Over the decades, football has established itself as a global sport, transcending borders and capturing the interest of millions of people in every corner of the world. With all this popularity in mind, we’ve created a list of the 25 greatest soccer players of all time!
These are athletes with exceptional talents who have left a powerful mark on the history of the sport. Here, you’ll embark on a journey to explore the profiles of the 25 greatest footballers of all time, covering their achievements, fascinating trivia and the lasting legacy they left on the pitch.
Each of the players featured has a unique and impressive career. From Pelé and Diego Maradona, legends who dominated World Cups, to contemporary icons such as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who have accumulated records and titles in their glittering careers;
In addition, historical figures such as Johan Cruyff and Zinedine Zidane introduced new styles and tactical approaches to the game, shaping modern soccer. It’s more than clear how these players have influenced not only the sport, but also global culture.
The legacy of these players goes beyond trophies and impressive statistics. Each of them has left a unique mark on the hearts of fans, whether it’s the creativity of Ronaldinho Gaúcho in his dribbling or the incomparable goal-scoring ability of Gerd Müller;
Their inspiring life stories and contributions to football continue to inspire and influence generations of players and sports enthusiasts around the world. So let’s meet the 25 greatest footballers of all time?
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The greatest footballers of all time: the 25 best
- Pelé
- Diego Maradona
- Lionel Messi
- Cristiano Ronaldo
- Johan Cruyff
- Zinedine Zidane
- Ronaldo
- Michel Platini
- George Best
- Eusébio
- Franz Beckenbauer
- Roberto Baggio
- Ronaldinho Gaúcho
- Ferenc Puskás
- Marco van Basten
- Alfredo Di Stéfano
- Garrincha
- Paolo Maldini
- Lev Yashin
- Thierry Henry
- Bobby Charlton
- Lothar Matthäus
- Rivaldo
- Romário
- Gerd Müller
The greatest footballers of all time: names and biographies
1. Pelé
- Career Titles: Three-time World Cup winner (1958, 1962, 1970), Copa Libertadores (1962, 1963), Campeonato Brasileiro (Série A) with Santos FC.
- Equipes Notáveis: Santos FC, New York Cosmos.
- Curiosities: Pelé is the only player to have won three World Cups and scored over 1000 goals in his career.
- Life Story: Born in Três Corações, Brazil, Pelé has been recognized as a soccer legend since the age of 17.
- Greatest Record: Pelé is the greatest goalscorer in the history of soccer, with more than 1,200 goals in official matches.
- Politics: During his career, there were debates about the quality of the opponents he faced.
2. Diego Maradona
- Career titles: World Cup winner (1986), UEFA Cup (1989), Serie A with Napoli.
- Worthy Teams: Boca Juniors, Napoli, Barcelona.
- Curiosities: Known for the famous “Goal of the Century” and the “Hand of God” in the 1986 World Cup.
- Life Story: Born in Villa Fiorito, Argentina, Maradona had a humble childhood before becoming a world icon.
- Major Record: Maradona was Napoli’s undisputed leader, winning titles that transformed the club.
- Politics: Involvement in controversies on and off the pitch throughout his career.
3. Lionel Messi
- Career Titles: Six times Ballon d’Or, Ten times La Liga, Four times UEFA Champions League with Barcelona.
- Worthy Teams: Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain.
- Curiosities: Record goalscorer for Barcelona and in La Liga.
- Life Story: Born in Rosario, Argentina, Messi overcame physical challenges in childhood to become one of the greatest players in history.
- Major Record: Messi has broken countless records for goals and assists throughout his career.
- Politics: Rumors about his relationship with Barcelona and his performances for the Argentine national team.
4. Cristiano Ronaldo
- Career Titles: Five times Ballon d’Or, Five times UEFA Champions League, Three times Premier League with Manchester United.
- Equipes Notáveis: Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus.
- Curiosities: Record goalscorer for the Portuguese national team and in several European leagues.
- Life Story: Born on the island of Madeira, Portugal, Ronaldo began his career at local clubs before shining on the world stage.
- Major Record: Ronaldo is the top scorer in the history of the Champions League and the Portuguese national team.
- Controversies: Debates about his rivalry with Messi and his departure from important clubs.
5. Johan Cruyff
- Career Titles: Three-time Ballon d’Or winner, three-time Eredivisie winner with Ajax, won the UEFA Champions League with Ajax.
- Worthy Teams: Ajax, Barcelona.
- Curiosities: He introduced the concept of “total soccer” and left a lasting legacy as a player and coach.
- Life Story: Born in Holland, Cruyff was a revolutionary figure in soccer, with a great influence on tactical development.
- Highest Record: He won the Ballon d’Or three times in a row (1971, 1973, 1974).
- Politics: His strong personality and outspokenness caused controversy throughout his career.
6. Zinedine Zidane
- Career Titles: World Cup winner (1998), three-time UEFA Champions League winner with Real Madrid.
- Worthy Teams: Bordeaux, Juventus, Real Madrid.
- Curiosities: Famous for his volley in the 2002 Champions League final.
- Life Story: Born in France, Zidane is revered for his technique and vision of the game.
- Greatest Record: He won the FIFA World Player of the Year award three times.
- Politics: His sending off in the 2006 World Cup final is one of the most controversial in soccer history.
7. Ronaldo
- Career Titles: Twice World Cup Champion (1994, 2002), Three times FIFA World Player of the Year.
- Worthy Teams: PSV Eindhoven, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Real Madrid.
- Curiosities: Known for his exceptional speed and technical ability.
- Life Story: Originally from Brazil, Ronaldo overcame serious injuries to return to the top of world soccer.
- Greatest Record: Top scorer at the 2002 World Cup and one of the greatest goalscorers in Brazil’s history.
- Politics: His injuries and transfers have generated debate about his unfulfilled potential.
8. Michel Platini
- Career Titles: Three times Ballon d’Or winner, UEFA European Championship winner (1984).
- Equipes Notáveis: Nancy, Saint-Étienne, Juventus.
- Curiosities: Legendary midfielder known for his vision and technical ability.
- Life Story: Born in France, Platini was one of the greatest European players of the 1980s.
- Greatest Record: Top scorer in the 1984 European Championship and star of the Juventus team in the 1980s.
- Politics: Involvement in administrative controversies after his playing career.
9. George Best
- Career Titles: UEFA Champions League winner, twice Ballon d’Or winner.
- Equipes Notáveis: Manchester United, Northern Ireland.
- Curiosities: Known as the “Fifth Beatle”, Best was a skillful and charismatic dribbler.
- Life Story: Born in Northern Ireland, Best has lived a tumultuous life, marked by ups and downs.
- Greatest Record: Manchester United’s outstanding goal scorer and an icon of English soccer in the 60s.
- Politics: Personal problems, including alcoholism, affected his career and life off the pitch.
10. Eusébio
- Career titles: Winner of the Ballon d’Or, World Cup winner (1966).
- Worthy Teams: Benfica, Portugal.
- Curiosities: Known as the “Black Panther”, Eusébio was one of the greatest goalscorers in history.
- Life Story: Born in Mozambique, Eusébio made a name for himself in Portuguese and international soccer.
- Greatest Record: Scorer of the 1966 World Cup and icon of Portuguese soccer.
- Polemics: His transfers and status as a colony player have generated debates about his representation.
11. Franz Beckenbauer
- Career Titles: World Cup Winner (1974), European Championship Winner (1972), Three-time Bundesliga Champion with Bayern Munich.
- Notable Teams: Bayern Munich, New York Cosmos.
- Curiosities: Inventor of the position of libero (“Der Kaiser”), Beckenbauer was a leader on and off the pitch.
- Life Story: Born in Germany, Beckenbauer is considered one of the best defenders in soccer history.
- Major Record: First captain to lift the World Cup as a player and as a coach.
- Politics: Involved in administrative controversies after his retirement as a player.
12. Roberto Baggio
- Career Titles: Twice Ballon d’Or winner, Serie A champion with Juventus.
- Worthy Teams: Fiorentina, Juventus, Milan.
- Curiosities: Famous for his decisive penalty goal in the 1994 World Cup.
- Life Story: Born in Italy, Baggio overcame serious injuries throughout his career.
- Greatest Record: Known for his technical ability and accuracy in free-kicks.
- Politics: His injury in the 1994 World Cup final and his controversial transfer to Juventus.
13. Ronaldinho Gaúcho
- Career Titles: World Cup winner (2002), FIFA Ballon d’Or, UEFA Champions League with Barcelona.
- Notable Teams: Gremio, Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, Milan.
- Curiosities: Famous for his creativity and dribbling skills.
- Life Story: Born in Brazil, Ronaldinho enchanted the world with his unique style of play.
- Major Record: He won the Champions League and the World Cup, leaving an indelible mark on soccer.
- Politics: Off-field problems and contractual issues marked the end of his career.
14. Ferenc Puskás
- Career Titles: Ballon d’Or winner, three-time UEFA Champions League winner with Real Madrid.
- Worthy Teams: Budapest Honvéd, Real Madrid, Hungary.
- Curiosities: Known for his accurate shooting and exceptional vision.
- Life Story: Born in Hungary, Puskás was one of the greatest goalscorers of the golden age of Hungarian soccer.
- Greatest Record: Historic goalscorer for the Hungarian national team and Real Madrid.
- Politics: His international career was marked by political disputes during the Cold War.
15. Marco van Basten
- Career Titles: Three-time Ballon d’Or winner, Three-time Eredivisie winner with Ajax, Serie A winner with Milan.
- Worthy Teams: Ajax, Milan.
- Curiosities: Known for his incredible goals and refined technique.
- Life Story: Born in Holland, van Basten had a brilliant career interrupted by injuries.
- Greatest Record: Scorer of memorable goals, including the famous volley in the 1988 European Championship final.
- Politics: He ended his career early due to physical problems.
16. Alfredo Di Stéfano
- Career titles: Five times UEFA Champions League winner with Real Madrid.
- Worthy Teams: River Plate, Real Madrid.
- Curiosities: Known as “La Saeta Rubia”, Di Stéfano was one of the first players to demonstrate versatility on the pitch.
- Life Story: Born in Argentina, Di Stéfano made a name for himself both in South America and Europe.
- Major Record: Real Madrid’s central figure in the 1950s, winning several European competitions.
- Politics: His controversial transfer to Real Madrid led to legal disputes between clubs.
17. Garrincha
- Career Titles: Two-time World Cup winner (1958, 1962).
- Notable Teams: Botafogo, Corinthians.
- Curiosities: Known for his exceptional dribbling ability and speed.
- Life Story: Born in Brazil, Garrincha overcame physical difficulties and personal problems to become a soccer icon.
- Greatest Record: World Cup winner with Brazil in 1958 and 1962, playing a key role in those triumphs.
- Politics: Personal issues, including alcoholism, affected his life after his career.
18. Paolo Maldini
- Career Titles: Five times UEFA Champions League winner with Milan.
- Worthy Teams: Milan, Italy.
- Curiosities: Iconic defender known for his elegance and loyalty to the club.
- Life Story: Born in Italy, Maldini spent his entire career at Milan, becoming a symbol of the club.
- Major Record: Player with the most games for Milan and a key figure in the club’s achievements in the 90s and 2000s.
- Politics: With few controversies, Maldini was known for his professional ethics and commitment to Milan.
19. Lev Yashin
- Career Titles: European Championship winner (1960), Only goalkeeper to win the Ballon d’Or.
- Notable Teams: Dynamo Moscow, Soviet Union.
- Curiosities: Known as the “Black Spider”, Yashin revolutionized the position of goalkeeper.
- Life Story: Born in Russia, Yashin is considered the best goalkeeper in soccer history.
- Major Record: More than 270 games without conceding a goal during his career.
- Politics: Without any major controversies, Yashin was respected by everyone in the world of soccer.
20. Thierry Henry
- Career Titles: World Cup winner (1998), Two-time Premier League winner with Arsenal.
- Notable Teams: Arsenal, Barcelona, France.
- Curiosities: Top scorer in the history of Arsenal and the French national team.
- Life Story: Born in France, Henry was one of the most feared strikers of his generation.
- Greatest Record: Winner of the FIFA Silver Ball in 2003 and 2004.
- Politics: Your hand on the ball in the knockout round
21. Bobby Charlton
- Career Titles: World Cup winner (1966), Three-time First Division winner (now Premier League) with Manchester United.
- Notable Teams: Manchester United, England.
- Curiosities: Known for his accurate long-range shots and vision of the game.
- Life Story: Born in England, Charlton is an English soccer legend, having spent most of his career with Manchester United.
- Major Record: Manchester United’s all-time top scorer until surpassed by Wayne Rooney.
- Politics: There were no significant controversies in Charlton’s career, as he was respected for his exemplary conduct.
22. Lothar Matthäus
- Career Titles: World Cup winner (1990), FIFA Ballon d’Or winner.
- Worthy Teams: Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, Germany.
- Curiosities: A versatile player who played as a defensive and attacking midfielder.
- Life Story: Born in Germany, Matthäus was one of the leaders of the German national team during the 80s and 90s.
- Major Record: Player with the most World Cup appearances for Germany.
- Politics: Some friction with coaches throughout his career, but nothing that affected his reputation.
23. Rivaldo
- Career Titles: World Cup winner (2002), FIFA Ballon d’Or winner.
- Worthy Teams: Barcelona, Milan, Brazil.
- Curiosities: Famous for his technical ability and powerful kicks.
- Life Story: Born in Brazil, Rivaldo was one of the greatest talents in Brazilian soccer.
- Major Record: Scorer of important goals in his career, including in the 2002 World Cup final.
- Controversies: He had a few controversies during his time at European clubs, but nothing that diminished his legacy.
24. Romário
- Career Titles: World Cup winner (1994), FIFA Ballon d’Or winner.
- Worthy Teams: PSV Eindhoven, Barcelona, Brazil.
- Curiosities: Known for his finishing ability and nose for goal.
- Life Story: Born in Brazil, Romário was one of the great strikers of the 1990s.
- Greatest Record: Prolific goalscorer, with over 1000 career goals.
- Politics: Some off-field controversies, but his undeniable talent always spoke louder.
25. Gerd Müller
- Career Titles: World Cup Winner (1974), European Championship Winner (1972), Three-time Bundesliga Champion with Bayern Munich.
- Worthy Teams: Bayern Munich, Germany.
- Curiosities: Known as “Der Bomber”, Müller was one of the greatest goalscorers in soccer history.
- Life Story: Born in Germany, Müller shone for both Bayern and the German national team.
- Greatest Record: Scorer of the 1970 and 1974 World Cups, as well as being the top scorer in Bundesliga history for many years.
- Politics: Discreet personal life, with no major controversies throughout his career.
26. David Beckham
- Titles: Multiple Premier League titles, UEFA Champions League
- Equipes: Manchester United, Real Madrid, LA Galaxy
- Curiosities: Known for his precision at intersections and glamorous lifestyle.
- Life Story: Started out at Manchester United and became a global soccer icon.
- Major Record: Creative assistant on the pitch, famous for his long-range shots.
- Pelé
- Diego Maradona
- Lionel Messi
- Cristiano Ronaldo
- Johan Cruyff
- Zinedine Zidane
- Ronaldo
- Michel Platini
- George Best
- Eusébio
- Franz Beckenbauer
- Roberto Baggio
- Ronaldinho Gaúcho
- Ferenc Puskás
- Marco van Basten
- Alfredo Di Stéfano
- Garrincha
- Paolo Maldini
- Lev Yashin
- Thierry Henry
- Bobby Charlton
- Lothar Matthäus
- Rivaldo
- Romário
- Gerd Müller
- David Beckham
The 26 greatest footballers of all time achieved sporting excellence and the passion that soccer arouses all over the world. Their achievements, curiosities and legacy are living testimony to the sport’s greatness!
Now that you’ve made it this far, it’s time to explore more about these soccer icons and discover other fascinating content on Your Best Game!
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