Best soccer players in the world: We have compiled an exclusive ranking of the greatest soccer players of all time. Throughout history, certain players have astounded the world with their extraordinary skills and incredible talent.
Who is the best soccer player of all time? There are many football’s great. However, based on their achievements, impact on the game, and overall skill, here is a list of 10 best footballers who are widely regarded as some of the greatest players in history
10. Ronaldo
- Country: Brazil
- Position: Striker
- Club Goals: 352 (518 Matches)
- International Goals: 62 (98 Matches)
Often referred to as “the original Ronaldo” to distinguish him from Cristiano Ronaldo, the Brazilian forward was a prolific goalscorer and won two World Cups with Brazil. He possessed incredible speed, skill, and finishing ability. No doubt, he is one of the best soccer players of all time.
9. Zinedine Zidane
- Country: France
- Position: Attacking Midfielder
- Club Goals: 125 (695 Matches)
- International Goals: 31 (108 Matches)
- Ballon d’Or: 1
Zidane was a graceful and technically gifted player. One of the greatest footballers who won the World Cup and European Championship with France. He achieved great success with Juventus and Real Madrid and is known for his ability to dictate games.
8. Michel Platini
- Country: France
- Position: Midfielder
- Club Goals: 312 (580 Matches)
- International Goals: 41 (73 Matches)
- Ballon d’Or: 3
A creative and intelligent midfielder, Platini enjoyed success with both Saint-Étienne and Juventus. He won three consecutive Ballon d’Or awards and led France to victory in the 1984 European Championship. Another great football player from France.
7. Alfredo Di Stéfano
- Country: Argentina / Columbia / Spain
- Position: Forward
- Club Goals: 480 (669 Matches)
- International Goals: 29 (37 Matches)
- Ballon d’Or: 2
Di Stéfano played for both Argentina and Spain and achieved great success with Real Madrid in the 1950s and 1960s. He won numerous European Cups and was a versatile and prolific forward. Ranked 7th amongst best soccer players of all time.
6. Franz Beckenbauer
- Country: West Germany
- Position: Central Defender
- Club Goals: 98 (754 Matches)
- International Goals: 14 (103 Matches)
- Ballon d’Or: 1
Known as “Der Kaiser,” Beckenbauer was a central figure in the dominant German national team of the 1970s. He won the World Cup as both a player and a coach and was renowned for his elegant and composed style of play.
See also: The 10 best women footballers in the world.
5. Johan Cruyff
- Country: Netherlands
- Position: Forward / Attacking Midfielder
- Club Goals: 400 (713 Matches)
- International Goals: 33 (48 Matches)
- Ballon d’Or: 3
Considered one of the best European football players of all time. Cruyff’s innovative style of play and leadership skills revolutionized the game. He won three Ballon d’Or awards and was the driving force behind Ajax and the Dutch national team in the 1970s.
4. Lionel Messi
- Country: Argentina
- Position: Forward
- Club Goals: 715 (885 Matches)
- International Goals: 102 (174 Matches)
- Jersey Number: 10 (club & Country)
- Ballon d’Or: 7
Messi has won numerous Ballon d’Or awards and holds multiple records for FC Barcelona. His incredible dribbling, vision, and goal-scoring ability have earned him a place among the greats. Ranked 4th positin on best soccer players of all time.
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3. Cristiano Ronaldo
- Country: Portugal
- Position: Forward
- Club Goals: 715 (970 Matches)
- International Goals: 122 (198 Matches)
- Jersey Number: 7 (club & Country)
- Ballon d’Or: 5
A prolific goal scorer, one of the best soccer players of all time. Ronaldo has achieved success with multiple clubs, including Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus. He has won multiple Ballon d’Or awards and is known for his athleticism and incredible work ethic. Cristiano ranked higher then Messi because of his impact on the sport and fan following.
See also: Cristiano Ronaldo Net Worth 2023.
2. Diego Maradona
- Country: Argentina
- Position: Attacking Midfielder / Second Striker
- Club Goals: 311 (589 Matches)
- International Goals: 34 (91 Matches)
Known for his mesmerizing dribbling skills, Maradona led Argentina to World Cup victory in 1986 and left an indelible mark on the sport. No doubt, he is one of the greates soccer players of all time.
See also: The 10 richest footballers 2023.
1. Pelé
- Country: Brazil
- Position: Forward / Attacking Midfielder
- Club Goals: 541 (560 Matches)
- International Goals: 77 (92 Matches)
Widely considered the best soccer player ever, Pelé won three World Cups with Brazil and scored over 1,000 career goals. He is the greatest footballer in the world of all time.
It’s important to note that this ranking is not ultimate, and there are many other legendary players who have made significant contributions to the sport. The rankings and inclusion of players may vary depending on their achievements, impact on the game, overall skill and some other perspectives.
Honorable Mentions
No discussion of the greatest soccer players of all time would be complete without acknowledging some of the football’s greats.
- Zico: Attacking midfielder, Brazil
- Eusébio: Striker, Portugal
- Marco van Basten: Striker, Netherlands
- Garrincha: Winger, Brazil
- Dennis Bergkamp: Forward, Netherlands
- Rivaldo: Attacking midfielder, forward, Brazil
- Gerd Müller: Striker, Germany
- Romário: Striker, Brazil
- Giuseppe Meazza: Forward, Italy
- Xavi: Central midfielder, Spain
- Ronaldinho: Attacking midfielder, Brazil
- Andrés Iniesta: Attacking midfielder, Spain
- Andrea Pirlo: Central midfielder, Italy
Possible Future Additions
When considering the future additions to the list of all-time greatest soccer players, several current players are making a compelling case for inclusion. These individuals showcase remarkable talent and have the potential to leave a lasting impact on the sport. Some notable players who could potentially join this esteemed list in the future include:
- Kylian Mbappé: Forward, France
- Neymar: Forward, Brazil
- Mohamed Salah: Forward, Egypt
Cristiano Ronaldo’s total career goals for club and country
Ronaldo is widely considered one of the greatest soccer players as well as goal scorers of all time. He has scored a total of 837 goals throughout his career for both club and country. Here is a breakdown of his goal tally by team:
| Team | Games | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Al Nassr | 19 | 14 |
| Manchester United | 346 | 145 |
| Juventus | 134 | 101 |
| Real Madrid | 438 | 450 |
| Sporting CP | 31 | 5 |
| Portugal | 198 | 122 |
| Total | 1166 | 837 |
These numbers demonstrate Ronaldo’s remarkable goal-scoring ability and his contributions to every team he has played for, as well as his achievements with the Portuguese national team.
Lionel Messi career goals in total for club and country
Lionel Messi has scored a total of 806 goals throughout his career for both club and country. Here is a breakdown of his goal tally by team:
| Team | Games | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Barcelona | 778 | 672 |
| PSG | 75 | 32 |
| Argentina | 174 | 102 |
| Total | 1027 | 806 |
These numbers highlight Messi’s incredible goal-scoring prowess and his immense contributions to Barcelona and the Argentine national team. While he has recently joined PSG, his goal tally with the club is still growing. Messi’s career goals reflect his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time.