenbauer (born September 11, 1945, died January 7, 2024) was a German professional footballer and manager. Early in his playing career, he was nicknamed "Der Kaiser" because of his elegant style, dominance, and leadership on the field. His first name "Franz" also evokes the legacy of Austrian... read more

A lot of people think goals are what make a player great, but what about the people who prevent them from happening or getting anywhere near the box?
Beckenbauer redefined what a sweeper/libero is. He mastered it and made it his own with his elegant style of play, gracing the field. There was a certain arrogance to how he worked on the pitch, as if he were in control. This earned him the nickname "Der Kaiser." Beckenbauer was a puppet master, standing back and pulling the strings, which earned his team every major prize.
He was always the number one threat to the opposing team, and he could demolish them effortlessly. Franz Beckenbauer was simply extraordinary on every level.

The Newcomers

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Antony

He is on the pitch in every game he plays.
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Marcelo

The Contenders

Farhad Majidi

Farhad Majidi is a retired Iranian professional footballer who primarily played as an attacking midfielder and occasionally as a striker. He was a member of the Iran national football team and earned 45 caps between 1996 and 2011, scoring 10 goals. In 2010, he was nominated for the AFC Asian Footballer... read more

He is a LEGEND in Esteghlal (the best team in Iran with two championships in Asia)! Most popular player in the world and the daydream of Persepolis!

He is the best. We can't find a person and a football player like Farhad Majidi. He is the best in everything. All of us (Persian) love him so much. I really love him, and I'm sure that he will be the best in this question. His skill, playing, and performance are unmatched.
He is a person who helps others without talking about it with anyone.
Seeing him face to face is one of my biggest hopes.
I love you, Farhad Majidi.
Ali Karimi

Ali Karimi, nicknamed the "Maradona of Asia," is an Iranian football coach and retired professional player. He played for several clubs including Fath Tehran, Persepolis, Al-Ahli Dubai, Bayern Munich, Qatar SC, Steel Azin, Schalke 04, and Tractor Sazi. Karimi also earned 127 caps and scored 38 goals... read more

The one and only top soccer player #8, Ali. He is the best soccer player of all.
We, Iranians, are deeply proud of him. His techniques and attitude make him the best player ever. He is incredible, unbeatable, creative, smart, kind, and polite. To be honest, there is no word to describe him in general.
For those who do not know him, Ali Karimi is an Iranian soccer player who uses most of his athlete income to help people in need. His technique is as good as Messi's, and I bet most people around the world know him. Way to go, Salar.

He is obviously the king of Iranian football players, especially compared to some players like Farhad Majidi. It's not fair to compare the two, because Ali Karimi is the most famous player from Iran. He played for Bayern Munich and Schalke 04, while Majidi never played anywhere like that. He just played in some lesser-known locations like Al Gharafa. That's all.
George Best

George Best (May 22, 1946 - November 25, 2005) was a Northern Irish professional footballer who played as a winger, spending most of his club career at Manchester United. A highly skillful dribbler, Best is regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. He was named European Footballer... read more

Pele himself once claimed that George Best was better than him. What is wrong with you people? George Best was the first football superstar, and he was awarded Player of the Year in 1968. People who saw him play claimed that he was certainly a legend. After his death in 2005, people forgot about this legend who deserves to be in the top 5. People who haven't seen him play can check his videos on YouTube and also read his famous quotes. I hope my comment helps you recognize a true legend.
Maradona good, Pele better, George Best.

George had it all: balance, vision, and breathtaking brilliance. He was magic. His swerving runs and pace took him past the best defenders in the world. He played for fun.
During George's playing days, the winter pitches became mud baths, but he could still pirouette and ghost from one penalty area to another. When he was in full flight, he was a sight to behold. George Best is the best footballer ever to grace a football pitch.
Neymar

Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior (born February 5, 1992), commonly known as Neymar or Neymar Jr, is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a forward or winger for Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal and the Brazil national team.
He is the all-time top goalscorer for the Brazil national team.... read more

Neymar will be in the top five of all time by the end of his career. His international stats are incredible for his age, and he performs the best in the world for his nation. With 44 goals in 65 games, he will without a doubt surpass Pele's record as the highest goal scorer for Brazil, probably in less than five years too!
If he wins the 2018 World Cup, he will give Messi a good run. Neymar and Messi are the new Pele and Maradona.

Another year, another cluster of near moves for Neymar.
The constant speculation linking him to Real Madrid and Barcelona often takes away from what a fantastic year he's had, scoring 31 goals and providing 15 assists back in Brazilian football for Santos.
He had a solid London 2012 Olympics during the summer, scoring some great goals and grabbing a silver medal.
Zlatan Ibrahimović

Zlatan Ibrahimović (born October 3, 1981) is a Swedish former professional footballer who played as a striker for multiple clubs during his career, including Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), FC Barcelona, and Manchester United. He scored over 500 career goals for club and country while winning league titles... read more

Zlatan is one of the cockiest players of all time. It's hilarious, though. Balotelli does it as well, but he is just mean and annoying. Anyway, Ibra has one of the hardest shots I've ever seen in my life. He uses both feet to give the goalie the worst time in goal. He is very good off the ball.
His attitude holds him back on the field a little bit, but he makes up for it quite a bit with his great play. He uses moves or simple fakes to take on entire teams at once. He can score with any part of either foot, and he's proved it over and over again with many acrobatic goals. He is a complete forward but not a great all-around player.

Ibra is my favorite player by far. He has tremendous gifts of balance and focus. He is exciting to watch: you never know what he will do, and sometimes it is utterly breathtaking and impossible.
I would put him in the top 5 all time for his complete game, as a striker with head, feet, and even chest, for his generous assists, and for his brutal defensive skills. He is a huge man who moves like a tango dancer.
Alfredo Di Stéfano

Alfredo Stéfano Di Stéfano Laulhé (July 4, 1926 to July 7, 2014) was an Argentine-born professional footballer and coach who played as a forward. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time. The Blond Arrow was absolutely instrumental in Real Madrid's complete domination of European... read more

Many people seem to have no idea what makes a great player or cannot recall players of the past. Di Stefano was the greatest with Pele second. Players like Beckham, Ibrahimovic, etc., should not be mentioned in the same article. George Best was skillful but would have been better off as a ball juggler in a circus. He would beat the same defender four times when he could have passed to a teammate with an open goal... Not a team player at all.

It's almost comical to see players like Ronaldinho and, especially, Beckham ranked above Di Stefano. The others ranked higher than him, like Beckenbauer or Zidane, are more logically considered legends of the past few decades. However, Don Alfredo is an iconic figure spanning six decades. If Pelé, Maradona, and Messi deserve the top three spots, Di Stefano and Cruyff are two of the next three to follow.
Kaká

Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite, commonly known as Kaká or Ricardo Kaká, is a retired Brazilian professional footballer. He played as an attacking midfielder for clubs such as AC Milan, Real Madrid, and Orlando City, as well as the Brazil national team. His exceptional vision and passing ability earned... read more

A man who was once just a curious boy hypnotized by perfect harmony and the man in the middle, the conductor who creates balance out of chaos, beauty from turmoil, elegance from disarray. No one really knows what happened that day, but he was never the same, and he never forgot the man in the middle.
Now this boy has grown up, and he is as elegant with the ball as the conductor with his baton. A pure player, born from the twin mothers of intelligence and creativity, with feet that are tethered to the pitch like strings on a violin. A master of control, a roaming midfielder with an instinctive feel for the ball, who advances the game like a conductor moves music, orchestrating the game with just the right rhythm and tempo. Creating something out of nothing, with just a look and a perfect one-touch pass, ending the match with a crescendo and a bow. Every team needs the maestro. - Adidas, The ultimate search.
Thierry Henry

Thierry Daniel Henry is a French professional football coach and former player. In August 2016, he became the second assistant coach of the Belgium national team under head coach Roberto Martínez. Henry previously enjoyed a successful playing career with clubs such as Arsenal, Barcelona, and the New... read more

What the hell! Zidane below Messi... and Kaka, Rooney, Steven Gerrard, Gheorghe Hagi, David Beckham, Jari Litmanen, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Messi above Henry! Are you kidding me? He is the best striker ever to live.
Now, some of you might be thinking about Messi and Maradona. They are far below this legend. Zidane should be at number one as a player, but definitely Henry and Ronaldinho are the best as strikers.

The best Premier League player of all time got snubbed for the Ballon d'Or twice, and many people forget about his undefeated season with Arsenal in 2003-04. And seriously, who on earth would say to the ref in the World Cup, "Yo, I touched the ball, don't allow that goal"?
He is simply a world-class player and should certainly be in the top 20 of the best players of all-time list.
Wayne Rooney

Wayne Mark Rooney is a former English professional footballer who played for and captained both Manchester United and the England national team. He remains Manchester United's all-time leading goalscorer and was England's record goalscorer until 2023. Following his illustrious playing career, he transitioned... read more

Wayne Rooney has undergone some borderline surgical changes to his game over the past 12 months, but he's coped extremely well. A poor European Championships (again) firmly behind him, he's adapted to the presence of Robin van Persie superbly and reinstated goals to his game over the past month.
He was the Red Devils' top scorer last season, reliably turning in 27 English Premier League strikes.

Wayne Rooney did an awesome bicycle kick. It was amazing. I couldn't believe my eyes. I was amazed seeing that bicycle kick. Even my dad couldn't believe his eyes. My dad said it was the best kick he had ever seen. Also, he has good skills and he is fast.
Zico

Zico is a Brazilian former footballer who played as an attacking midfielder and is widely regarded as one of Brazil's greatest players. He was known for his exceptional technical skills, precise passing, and goal-scoring ability, particularly from free kicks. After retiring from playing, Zico became... read more

The best free-kicker of all time is Zico. He could dribble like Messi and score many goals like Cristiano Ronaldo, but neither of these two could come close to Zico in terms of free kicks. Even if you were to combine both Messi and Ronaldo, they still wouldn't surpass Zico in this aspect.

Deadly long-range shots with machine precision, combined with all other football skills, to the mastery level.

Zico is one of the greatest in the history of soccer.
Ferenc Puskas

Ferenc Puskás (April 1, 1927 - November 17, 2006) was a legendary Hungarian footballer and manager, often regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. He was known for his scoring prowess and is considered football's first international superstar.... read more

The greatest footballer ever! Football is all about scoring goals, and Ferenc was the greatest goalscorer ever. Just look at his record. There is no one who can compare! Even Puskas's record for the most goals scored in a season in Spain stood until just a couple of years ago.
His goal-scoring in internationals for Hungary is unbelievable. Have a look at the 4 goals Puskas scored in the great team of Real Madrid that won the 1960 European Cup - fantastic! I am English (not Hungarian) and many years ago had the pleasure of seeing Puskas play in a charity match in England when he was well into his 40s, and he was still brilliant!

His powerful kicks were also really precise! For example, in one game, he nailed a free kick, but the referee asked him to do it again. Puskas told everyone, "I'm gonna kick it exactly the same way!" And so he did, and he scored again.
These days I'm watching a lot of games, but I've seen no one close to that confidence, precision, and love for the game on the field. Ferenc Puskas, rest in peace. Thank you.
Garrincha

Manuel Francisco dos Santos, known by the nickname Garrincha, was a Brazilian footballer who played primarily as a right winger and forward. He is widely considered one of the greatest dribblers in the history of football. Garrincha won two FIFA World Cups with Brazil in 1958 and 1962 and remains a national... read more

Garrincha was a football artist, a player with a unique dribbling style that resembled a drunken man trying to walk. He's an underrated footballer, perhaps overshadowed by Pele, and he should be in the top ten list. It's definitely worth seeing his videos.

It is a joke that Kaka is ranked above him. Not only him, but others like Ibrahimovic, Beckham, and Neymar as well. Garrincha remains the second greatest Brazilian footballer ever, with Zico and Ronaldo following.

I'm voting for Garrincha simply because he is way too low. Most people clearly don't know anything about the sport if Garrincha is only 25th. He should be in the top five.
Andrés Iniesta

Andrés Iniesta Luján is a retired Spanish professional footballer who most notably played for FC Barcelona and the Spain national team. He won the FIFA World Cup with Spain in 2010, scoring the winning goal in the final against the Netherlands. The legendary midfielder also secured four Champions League... read more

Obviously, Iniesta is in the top 100 footballers of all time. Andres is going to be the best footballer in the next 10 years or so. No one will ever beat Andres, the beast Iniesta, in the next 10 years! Iniesta should be the 11th best of all time.
Against Italy in the group stages of Euro 2012, he made Gianluigi Buffon (the best goalkeeper for the last decade or so) jump like a frog. Iniesta is small, but he can get through footballers (Peter Crouch or Nikola Zigic) who are about 1 foot and a quarter taller than him. Iniesta has helped Spain for a long time, and in all matches with Spain, rain or shine, Iniesta would always play in the 1st team. In the 2010 World Cup, Iniesta helped Spain with a 1-0 victory over the Netherlands in the final. Fabregas set Iniesta up, and Iniesta scored the only goal in the match. Iniesta is the best attacking midfielder in the world, by a long, long, long way.
Roberto Carlos

Roberto Carlos da Silva Rocha, born on April 10, 1973, is a retired Brazilian footballer who now works as a football ambassador. Although he started his career in Brazil as a forward, he became internationally recognized as a left back.... read more

- The power of his shot broke a goalkeeper's wrist
- The banana shot
- Being the greatest left back of all time
- Scoring from a 176-degree angle, 14 meters from the goal, while running toward the line
Enough reasons to be in the top 15?

Roberto Carlos should be in the top 10. Who came up with this list? Whoever it is, you have no sense about football.

Have you seen that free-kick goal he did? It defies the laws of physics.
Eusébio

Eusébio da Silva Ferreira was a Portuguese footballer who played as a striker. He is regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time due to his remarkable goal-scoring ability and international impact. During his professional career, he scored 733 goals in 745 matches and became the top scorer... read more

The merit of Eusebio's achievements as a footballer surpasses the four lines on the field. He became an inspirational icon for many generations of footballers, not only in Portugal or Europe but also on an entire continent (Africa). His achievements were greater than the impressive football he played. He became part of the national identity of countries like Portugal and Mozambique. Inside the field or outside it, he was always a simple, humble man who played with passion a game that we all embrace. His legacy is timeless and immortal.

Everybody, older or young, should see this guy run, dribble, and shoot. After that, you'll know why he had the nickname Black Panther. The best African player ever! It's because of this legend that I fell in love with this amazing sport we call football.
RIP Eusébio da Silva Ferreira. You'll always be in the hearts of Benfica and Portuguese supporters.