Top 5 Best Soccer Players of All Time
With each new sports season comes a fresh appraisal of the greatest athletes ever; soccer is no different.
Diego Maradona made the game fascinating to watch with his brilliant dribbling ability and inspired millions around the globe. His brilliant display attracted worldwide acclaim.
Johan Cruyff was an innovator of soccer. His signature move, called a Cruyff turn – which involves faked shots followed by sudden turns – remains widely employed today in soccer.
1. Pele
Pele made his professional and national team debuts at just 15 years old. An adept dribbler with two excellent feet, Pele was known to score nearly one goal per game during his career and led Brazil to three World Cup victories.
Pele, known as “The King of Football,” is widely considered to be one of the greatest soccer players ever. One of his iconic figures in sports history, Pele was even named one of TIME magazine’s 100 Most Important People of the 20th Century.
He helped spread soccer across America by signing with the New York Cosmos of the North American Soccer League and leading them to victory in a championship campaign. His larger-than-life personality and amazing skill made him an international celebrity.
2. Maradona
Maradona was an incredible threat on the pitch with his low center of gravity and exceptional technical ability, creating fear in opponents while inspiring teammates around him to elevate their game. His intense play intimidated opponents while motivating teammates around him to step up their performance.
His career reached its pinnacle during the 1986 World Cup when he scored the legendary “Hand of God” goal against England. His revered status at Napoli made him almost an iconoclast within football lore.
He won six league championships and two European cups while playing for Argentinos Juniors, Boca Juniors, FC Barcelona and Napoli.
3. Messi
He inspired audiences all around the globe with his breathtaking, imaginative plays and unparalleled abilities, becoming the first player ever to win four consecutive UEFA Champions Leagues, La Liga and two Copa del Rey titles in succession.
Messi was an innovator – unlike many elite players who become predictable over time, Messi always managed to reinvent himself and find ways of scoring goals. From flicking his feet with delicate touches or juggle and dip over defenders before unleashing an unerring shot that always found the net.
No other soccer player has come close to surpassing Pele as the greatest of all time. A five-time Ballon d’Or winner and winner of multiple club and international trophies, Pele was recognized by both FIFA and IFHFHS as player of the century.
4. Ronaldo
Ronaldo cemented his place as one of the greatest attacking midfielders ever with three Ballon d’Ors and numerous league titles and European Cup wins to his name. His impressive dribbling skills, intelligent movement and creative vision made him an absolute joy to watch on the pitch.
Ronaldo holds one of the greatest goal per game averages ever seen by any player in history with 1198 appearances for both club and country, making him an iconic figure on both fields of play. His tireless work ethic and enthusiasm on the pitch has cemented his place in history.
He was an exceptional free-kick taker, shooter and finisher with an uncanny ability to change pace quickly – this made him the ultimate number nine! Furthermore, off the field he was known for helping to democratize Corinthians and taking care to protect his health by smoking chain cigarettes regularly.
5. Beckenbauer
Beckenbauer represented an era in which soccer gained widespread appeal with middle class society. He is widely credited with creating the role of sweeper (libero) and making defense seem cooler than ever.
After leaving Bayern, he joined the New York Cosmos and played alongside Pele in the American Soccer League. Following retirement, he went on to manage West Germany in their journey all the way through to their 1986 World Cup final where they defeated Diego Maradona’s Argentina side by one goal.
Michael Owen is best remembered for his remarkable display during a 1970 World Cup semifinal match against Italy, when despite suffering an arm injury he continued playing through to show that he was more than just an exceptional footballer. That momentous event proved his remarkable talent beyond mere words on paper.