Football is one of the most popular sports in the world, with millions of fans tuning in to watch the best of the best compete. The game is full of talented players, each with their own unique talents and skills. Here is a list of the 10 best footballers currently playing the game.
10- George Best
George Best is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time. His skill, technique and flair on the pitch were unparalleled. The Northern Irishman was renowned for his dribbling ability, speed and acceleration, as well as his vision and passing. He could make an impact on the game in any position he played, from central midfield to the wings. George was a master of the set piece, both from open play and dead ball situations. He was also an adept finisher, with a deadly eye for goal. His career spanned two decades, during which he played for six clubs and won numerous titles, including the European Cup with Manchester United in 1968. George Best was one of the most iconic footballers of his generation, and his legacy still lives on today.
9- Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Zidane is widely considered to be one of the best football players of all time. His combination of skill, technique, vision and creativity made him a joy to watch on the pitch. His trophy cabinet is full of accolades from some of the biggest clubs in the world, including the 1998 World Cup with France and two Champions League titles with Real Madrid. He was also the inaugural winner of the FIFA World Player of the Year award in 1998. Zidane was renowned for his ability to produce moments of magic at the highest level and his leadership qualities were second to none. He was a master of control on the pitch, dictating the pace of the game and setting the standards for others to follow.
8- Johan Cruyff
Photo Credit: Goal
Johan Cruyff was one of the best footballers of all time, renowned for his sublime technical ability, tactical acumen and vision. He revolutionized the game with his revolutionary ‘total football’ strategy. Which allowed players to freely switch positions and take on new roles. And was a master at setting up and scoring goals. He was also known for his spectacular dribbling skills, perfectly weighted passes and sublime finishing. Johan is widely recognized as the greatest Dutch footballer of all time. He will forever be remembered as one of the greatest players to ever grace the beautiful game.
7- Franz Beckenbauer
Photo Credit: History of Soccer
Franz Beckenbauer is widely regarded as one of the best football players of all time. The German legend’s career spanned two decades. Where he won numerous titles, including three German Bundesliga championships, four German Cups, and the 1974 World Cup. Beckenbauer was known for his ability to read the game, his intelligence on the pitch, and his excellent technique. He was also an inspiring leader, captaining both Bayern Munich and the German national team to success. Throughout his career, Beckenbauer was lauded for his technical abilities, his creativity, and his ability to make the right decision at the right time. He was an innovator, introducing the concept of the modern sweeper to the game and revolutionizing the sport. His legacy is one that will live on forever, and he will be remembered as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
6- Ronaldinho
Photo Credit: Fox Sports
Ronaldinho has mesmerized fans around the world with his explosive skill, flair and creativity. His ability to score spectacular goals, creates chances with his dazzling dribbling and passing. Much provide moments of sheer magic has made him a beloved figure in the game. And his trophy cabinet speaks for itself. From the 2002 World Cup, to the numerous domestic and international titles he won with Barcelona. To the individual awards such as the Ballon d’Or, Ronaldinho has proved time and again that he is one of the greatest players to ever kick a ball.
5- Alfredo Di Stefano
Photo Credit: Euro Sport
Alfredo Di Stefano is widely considered one of the greatest footballers of all time. His career spanned from 1945 to 1966 and saw him play for clubs such as River Plate, Millonarios, Real Madrid, and Espanyol. His impressive record of 309 goals in 396 matches for Real Madrid speaks for itself and he was also the first player to win the Ballon d’Or twice. Di Stefano’s skill on the pitch was unparalleled – he was a master of the dribble, a ferocious shooter, and had an eye for the perfect pass. His tactical awareness and leadership ability also made him one of the most influential players of his generation. He set the standard for modern footballers and his legacy will live on forever.
4- Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo is undoubtedly one of the greatest football players of all time. His immense talent, incredible technique, and relentless dedication to the sport have elevated him to legendary status. He has been a consistent presence at the top of the scoring charts since he burst onto the scene with Sporting Lisbon in 2002. His time with Manchester United was remarkable, as he won three Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2008. His move to Real Madrid in 2009 saw him become one of the most prolific goalscorers in the history of the game, as he helped Los Blancos to four Champions League triumphs and two La Liga titles. He also won five Ballon d’Ors, a record currently held by no other player. Ronaldo’s influence on the game is undeniable and he is widely considered one of the best footballers of all time.
3- Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi is widely regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time. Following his leadership in the recent FIFA world cup win, he now ranks higher than other players. He has been dominating the game since he made his professional debut in 2003. Since thene he has won six Ballon d’Or awards, four European Golden Shoes, and a record-tying five FIFA World Player of the Year awards. Messi is known for his speed and accuracy as well as his ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates. He has scored an incredible 676 goals in 763 matches for Barcelona and Argentina and holds the record for most La Liga goals scored in a single season with 50. Messi is also the all-time leading scorer in El Clásico and the UEFA Champions League.
2- Diego Armando Maradona
Photo Credit: The Quint
Diego Armando Maradona was an Argentine professional footballer who played as an attacking midfielder and forward. He is renowned for his exceptional technique, dribbling skills and vision, which enabled him to score spectacular goals and make spectacular assists. He was well known for his ability to get past opponents with ease and create chances for his teammates. Maradona was also a highly successful international player, leading Argentina to two consecutive World Cup finals and winning the 1986 World Cup. He is best remembered for his iconic ‘Hand of God’ goal against England in the 1986 World Cup. And also for his solo goal against Belgium in the same tournament. He was also the first player to win the FIFA Player of the Year award twice. Maradona’s flair, power and skill made him one of the most admired and respected players in the world.
1- Pele
Photo Credit: The Sports Grail
Pele is widely regarded the greatest football players of all time. Pele is widely credited with revolutionizing football due to his electrifying pace, accurate ball control, mesmerizing dribbling, and prolific scoring. He is the only player to have won three FIFA World Cups and is the all-time leading scorer in the history of the Brazilian national team. He was also renowned for his ability to score from almost any position on the pitch, and for his spectacular strikes from long range. Pele was a powerful, quick, and agile attacker who could perform impressive dribbling moves. He was also an outstanding passer of the ball, with excellent vision and a great understanding of the game. Pele is also a national icon and symbol of Brazilian pride. And often credited with popularizing the sport of football in Brazil.
