Top 10 Greatest Soccer Players in History – 2023 Rankings (All Times)
It takes a great set of skills for a Soccer Player to change the course of history. With Passion, consistency dedication, and commitment, many soccer players have set up records in the history of the game.
Many of these Soccer Players went on to become the best player ever to play for their nation. Others, went past them to be the greatest Soccer Players ever. Today, we will be talking about the Top 10 Greatest Soccer players of all time.
[su_note note_color=”#fffb76″ text_color=”#000000″ radius=”8″]Top 10 Greatest Soccer Players | All-Time Best Footballers[/su_note]
From Pele to Eusebio many legendary soccer players became icons of the sport in their country. With their hard work and passion for the game, they set up many records in soccer. Their leadership skills joined with their creativity, smart and elegant style of play led their nations to victory many times in history. Here are the Top 10 Greatest Soccer Players of all time.
#1. Pele – Brazil
Legendary Brazillian Footballer Edson Arantes do Nascimento also known as Pele takes the top spot on our list. He is also labeled as The Greatest by FIFA for his enormous contributions to the game. He remained one of the most successful and popular sportsmen in the 20th century.
Named as The Athlete of the century, he was also included in Time’s list of 100 most influential people in the 20th century. He won the FIFA Player of the century award in 2000.
[su_quote style=”flat-blue”]During his career, Pele scored 1279 goals in 1363 games and set a Guinness World Record. He started his Professional football career with Santos in 1956 and scored 569 goals for the club till 1974. One Year later, he joined New York Cosmos and scored 37 goals in 64 goals till 1977 for his second club.[/su_quote]
Not only this, but Pele also represented Brazil in International games and scored 77 goals in his 92 appearances between 1957 and 1971. During its time, he won three FIFA World Cups for Brazil in 1958, 1962, and 1970. Pele received FIFA World Cup Golden Ball (Best Player) in 1970. Not only this but he was also awarded Ballon d’Or 7 times in his career.
In 2012, he was declared the Greatest Player to ever play the game by Golden Foot. Not only this but he was also named in World Soccer Greatest XI of All Time in 2013. On top of that, he won a total of 38 trophies for his clubs and Brazil.
With such stunning stats, Pele undoubtedly is the Greatest Soccer player of all time. Therefore, he deserves the top spot on our list.
#2. Lionel Messi – Argentina
Argentinian Football captain Lionel Messi takes the 2nd spot on our list. He is regarded as the best player in the world and also considered one of the greatest football players of all time. Messi currently plays as a forward for Paris Saint Germain and also represents Argentina’s National Team.
Leo Messi started his professional football career with Barcelona C in 2003. One year later, he joined the Barcelona B team and due to his amazing performances, he was selected for the major Barcelona team the same year. He remained with the Spanish football club till 2021 and scored 474 goals in 520 appearances for the club. Recently, he moved to Paris Saint Germain after spending 16 years with Barcelona.
[su_quote style=”flat-blue”]Messi debuted for Argentina in 2005 and continues to serve the team even now. He has scored 80 goals in 158 appearances for his national team. During this time, he also won the Copa America 2021 as well.[/su_quote]
Leo Messi accounts for 10 La Liga titles, 7 Copa Del Rey titles, 4 UEFA Championship leagues, and three FIFA Club World Cups for LA Liga. Not only this, but he has also won Ballon d’Or 7 times and claimed European Golden Shoe 6 times. Apart from it, Leo Messi also was declared FIFA World Player of the year in 2009. He has 12 Argentinian PLayer of the year awards to his name as well.
With such amazing stats above, Lionel Messi surely deserves his place on our list of the Greatest Soccer Players of all time.
#3. Diego Maradona – Argentina
Late Argentine Soccer Player Diego Maradona takes the third spot on our list. He is regarded as the Best Soccer Player and one of the greatest players of all time. He won the FIFA Player of the 20th Century award in 2000. During his career, he became famous for the free-kick specialties. Maradona was nicknamed El Pibe de Oro” (“The Golden Boy”) due to his excellent soccer skills.
He received FIFA World Youth Championship Golden Ball in 1979. Moreover, Maradona also won the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball in 1986. Not only this but he was also named in FIFA World Cup All-Star Team twice in1986 and 1990. Maradonna also won the Ballon d’Or two times in his career in 1986, and 1990.
[su_quote style=”flat-blue”]He was awarded Golden Foot in 2003 as a Football Legend. In addition, Maradonna also was named in FIFA 100 Greatest Living Legends in 2004. In 2014, he was inducted into the Italian Football Hall of fame.[/su_quote]
During his career, Diego Maradona won 2 Copa Del Rey Titles, 2 Serie A titles, and UEFA Cup 1988. Not only this, but he also led Argentina to the victory in FIFA World Cup 1986. With such stunning stats above, Diego Maradona is definitely one of the greatest Soccer Players of all time.
#4. Cristiano Ronaldo – Portugal
Portuguese Star Soccer Player Cristiano Ronaldo also makes our list at the 4th spot. He is regarded as the best Football Player in the world and also regarded as one of the greatest Soccer players of all time. Ronaldo plays as a forward for Manchester United and also captains Portugal National team.
He has won a total of Ballon d’Or awards, and four European Golden Shoes. Not only this, but he also accounts for a total of 32 trophies so far in his career.
[su_quote style=”flat-blue”]His highest achievements also include 3 Premier League titles, 5 UEFA Champions Leagues, UEFA European Championship 2016, and UEFA Nations League 2018. Apart from this, he has also made over 1,100 professional career appearances for club and country and has scored more than 790 official senior career goals.[/su_quote]
Ronaldo was declared FIFA World Best Player of the year in 2008. Not only this, but he also was the Serie A Player of the year award in 2019 and 2020. With all his marvelous achievements in football, Ronaldo surely earns his name on our list of the Greatest Soccer Players ever.
#5. Zinedine Zidane – France
Former French Professional Soccer Player Zinedine Zidane grabs the 5th spot on our list. Zidane is also known as Zizou and he is one of the most successful football coaches in the world right now. During his career, he played as an attacking midfielder and was known as one of the greatest players of all time.
Zidane won FIFA World Player of the year thrice in his career (1998, 2000, and 20003). He also received Ballon d’Or in 1998. Not only this but he also was named in FIFA XI List in 1997, 1998, 2000, 2002. Apart from it, he was also listed in World Soccer Greatest XI of All Time in 2013.
[su_quote style=”flat-blue”]During his career, Zidane won 2 Serie A titles, UEFA Super Cup 1996, La Liga 2002, and UEFA Champions League 2001. Not only this, but he also led France to the victory in FIFA World Cup 1998. Zizou made 108 appearances for France and scored 31 goals during his career.[/su_quote]
Therefore, Zinedine Zidane respectfully deserves his name to be on our list of the Greatest Soccer Players of all time.
#6. Johan Cruyff – Netherland
Late Dutch Professional Soccer Player Johan Cruyff also makes it on our list at the 6th spot. He is regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time and one of the best managers ever. During his time, he won Ballon d’Or thrice in 1971, 1973, and 1974.
But that’s not just the only achievement of Johan in Soccer. He was also declared Dutch Footballer of the year thrice and Dutch Sportsman of the year twice in his career. However, his biggest achievement is winning the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball in 1974. Later, he was also listed in the FIFA 100. In 2013, Johan was named in the World Soccer’s Greatest XI of all time.
[su_quote style=”flat-blue”]Johan Cruyff won 8 Eredivise titles, 5 KNVB Cups, 3 European Cups, and Intercontinental Cup 1972 during his time with Ajax. Not only this, he also represented Barcelona and won La Liga 1973 and Copa Del Rey 1977 for the club. One of his biggest achievements is to represent the Netherlands in FIFA World Cup 1974. Unfortunately, he could not win it for his nation.[/su_quote]
Nevertheless, Johan Cruyff achieved so many records as a Profesional Soccer Player in his career. Therefore, he rightfully deserves his name on our list.
#7. Alfredo Di Stéfano – Argentina
Legendary Argentine-born Professional Soccer Player Alfredo Di Stefano earns the 7th spot on our list. He is regarded as one of the best footballers of all time. He played International Soccer for three countries including Argentina, Spain, and Colombia. Di Stefano mostly played football with Real Madrid and he is best remembered for his performances with the club.
Alfredo Di Stefano won Ballon d’Or twice in 1957 and 1959. He was the European Cup Top two times in 1958 and 1962. Not only this but he was also awarded Spanish player of the year four times in his career. Stefano was also named in World Soccer World XI 5 times. He was included in The FIFA 100 list in 2004. Later, he received the Golden Foot award as a football legend in 2004.
[su_quote style=”flat-blue”]During his career, Alfredo Di Stefano won 8 La Liga titles, 5 European Cups, 2 Latin Cups, 3 Small Club World Cups. Apart from it, he also won the South American Championship 1947 for Argentina. From 1957 to 1962, he also represented Spain in 31 appearances and scored 23 goals for his third Soccer country.[/su_quote]
No doubt, Alfredo Di Stefano was a legend during his playing days. Now, he must join our list of greatest football players of all time.
#8. Franz Beckenbauer – Germany
German Former Professional Soccer Player Franz Beckenbauer claims the 8th spot on our list. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest soccer players in the history of the sport. During his career, he played as midfielder and Central Defender. Beckenbauer is often credited with the invention of the role of the modern sweeper.
Franz Beckenbauer was nicknamed Der Kaiser (“The Emperor”) due to his elegant playing style. He won two Ballon d’Or awards in 1972 and 1976. Not only this, he also remained German Footballer of the year four times. Franz was awarded FIFA World Cup Best Young Player Award in 1966. He was also named in FIFA XI in 1968.
[su_quote style=”flat-blue”]In 2004, Beckenbauer was listed in FIFA 100. He also received Golden Foot in 2010 as a football legend. Not only this but he was also named in World Soccer Greatest XI of all time in 2013.[/su_quote]
Franz won 4 Bundesliga titles, 4 DFB Pokal titles, three European Cups, and Intercontinental Cup 1976 during his time with Bayern Munich. He also represented West Germany in FIFA World Cup 1974 and won the trophy for his nation.
After his retirement, The Emperor became a football coach and now he passes his knowledge about soccer to the youngsters.
#9. Gerd Müller – Germany
Late German Professional footballer Gerd Muller also joins our list at the 9th spot. He is regarded as one of the greatest goalscorers in the history of the sport. During his career, he played as a striker for different clubs and his country.
Muller represented West Germany from 1966 to 1974 in 62 International Soccer appearances and scored 68 goals for his country. He spent most of his career with Bayern Munich, scoring 398 goals in 453 appearances during a career span of 16 years. He holds the record for most goals in Bundesliga with his 365 goals.
[su_quote style=”flat-blue”]Gerd was nicknamed Bomber der Nation” (“the nation’s Bomber”) or simply “Der Bomber. He won the Ballon d’Or in 1970. Not only this, but he also became German Footballer of the year twice in 1967 and 1969. Moreover, he also claimed the European Golden Shoe two times in 1970, and 1972.[/su_quote]
Gerd Muller won FIFA World Cup, Golden Boot, in 1970. He was named in The FIFA 100 in 2004. Apart from it, he also received Goolden Foot as a Football legend in 2007.
Gerd Muller won the 4 Bundesliga, 4 DFB PoKal, 3 European Cups, and Intercontinental Cup 1976 for west Germany. Not only this, but he also won the FIA World Cup 1974 for West Germany. Therefore, he earns his respectful place on our list of greatest footballers of all time.
#10. Eusebio – Portugal
Finally, Mozambican-born Portuguese professional footballer, Eusebio makes the last spot on our list. He is considered one of the greatest football players of all time. and S.L. Benfica’s greatest ever played. He was nicknamed Black Panther, the Black Pearl, and o Rei (the King). Eusebio earned his name for his athleticism, techniques, and Speed that made him a Profolic player during his career.
After starting his professional Football career with Sporting Lourenço Marques in 1957, he joined the Portugal National Football team in 1961. During his career, he played for 10 Football Clubs. Eusebio lead Portugal to third place in FIFA World Cup 1966.
[su_quote style=”flat-blue”]He won Ballon d’Or in 1965 and also received European Golden Shoe in1968 (first winner) and1973. Eusebio was the top scorer at European Cup in 1965, 1966, and 1968. He won FIFA World Cup, Golden Boot, in 1966. Moreover, he was also listed in the FIFA 100 and also won the Golden Foot Legends Award in 2003.[/su_quote]
One of the Greatest Football Players to ever play the game, Eusebio undoubtedly was one of the greatest Footballers of all time.
