The best soccer players of all time
The ingenuity and creativity that symbolizes the game of soccer 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 distinguished sport from others. Cricket 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 Zidane’s best performances in the most important or decisive matches that we don’t see from many players. In 789 games 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 plagued 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 Ballon d’Or winner 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 appearances. However, he was not an orthodox striker; he used to appear all over the field, passing, tackling and dictating play. In all of him, he was a 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 wouldn’t be wrong to say that Michel was an attacking midfielder. He was a terrific 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 jargon, Beckenbauer was a defensive midfielder or libero, 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 was the decisive captain, but combined with his comprehensive technical, passing and dribbling ability; he surely was one of the best soccer players of all time. He won Euro 1972, World Cup 1974, 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 skill, and sublime grace made him the complete soccer 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 creator. Furthermore, he had mastered the free kick and pitching skill. 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 great power saw him score a variety of goals. In 1,366 matches he scored 1,282 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 cross and pass were accurate, his goal scoring was clinical and unique, and his dribbling ability was fascinating, which helped him get many assists throughout his career. As an attacking midfielder, he scores 345 goals in 680 games. Although he had a tougher career than Pele, he won 3 league titles and the 1986 World Cup. He also won the UEFA Cup with Napoli.