Ah, the eternal debate: Who are the best soccer players of all time?
Honestly, try to make a list and you’ll soon find yourself deep in arguments and nostalgia. But that’s the fun of it, right?
This article is our attempt to celebrate those players who’ve made us shout at the TV, cheer in the stands, and feel the full spectrum of emotions that only soccer can offer.
These are the guys who’ve turned the game into an art form, so grab some popcorn and let’s dive into soccer greatness.
Greatest Soccer Players of All Time
Determining the “greatest” soccer players is a subjective exercise, dependent on various factors like era, position, and individual vs. team accomplishments.
Nevertheless, here’s an attempt to list 15 soccer legends, keeping in mind that this is bound to spark debates:
15. George Best
George Best. Now there’s a name that instantly conjures up images of soccer magic.
This guy was a wizard on the field, with dribbling skills that could make defenders look like they were standing still. Best was more than just a Manchester United legend; he was an artist with a soccer ball, the epitome of flair and imagination.
Off the pitch, his life was complicated and often filled with drama, but when he was in the game, it was pure poetry. With Best, you could always expect the unexpected—a dazzling flick, a cheeky goal, a moment of pure genius.
He had it all, and for many, he remains the very essence of what makes soccer so thrilling to watch.
Oh man, Thierry Henry, what a legend. If you ever wanted to see grace, power, and finesse all in one package, Henry was your guy. Playing for Arsenal during those golden years, he was basically a cheat code.
Fast, smart, and ridiculously skillful, he could turn a game on its head in an instant. The way he could drift out wide, cut inside, and then curl the ball into the far corner? Pure art.
And let’s not forget his stint at Barcelona. The guy went there and still shone like a diamond among some of the best talents in the world. But you know what made Henry special?
It wasn’t just the goals and the skills; it was the swagger, the confidence, the sheer love for the game. When he stepped on the field, you just knew something special could happen at any moment. A class act, through and through.
13. Michel Platini:
Michel Platini, ah, now you’re talking about one of the all-time greats. The guy was a maestro in the midfield, with a football IQ off the charts.
Playing for France and clubs like Juventus, he had this knack for being exactly where the ball needed to be. Long-range goals, clever assists, you name it, Platini had it in his toolbox.
But what really set him apart was his vision on the field. He could see plays unfolding before anyone else even had a clue. And those free-kicks?
Man, the guy was a sniper with a soccer ball. Sure, his legacy has gotten a bit complicated due to his later career in football administration, but when it comes to his time on the pitch, Platini was nothing short of extraordinary. Watching him was like watching a grandmaster at work; every move calculated, every pass a statement. Just brilliant.
Roberto Baggio, the “Divine Ponytail.” Now that’s a name that brings back memories of some truly outrageous goals and moments that make you go, “Did he really just do that?”
Baggio had the kind of talent that made you sit up and pay attention. Whether he was at Fiorentina, Juventus, or any other club he graced, he was the guy you wanted on the ball when the game was on the line.
But let’s be real, we can’t talk about Baggio without mentioning that World Cup ’94 penalty miss. Gut-wrenching, for sure, but it’s a testament to his greatness that one miss doesn’t define him. The dude was a playmaking genius, with dribbling skills that could make a defender trip over his own feet.
Whether it was a silky smooth free-kick or an audacious chip over the keeper, Baggio had a flair for the dramatic. When he played, you could feel the excitement in the air—something extraordinary was always possible.
11. Ferenc Puskás
Ferenc Puskás, man, where do you even start with this guy? Nicknamed the “Galloping Major,” Puskás was a goal-scoring machine who made it look easy.
I mean, the dude could find the back of the net from practically anywhere on the field. Playing for Hungary and later Real Madrid, he was a force to be reckoned with.
The most incredible thing about Puskás was his left foot. That thing was like a magic wand. Curved shots, volleys, you name it, he could do it all with insane precision. His partnership with Alfredo Di Stéfano at Real Madrid was the stuff of legends.
And let’s not forget the “Match of the Century” where he and his Hungarian team dismantled England at Wembley. The guy was a natural leader, and his skills still get talked about today for a reason. He was one of those players who not only changed games but changed the way we think about soccer. Just iconic.
10. Cafu
Cafu, ah yes, the man who practically redefined the role of a right-back. The Brazilian legend was all about speed, stamina, and relentless attacking play.
If you blinked, you’d miss him sprinting down the flank, ready to whip in a dangerous cross or join the attack. The guy was like an Energizer bunny; he never stopped.
What’s really cool about Cafu is that he’s the only player to have appeared in three consecutive World Cup finals. I mean, that’s just insane consistency at the highest level of the sport.
He had this infectious energy, always wearing that iconic smile, making it look like he was having the time of his life on the pitch. And honestly, he probably was. From Roma to Milan, wherever he played, he left an impact. Cafu wasn’t just a fantastic player; he was a trailblazer for the modern full-backs we see today. No one did it quite like him.
Franco Baresi, man, the heart and soul of that legendary AC Milan defense. The guy was an absolute rock at the back, but don’t let that fool you into thinking he was just a bruiser.
Baresi had the technique and vision to play some killer passes and even chip in with a goal or two. He was the epitome of a leader, the guy you want marshaling the troops when things get tough.
Let’s not forget, Baresi spent his entire club career with Milan, and the loyalty goes both ways—his number 6 shirt is one of only two numbers the club has ever retired.
That speaks volumes about his impact. It’s hard to pinpoint one moment that defines him because his brilliance was in his consistency.
Game in, game out, you knew you could count on Baresi to shut down the opposition’s best attackers and make life easier for everyone else on the team. A true legend of the game, his style and tenacity set the standard for generations of defenders to come.
Johan Cruyff, oh man, where to even begin? This guy was way ahead of his time, a true visionary both as a player and later as a coach. When he had the ball at his feet, it was like he was playing chess while everyone else was playing checkers.
The guy could see moves ahead, and his technical skills were just mind-blowing. That iconic “Cruyff Turn” wasn’t just a flashy move; it was a statement of his genius.
But what’s so fascinating about Cruyff is how he brought that same intellect to coaching. The man is basically the godfather of Barcelona’s tiki-taka style and Ajax’s Total Football. So, he’s not just a legend as a player, but his ideas have shaped modern soccer as we know it.
It’s like the guy left fingerprints all over the sport, you know? Whether you’re watching a match today or looking back at old footage, you can’t escape the impact he’s had. Cruyff didn’t just play the game; he changed it forever.
7. Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo, the guy’s a machine, but not in a robotic way; more like a finely-tuned athlete who’s obsessed with being the best. From Sporting Lisbon to Manchester United, then Real Madrid and even Juventus, wherever he goes, records just seem to shatter.
Seriously, the man’s work ethic is out of this world, and it shows in his physique, his pace, his aerial ability—pretty much every aspect of his game.
But what’s wild about Ronaldo is his sheer versatility. He started off as a flashy winger, pulling off stepovers that would make your head spin. Then he evolved into this predatory striker, the guy you can always count on for a clutch goal when you need it most.
Now, don’t get me wrong; he’s got his critics, people who talk about his ego or whatever. But at the end of the day, his talent and his drive are undeniable. Whether you love him or not, you can’t watch a game with Ronaldo in it and not feel like you’re witnessing something extraordinary.
6. Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Zidane, or “Zizou” as he’s fondly called. This guy had a presence on the pitch that was just magnetic.
You couldn’t take your eyes off him when he had the ball. Elegant is the word that comes to mind; he made everything look so effortless. From pirouettes to killer passes, Zidane had a bag of tricks that never seemed to empty.
But, of course, it’s impossible to talk about Zidane without bringing up that infamous headbutt in the 2006 World Cup final. It’s like the Shakespearean tragedy of soccer moments, right?
Even with that, though, you can’t forget how Zidane practically carried the French national team on his back during that tournament.
And let’s not even get started on his club career—whether at Juventus or Real Madrid, the guy was pure class. One of the greats, no doubt. Zidane had a magic touch that’s been imitated but never duplicated. Watching him was like watching a master at work, always a step ahead, always making you believe in the unbelievable.
5. Ronaldo Nazário
Ronaldo Nazário, the original Ronaldo, was something else, man. You know when people say someone’s got that “X-factor”? Well, Ronaldo had that and then some.
He was a striker’s striker, a goal machine who could dribble past defenders like they were traffic cones. We’re talking about a guy who was so good he got a standing ovation at Old Trafford while playing for Real Madrid. Now that’s respect.
Injuries held him back from what could have been an even more insane career, but even so, his impact was huge.
Two World Cups with Brazil, unforgettable spells at clubs like Barcelona, Inter Milan, and Real Madrid—Ronaldo was the full package. He had this incredible burst of speed, close control, and composure in front of goal that made him a nightmare for defenders.
And when he scored, it was often a thing of beauty, whether a cheeky dribble around the keeper or a thunderbolt from outside the box. Ronaldo Nazário was just pure entertainment, the kind of player you couldn’t help but love watching.
Alfredo Di Stéfano, now there’s a throwback for you. This guy was like the Swiss Army knife of soccer players; he could do it all. Whether it was scoring, creating, or even defending, Di Stéfano had the skillset.
He was one of those rare talents who could truly dominate a game, grabbing it by the scruff of the neck and just imposing his will. It’s no wonder the man became a legend at Real Madrid, forming that iconic partnership with Ferenc Puskás.
Here’s the crazy thing—Di Stéfano played in an era without all the tech and sports science we have now, but his football IQ was off the charts.
He read the game like a seasoned chess player, always a couple of moves ahead. Five European Cups with Real Madrid don’t lie; the man was a winner through and through. When people talk about the all-time greats, Di Stéfano often gets overshadowed by more recent stars, but make no mistake, he’s right up there with the best of them.
Watching old clips of him is like taking a masterclass in soccer history; the guy was just that good.
3. Diego Maradona
Diego Maradona, ah man, the name alone sends shivers down the spine. Talk about a player who could single-handedly change the outcome of a game. Maradona was a force of nature, with dribbling skills that seemed to defy physics. Who could forget the “Hand of God” and the “Goal of the Century” in the same World Cup match against England? Only Maradona could pull off something that audacious and brilliant.
But beyond the highlights and controversies, what made Maradona special was his raw passion for the game. Whether at Napoli, where he reached god-like status, or with the Argentina national team, he played like every match was a final. Sure, his life off the field was a rollercoaster, filled with ups and downs, but when he stepped onto that pitch, it was pure magic. In a way, Maradona embodied the beautiful chaos of soccer—unpredictable, emotional, and utterly captivating. There will never be another like him, and that’s what makes him unforgettable.
2. Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi, what can you say that hasn’t already been said? The guy’s a magician with the ball. I mean, watching him dribble through defenders is like watching poetry in motion. You can have a whole team trying to mark him, and somehow he’ll still find a pocket of space and make something happen. It’s nuts.
For years at Barcelona, and now in Miami, Messi has been racking up goals and assists like they’re going out of style. But stats aside, it’s his playmaking vision that really sets him apart. He doesn’t just score; he makes everyone around him better. Despite all the accolades and trophies, what’s really impressive is his humility.
The guy just loves soccer, and it shows every time he’s on the field. Whether you’re a Barça fan, a PSG fan, or just a fan of the beautiful game, watching Messi is like a gift that keeps on giving.
1. Pele
Was there ever a doubt? Pele, the king of soccer.
You hear that name and you instantly think of greatness. Let’s start with the basics: three World Cups, over 1,000 professional goals, and a career that spanned over two decades.
That alone puts him in a league of his own. But Pele wasn’t just about numbers; the guy was a spectacle on the field. The way he moved, the ease with which he scored—it was like watching an artist at work.
What makes Pele stand out as possibly the greatest ever is how he transcended the sport. He wasn’t just a soccer player; he was a global icon, a symbol of excellence that went beyond borders and cultures. And let’s not forget, he did all this at a time when soccer wasn’t as globalized as it is today.
Pele made people fall in love with the sport, and that’s a legacy that’s hard to quantify. So when you talk about the GOAT, the greatest of all time, it’s tough not to put Pele at the top of that list. He was more than just a player; he was, and still is, the epitome of what soccer is all about.
In the world of soccer, greatness takes many forms. From dazzling dribblers and prolific goal-scorers to visionary playmakers and rock-solid defenders, each player on this list has left an indelible mark on the sport. But beyond the stats, goals, and trophies, what makes these athletes truly great is their ability to inspire to create moments that fans will cherish for a lifetime.
So, whether you’re into the old-school charm of Pele and Di Stéfano or you’re captivated by modern maestros like Messi and Ronaldo, one thing’s for sure: the beautiful game has been graced by some extraordinary talent over the years. These players didn’t just excel in their roles; they elevated the sport itself, turning soccer into the global phenomenon it is today. And that, folks, is the true measure of greatness.
Ryan is a former college wrestler and lifelong fitness fanatic. He has run half marathons, done mud runs, placed in body transformation contests, coached wrestling, and now coaches girls’ soccer. Not to mention he has also tried literally hundreds of supplements over the years and has a vast and thorough supplement knowledge. He has written for Muscle & Strength, Testosterone Junkie, The Sport Review and other publications. He is also the editor-in-chief of this website and has over 25 years of experience in the fitness industry. Feel free to connect with him on his LinkedIn page below.
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