Top 5 Greatest Football Players of All Time, Ranked

1 year ago

Football or soccer, often referred to as the "king of sports," has a rich history shaped by numerous professional players. This article aims to rank the top 5 greatest footballers of all time, individuals who have left an indelible mark on the sport. Their extraordinary skills, achievements, and impact have solidified their status as football legends.

List of the top 5 best footballers of all time, ranked

Ranking the top five best footballers of all time is a subjective task as opinions may vary. However, based on the general consensus and the achievements of players throughout history, the following list represents five football legends often regarded as some of the greatest:

5. Johan Cruyff - The Great Player from the Netherlands

• Full name: Hendrik Johannes Cruijff
• Nickname: Johan Cruyff
• Date of birth: April 25, 1947
• Place of birth: Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Position(s): Forward
• Club(s): Ajax (Netherlands), Barcelona (Spain)
• Team: Netherlands national team
• Achievements:
  • Led Ajax to three consecutive European Cup wins (1971, 1972, 1973)
  • Captained the Netherlands to the 1974 FIFA World Cup final
  • Played a pivotal role in the development of "Total Football" and influenced generations of players and coaches
  • Multiple domestic titles with Ajax and Barcelona
  • Received the Golden Foot Award in 2003

Johan Cruyff is widely regarded as one of the best footballers ever. Born in the Netherlands, he achieved legendary status during the 1960s and 1970s. Cruyff's exceptional skills and innovative style of play have left an indelible mark on the sport.

Throughout his career, Cruyff amassed numerous prestigious titles and accolades. He was the recipient of three Ballon d'Or awards, recognizing him as the best player in the world. His contributions to the game were unparalleled, cementing his status as one of the all-time greats.

The Dutch legend's success extended to both the club and international level. He played a pivotal role in Ajax Amsterdam's dominance, helping them secure three European championships. Moreover, Cruyff's influence was instrumental in the Dutch national team's triumph in the 1988 European championship.

Beyond his playing days, Cruyff ventured into coaching, where he further left his mark on the game. He is widely credited as the mastermind behind the revolutionary "Total Football" style of play. Cruyff achieved remarkable success as a coach, leading Ajax Amsterdam to numerous titles in the 1980s. Subsequently, he brought his expertise to Barcelona, guiding the team to four La Liga championships and their first-ever UEFA Champions League title.

Cruyff's playing style was characterized by exceptional ball control, spatial awareness, and a combination of speed and technique that revolutionized modern football. His ability to find spaces on the field and his visionary passing set him apart from his contemporaries. Cruyff's skill, dedication, and passion for the game endeared him to fans worldwide, solidifying his status as a beloved figure in football history.

Furthermore, his contributions extended beyond his own achievements. The famous forward made significant efforts in developing youth football in the Netherlands and across Europe. Establishing football academies for young children, Cruyff played a pivotal role in nurturing the talents of aspiring players. His dedication to youth development and his overall influence on the game have left a lasting legacy in football.

4. Cristiano Ronaldo (CR7)

• Full name: Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro
• Nickname: CR7
• Date of birth: February 5, 1985
• Place of birth: Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
• Position(s): Forward
• Club(s): Sporting CP (Portugal), Manchester United (England), Real Madrid (Spain), Juventus (Italy)
• Team: Portugal national team
• Achievements:
  • Multiple-time winner of the Ballon d'Or award
  • UEFA Champions League winner with Manchester United (2008) and Real Madrid (2014, 2016, 2017)
  • Euro 2016 champion with Portugal
  • All-time top scorer for the Portugal national team
  • Prolific goal-scoring records in various leagues and competitions

Cristiano Ronaldo, currently playing for Al Nassr, is widely regarded as one of the best footballers of the 21st century. He has left an indelible mark on the football world, having showcased his exceptional skills for clubs like Real Madrid and Manchester United.

Throughout his career, Ronaldo has amassed an impressive collection of titles and achievements. He has been awarded the prestigious Ballon d'Or five times, solidifying his status as one of the best players in the world. Only Lionel Messi has won more Ballon d'Or titles than Ronaldo. 

Ronaldo's tenure at Real Madrid stands out as one of his most remarkable periods. He became the club's all-time leading goal scorer and helped them secure four UEFA Champions League championships. Additionally, Ronaldo clinched two La Liga titles during his time with the Spanish club. His contributions and goal-scoring prowess were integral to Real Madrid's success.

Prior to his time at Real Madrid, Ronaldo made a name for himself at Manchester United. His outstanding performances propelled the team to three Premier League titles and a UEFA Champions League victory. Ronaldo's skill, speed, and goal-scoring ability made him a fan favorite and marked the beginning of his journey to superstardom.

Ronaldo's success also extends to the international stage. He played a crucial role in Portugal's Euro 2016 championship triumph. Furthermore, Ronaldo was honored with the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball in 2018, recognizing him as the best player in the tournament.

Renowned for his exceptional goal-scoring ability, Ronaldo's athleticism, technique, and aerial prowess have set him apart from his peers. His dedication, work ethic, and passion for the game have made him an inspiration to aspiring players around the globe. Ronaldo's ability to consistently find the back of the net has solidified his status as one of the most beloved players in the history of football.

3. Lionel Messi - Argentina's Most Decorated Player

• Full name: Lionel Andrés Messi
• Nickname: Leo Messi
• Date of birth: June 24, 1987
• Place of birth: Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
• Position(s): Forward
• Club(s): Barcelona (Spain), Paris Saint-Germain (France)
• Team: Argentina national team
• Achievements:
  • Multiple-time winner of the Ballon d'Or award
  • Numerous domestic and international titles with Barcelona, including UEFA Champions League triumphs
  • Copa America winner with Argentina in 2021
  • All-time top scorer for Barcelona and the Argentina national team

Along with CR7, Lionel Messi, also known as M10, is also widely regarded as one of the greatest football players of the 21st century. The Argentine superstar enjoyed an illustrious career spanning nearly 20 years as a key player for Barcelona.

Messi's list of achievements and titles is nothing short of extraordinary. He has been awarded the prestigious Ballon d'Or seven times, the highest number in history. Messi's accolades include ten La Liga championships and four UEFA Champions League titles, establishing him as one of the most successful players in Barcelona's history. Furthermore, he holds the record as Barcelona's all-time leading goal scorer.

The Argentine superstar has also left his mark on the international stage. In 2021, Messi achieved a long-awaited milestone by leading the Argentine national team to victory in the Copa America, defeating Brazil in the final. This triumph marked Messi's first major international title, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest players in the history of football. Moreover, in 2022, Messi and his teammates secured the World Cup in Qatar, further cementing his status as a football icon.

Messi's playing style is characterized by exceptional ball control, dazzling dribbling skills, and an uncanny ability to find the back of the net. His speed and agility make him a formidable opponent for defenders, while his vision and passing accuracy allow him to create scoring opportunities for his teammates. Messi's prowess on free kicks is also legendary.

In addition to his on-field achievements, Messi is recognized for his dedication, commitment, and humility. He is actively involved in charitable activities and uses his platform to make a positive impact on society. His combination of extraordinary talent and genuine humility has endeared him to fans around the world.

2. Diego Maradona

• Full name: Diego Armando Maradona
• Nickname: El Pibe de Oro (The Golden Boy)
• Date of birth: October 30, 1960
• Place of birth: Lanús, Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Position(s): Forward
• Club(s): Argentinos Juniors (Argentina), Barcelona (Spain), Napoli (Italy)
• Team: Argentina national team
• Achievements:
  • FIFA World Cup winner in 1986 with Argentina
  • Led Napoli to two Serie A titles (1987, 1990)
  • FIFA Player of the Century in 2000
  • Inducted into the FIFA Hall of Fame

The Argentine football legend Maradona is among the greatest players of the 20th century. He had an illustrious career, representing renowned clubs such as Boca Juniors, Barcelona, Napoli, and the Argentina national team.

Throughout his career, Maradona achieved remarkable titles and accolades. He notably led the Argentina national team to victory in the FIFA World Cup twice, in 1986 and 1990. Maradona's incredible dribbling skills and creative abilities on the field were a sight to behold. His famous "Hand of God" goal and the subsequent mesmerizing solo goal against England in the quarter-finals of the 1986 World Cup solidified his status as a football legend. In 1986, he won the FIFA World Cup Best Player award, becoming one of the few players to receive this honor both with the national team and a club in the same year.

At the club level, Maradona left an indelible mark. He won three Serie A titles with Napoli, transforming the club into a formidable force in Italian football. His contributions to Barcelona and Boca Juniors were equally significant, with achievements and titles adding to his legacy. Maradona's ball control and overall football skills were considered among the best in the history of the game.

Despite personal challenges, Maradona's resilience and determination made him an icon in Argentina and around the world. His impact on the sport extended beyond his playing career, inspiring generations of football enthusiasts.

1. Pele - The Greatest Football Player in History

• Full name: Edson Arantes do Nascimento
• Nickname: Pelé
• Date of birth: October 23, 1940
• Place of birth: Três Corações, Minas Gerais, Brazil
• Position(s): Forward
• Club(s): Santos FC (Brazil), New York Cosmos (United States)
• Team: Brazil national team
• Achievements:
  • Three-time FIFA World Cup winner (1958, 1962, 1970) with Brazil
  • Scored a record 1,281 goals in his professional career
  • Named FIFA World Player of the Century in 1999
  • Inducted into the FIFA Hall of Fame

Pele is widely regarded as the all-time best footballer. The Brazilian football legend has left an indelible mark on the sport with an illustrious career playing for Santos FC and the Brazil national team.

The King of Football achieved remarkable titles and records during his prime. He was a key player in the Brazil national team's success, helping them win the FIFA World Cup three times in 1958, 1962, and 1970. Notably, he scored the youngest goal in a World Cup final at the age of 17. Pele's contribution to the national team was exceptional, with a total of 77 goals in 92 matches.

At the club level, Pele had a prolific goal-scoring record for Santos FC, finding the back of the net a staggering 1,281 times in 1,363 matches. He secured six Campeonato Brasileiro Série A titles and two Copa Libertadores titles with Santos FC. Additionally, Pele ventured to the United States to play for the New York Cosmos in the NASL league from 1975 to 1977, further expanding his global impact.

Pele is renowned for his exceptional skills, including his dribbling, shooting, and superb free-kick ability. His technical prowess, speed, and agility set him apart from his peers and solidified his status as one of the greatest players in football history. Pele's contributions to the game have made him an icon and a sports legend, particularly in Brazil.

Beyond his playing career, Pele has been actively involved in charitable activities and has made significant contributions to social projects in his homeland. His dedication to making a positive impact off the field further exemplifies his status as a role model and beloved figure in Brazil and worldwide.

Criteria for evaluating the greatest footballers of all time

Evaluating the greatest football player in history is not only based on the number of titles but also takes into account various criteria such as:

Technical ability and creativity: A great player must have the ability to control the ball, be creative, and perform complex technical movements on the field.

Achievements and contributions to the team: A great player must have outstanding achievements in their career and make significant contributions to their team. National championships, continental cups, and the World Cup are important titles for evaluating a player.

Influence and fame: A great player must have a significant influence on the field and within the football community. They must also have fame and widespread influence among spectators and fans.

Playing time and endurance: A great player must have the ability to perform at a high level for a long period of time and face challenging situations on the field.

Dedication and impact on football: A great player is not only defined by their achievements and talent on the field but also by how they contribute to football and impact the football community both nationally and internationally.

Conclusion

The above list summarizes the 5 world’s greatest footballers of all time, ranked. Do you agree with our rankings? Are there any other players you believe deserve to be in this top 5? Please leave a comment!

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