#10 Alfredo di Stefano
Alfredo di Stefano, a pivotal figure in the dominance of Real Madrid, led the team to clinch eight La Liga titles within a decade. Despite finishing second in the Ballon d’Or rankings in 1956, he later claimed the prestigious award in 1957 and 1959. Known for his remarkable goal-scoring prowess, di Stefano netted 308 goals for Real Madrid, establishing himself as the leading scorer in the club’s illustrious history at that time. Notably, he represented both Spain and Argentina at the international level during his career, showcasing his versatility and talent on the global stage. Even today, only Raul Gonzalez, Karim Benzema, and Cristiano Ronaldo have surpassed di Stefano’s goal-scoring records in the iconic white shirt of Real Madrid.
#9 Ronaldo
Ronaldo, widely known as R9, showcased immense talent despite facing challenges throughout his career. Representing top clubs in Italy and Spain, he earned universal admiration, a testament to his status as a two-time World Cup and Ballon d’Or winner. One of Ronaldo’s career highlights occurred during the memorable 2002 World Cup final, where he scored twice to lead Brazil to a 2-0 victory over Germany. Although his illustrious career slowed down in his later years, marked by a stint with Corinthians in Brazil, Ronaldo remains an enduring figure in football history.
#8 Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Zidane’s career cannot be defined solely by a heartbreaking red card in a World Cup final loss. Even in that game, his brilliance shone through with a panenka to put his team in the lead against Italy. Widely hailed as one of the greatest midfielders of all time, Zidane’s remarkable skill and power have solidified his legacy in football history. His recognition as the highest-ranked French player in history, surpassing even the likes of Thierry Henry, underscores his unparalleled influence on the game. With a top-ten finish on the list of all-time greats, Zidane stands as the epitome of excellence in central midfield.
#7 Franz Beckenbauer
Franz Beckenbauer, rated higher on this list than any other defender globally, epitomizes the ideal center-back with his versatile skill set. Winning two Ballon d’Or awards, a rarity for defenders, alongside numerous domestic and international trophies, solidifies his place among football’s elite. Beckenbauer’s legacy extends beyond his defensive prowess, as he is widely regarded as the greatest German player of all time, surpassing even Muller. Despite the current challenges faced by the German national team, Beckenbauer’s status remains unchallenged. Throughout his career, he secured league titles in Germany, France, and America, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. His recent passing in early 2024 sparked emotional yet remarkable tributes to the iconic defender.
#6 Ferenc Puskás
Ferenc Puskás, regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, shares a prestigious award named in his honor, akin to Yashin. Originating from Hungary, Puskás achieved remarkable success as a prolific striker, notably during his tenure with Spanish powerhouse, Real Madrid. He amassed an impressive tally of 201 goals in 231 appearances for the La Liga giants. Few strikers in football history enjoy a higher level of esteem than Puskás, who, despite representing Hungary for the majority of his career, also made notable contributions to the Spanish national team. His tenure at Real Madrid saw him play a pivotal role in securing five La Liga titles, emerging as the top scorer in the league for three seasons. Additionally, Puskás played a significant part in Real Madrid’s triumphant campaigns in three European Cups during his tenure, further solidifying his status as a footballing icon.
#5 Johan Cruyff
Johan Cruyff, credited with inventing the renowned ‘Cruyff turn,’ revolutionized the game with his technical brilliance. Unlike many players, Cruyff effortlessly combined technical mastery with entertainment value, captivating audiences worldwide. Although he never lifted the World Cup, Cruyff’s illustrious career saw him claim numerous league titles with Ajax and Barcelona. His unparalleled footballing intellect distinguished him as one of the sport’s greatest minds. Transitioning seamlessly from player to manager, Cruyff’s managerial success underscored his profound understanding of the game. A genius both on and off the pitch, Cruyff’s legacy continues to shape the footballing world, even after his untimely passing in 2016.
#4 Diego Maradona
A significant event occurred in December 2022, briefly overshadowing Maradona’s status as one of the greatest players of all time. For decades, Maradona and Pele were at the center of the debate for the title of the best player ever. However, the emergence of two other players has stirred the discussion. Nevertheless, Maradona’s legacy remains untarnished, particularly due to his pivotal role in Argentina’s 1986 World Cup triumph. Napoli’s recent league title victory in the 2022/23 season, their first since Maradona’s era, further solidifies his impact, with the Italian club even naming their stadium after him. Despite his passing in 2020, Maradona’s legacy continues to thrive, bolstered by such honors.
#3 Pele
Despite Pele’s unfortunate passing towards the end of 2022, his impact on the football world will endure indefinitely. Countless Brazilian players have looked up to him, a testament to his immense talent and influence. Pele’s legendary status as the King of Brazilian football is cemented by his remarkable goal-scoring feats, which remain incredibly impressive to this day.
Although controversies surround Pele’s goal record, one thing is certain: he scored an extraordinary number of goals. While he may have received the bronze medal in this ranking, there’s still a compelling argument for Pele to be considered the greatest player of all time. Many from the older generation firmly believe so, especially considering his outstanding performances on the international stage, where he became the first teenager to score in a World Cup final.
#2 Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo continues to showcase his talent in the professional arena, currently representing Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players in history, Ronaldo boasts an impressive five Ballon d’Or awards, a feat surpassed only by a certain Argentine forward. His evolution over the past two decades has been nothing short of remarkable, transitioning from a rapid winger with an array of skill moves to the most prolific scorer in football history, with an astounding tally of over 800 goals. Ronaldo’s significance to both club and country was epitomized by his achievements, including five Champions League titles and leading Portugal to victory in the 2016 Euros.
#1 Lionel Messi
Last but certainly not least, the significant event referenced in December 2022 marked a triumphant World Cup victory for Messi and Argentina. This elusive trophy had long evaded the grasp of the football magician throughout his illustrious career. With an impressive haul of eight Ballon d’Or awards, four Champions League titles, and 10 La Liga championships, Messi’s trophy cabinet overflows with accolades. To many, the Inter Miami star stands as the greatest football player of all time, a sentiment echoed by a vast majority. Messi’s career is studded with countless records, perhaps none more astonishing than his 91 goals in the calendar year of 2012—a feat unlikely to be surpassed anytime soon. His mesmerizing ability to glide past defenders and evade tackles never failed to captivate audiences, consistently eliciting excitement and applause from fans around the globe.