Here Are the Best Soccer Players of All Time
Soccer is one of the most revered sports in the world, with billions tuning in to watch matches, regardless of the time zones. Over the last half a century, thousands of incredibly talented players have taken to the pitches and won countless trophies. Still, only a few can boast legendary status
From taking home team and personal accolades, these are the best players of all time.
#1 Pelé
When we talk about the greatest players ever to kick a football, Pelé's name is at the top of the list, and it's easy to see why. The star is the highest goal scorer in Brazilian football, and as if that's not enough, his 1,279 goals in 1,363 games, including friendlies, earned him a Guinness World Record.
Since making his debut in soccer when he was only 15, Pelé has won several trophies, including winning the World Cup on three occasions, and is the only player to date, to do so. He also holds the record for the most assists in the World Cup. While he was voted the FIFA player of the century, Pelé's appearance on TIME's 100 Most Important People of the Twentieth Century list is probably the most influential recognition.
#2 Lionel Messi
Widely known in his native Argentina as La Pulga, Lionel Messi took the reins from his fellow countryman Diego Maradona and has won everything in football while setting ridiculous records. To start with, his seven Ballon d'Or trophy overhauls are the most by any player on the planet. When he played for FC Barcelona, he won 35 medals, including La Liga, Champions League, and Copa del Rey.
A prolific playmaker and goal scorer, Messi is a one-in-a-lifetime talent within the sport, and he's already etched his name as one of the greatest in history. Despite his age, the player is still pulling strings on the pitch and has thrived in a world where there's a lot of emphasis on players being exceptionally fit.
#3 Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo is the ultimate "beast" whenever he is on the pitch. The player has scored all manner of goals; he's known for his dribbling skills, power, and creativity, qualities that have seen him win the revered Ballon d'Or a record five times (second all-time) and take home 32 trophies.
Now in his late thirties, you'd think Ronaldo would slow down, but that's not the case. Instead, the star is still going strong, and without a doubt, he will add to his already staggering 800 goals for club and country.
#4 Diego Maradona
When you ask many professional soccer players who their favorite former player is, Diego Maradona's name will be prominent. A wizard with the ball, Maradona, aptly nicknamed "El Pibe de Oro" ("The Golden Boy") appeared in four World Cups, leading his team Argentina to victory in 1986.
Known for his maverick personality, Maradona's impact on football cannot be ignored. The talented playmaker may not have won the Ballon d'Or or the FIFA player of the year accolade, but he holds the FIFA Goal of the Century award that no one else has won. Sadly, he passed on in 2020, but his legacy will always remain.
#5 Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Zidane needs no introduction, the French midfield maestro is widely recognized for his work ethic on and off the ball, and he was instrumental in France's win in the World Cup on home soil in 1998. That same year, he won the coveted Ballon d'Or and is one of the few players to have won the player of the year accolade in three of the top five leagues in the world.
Zidane's skill, silkiness, vision, and passing made him one of the greatest midfielders to grace the sport, and it's no wonder he's considered a football idol in and outside France. The star is among the only eight players to have won the World Cup, the Ballon d'Or, and the Champions League. While he retired from playing, Zidane enjoyed great success as a coach, leading Real Madrid to several trophies, with his reign stretching two stints.
Football has undoubtedly seen tremendous talent take on the pitch, with countless players scoring unforgettable goals and winning numerous personal and team trophies. Yet, these are the athletes to who everyone tips their hat, considering their undeniable talent, insane records, and countless memorable moments of brilliance whenever they had the ball at their feet.