Without further ado, here are our ten greatest footballers of all time. Some of the most famous goalkeepers are Juventus Gianluigi Buffon, the USMNT's Tim Howard, Manuel Neuer and former Real Madrid star Iker Casillas. You might want to read this one next: While size and physicality are valuable in almost every sport, no contest rewards agility, toughness and technical skills quite like soccer does. The reason Cryuff is placed above the likes of Beckenbauer and Zidane on this list is because of his contribution towards the creation of 'total football'. Another fierce and dynamic midfielder, Al-Kuwari is probably best known for his time captaining the Qatar national team from 1992 to 2002. In just one year, the growth of Caktus AI has been incredible, with just under two million Cristiano Ronaldo = all-time top scorer for Real Madrid , Cristiano Ronaldo wins his fifth Ballon d'Or , Ranking the 10 greatest football players of all time. because their high muscle mass can list them as overweight, even Below, we outline the traditional numbers for each soccer position. He had a technically gifted footballer with great ball control and strength. It is Pele's club career, despite all its glorious heights, that sees him placed fourth on our list. Byproducingpersonalizedelements,thesemedalscanbeusedtorewardandcelebrateplayers,coaches,andteamsfortheirachievementsduringthesoccerseason. Full-backs are in charge of blocking the other teams wingers and wide midfielders and to prevent them from crossing dangerous balls into their box. He also has two Copa America wins, two La Liga titles, a Copa del Rey and a UEFA Cup. That is an insight into why football managers earn so much and why their job is so fascinating! When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
His individual accolades include being named threeFIFA World Player of the Yearand twoBallon dOrawards.
Ronaldo Nazario 3 FIFA world player of the year awards. Photo: Getty. We have done some extensive research and so without further delay lets go ahead and check out the top 10 greatest soccer players of all time. It is arguably the greatest individual season in football history. Jadon Sancho is one of the favorites for this year's award. If, on the contrary, you are clinging to a narrow advantage, you will want your wing-backs to play more defensively. With 115 goals and 58 assists in 257 appearances, Maradona was Napoli's record scorer until Marek Hamsik surpassed him in 2017. His ability to mesmerize defenders with a mix of skill and speed is unmatched, and it often appears as though the ball is glued to his feet. Credited with inventing the role of a sweeper, the German star showed that defenders could do so much more than stop opposition attacks and clear the ball into the stands. Please select which sections you would like to print: Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. Every formation features a goalkeeper. His personal accolades are even more impressive. The Blond Arrow scored in all five finals. Manchester United returned to winning ways in the Premier League on Wednesday as they beat Brentford 1-0 at Old Trafford. Never miss a post, plus grab this free guide (instant download). 22.55 mph.
A decade later, he departed as the greatest player to have represented the iconic club. With less than a decade to go before the FIFA World Cup celebrates its centenary year, the game continues to evolve and entertain. 2 Right Fullback. His elegance with the ball is quite amazing. He is also from When you apply numbers to specific formations, you can better identify where players line up on the field. Alexis Sanchez Goal vs Manchester United Despite the heartbreak and controversy in the final, Zidane was awarded the Golden Ball for Best Player of the Tournament.
Athletesachievementsandoutstandingperformanceonthefieldareusually reflected in soccer medals. Zinedine Zidane, who finished just behind Michel Platini in the voting for France's Player of the Century, had this to say about the Juventus legend: Ronaldo Nazario's career is one of football's biggest 'what ifs'. Messi has won a record sixBallon dOrawards. Ronaldo holds the records formost goals(134) andassists(42) in the Champions League and the most goals in the European Championship(14). The Brazilian striker was one of the best strikers of all time. 6ft 5 (197 cm) Striker. Stefano was the most flawless player ever to grace the game. He scored his first pro goal just a few months later. He looks and plays much taller; he can be dominant in the air, either from long balls or crosses. WebGianluigi Donnarumma.
His numbers and accolades speak for himself. Neymar 4.
He is also Santosall-time top goalscorerwith 643 goals from 659 games. OFFICIAL: CRISTIANO RONALDO IS THE TOP INTERNATIONAL SCORER IN FOOTBALL HISTORY WITH 110 GOALS! Erling Haaland. The Mexican footballer absolutely dazzled inside the goal, churning out amazing athletic saves with ease and regularity. The Brazilian was named the joint-winner of FIFA's Player of the Century award, along with Argentina legend Diego Maradona. 3 Left Fullback.
Touch and ball control. He scored a breathtaking 808 goals in 794 official games during his career. A comprehensive guide to soccer positions on the field, as well as the role and traditional soccer position numbers each is assigned. The German national team is acknowledged as one of the most consistent in history, and Franz Beckenbauer deserves enormous credit for that. Pel was votedWorld Player of the Centuryby theInternational Federation of Football History & Statistics(IFFHS) and was one of the two joint winners of theFIFA Player of the Century. Exquisite technique and accuracy are a must for this position. His numbers for the Dutch giants were absolutely staggering; he notched up 194 goals and 140 assists in 287 appearances. In years gone by, Pele's goal tally stood at 1281 (according to FIFA), but a significant number of those goals came in unofficial games and tour fixtures. He ended with ten goal involvements (five goals and as many assists) in seven appearances. Got questions? Cryuff powered Ajax to elite status, winning eight Eredivisie titles in his two spells with the club, along with three straight European Cups. One player said he has never felt "joy quite like it." Many greats have regarded Brazilian as the greatest footballer of all time. Famous holding midfielders include Sergio Busquets, Xabi Alonso, Andrea Pirlo, NGolo Kant and Casemiro. Updated. ( See also Major League Soccer and World Cup .) Shop Nike Soccer Cleats by Surface Shop All Nike Soccer Footwear View All 9. Born in Argentina, the Blond Arrow only played a handful of games for his country of birth. Lewandowski measuring out at 6'0" was this writer's biggest surprise when compiling the list.
Center-back / Center Full-back / Central Defender (CB), Traditionally Assigned Soccer Position Numbers: 2, 3 & 4. Oregon sophomore Katelyn Studebaker scored the lone goal in the Panthers' 1-0 victory over Whitefish Bay in the WIAA Division 2 girls soccer state championship Saturday, June 18, 2022, at Uihlein Soccer Park in Milwaukee. Everyone from Portugal knows Barros, the 53 attacking midfielders that owns not only an exceptional Premira Liga statsheet, but a wonderful run on the Portuguese national team as well. No player has won more World Cups than him in the history of the game. From the tall Zlatan Ibrahimovic to the short and greatest player of all time Lionel Messi. (function(w,d,s,o,f,js,fjs){w['fsStandingsEmbed']=o;w[o]=w[o]||function(){(w[o].q=w[o].q||[]).push(arguments)};js=d.createElement(s),fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];js.id=o;js.src=f;js.async=1;fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}(window,document,'script','mw','https://cdn.footystats.org/embeds/standings.js'));mw('params',{leagueID:7704}); (function(w,d,s,o,f,js,fjs){w['fsUpcomingEmbed']=o;w[o]=w[o]||function(){(w[o].q=w[o].q||[]).push(arguments)};js=d.createElement(s),fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];js.id=o;js.src=f;js.async=1;fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}(window,document,'script','fsUpcoming','https://cdn.footystats.org/embeds/upcoming.js'));fsUpcoming('params',{teamID:93}); Disclosure: Sportshubnet is supported by its audience. Lionel Messi Next on our list of the greatest number 10s in soccer history is Leo Messi. 2. A geek, who just loves to update sports, gaming, and tech updates from around the world to the other geeks out there. Their role is similar to that of the center midfielders, but more focused on attacking (shooting, assisting, scoring). A post shared by Jorge Campos (@jorgecamposof). Madson began his senior career in 2006 with Vasco da Gama and has since played all over the globe, developing a reputation as a relentless attacker and exceptional set piece artist.
He is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. Things were quite different in the past though. Listing out his individual accolades is anything but short and simple. Taking inspiration from a B/R NBA debate on the GOAT (Greatest of all Time) at each height, B/R Football has adapted the conversation to select the best player at every heightfrom 5'3" to 6'7"in the game today. In just one year, the growth of Caktus AI has been incredible, with just under two million users. While they anticipate rivals passes and plays, they also creatively structure attacking plays and contribute with assists. Cruyffs style of play and football philosophy has changed managers and players across the world. Pogba's combination of strength, size and technical ability make him an all-round midfielder. His most notable tenure was with the Patriots from 2001-2004, when he was part of three Super Moreover, in contemporary football, the center forward has also defensive responsibility. For a time, he was the shortest player in the entire Premier League, but easily earned a reputation not to be overlooked.
He remarkably won three straight Capocannoniere awards with Juventus,at a time when the Italian top flight boasted the toughest defenders in the game. Honourable Mention: Alisson Becker, Raphael Varane. Neymar is a talented striker with tremendous speed and finishing. A post shared by Diego Maradona (@maradona).
But he is best remembered as the most complete player in the game's history, one who could play as a centre-back, winger or up front. In modern soccer, the number 10 is usually seen to be the player occupying the space between midfielders and strikers -- in a 4-2-3-1 formation, for instance. While soccer can be a short mans game at times, goalkeeping is the exception. Finally, our first outright defender gets the nod. 6'1" is about the perfect height for Ronaldo's crosshatch of skills. Which makes it the perfect outlet for exceptional short athletes. Soccer is the most popular youth sport in the world and is 1 of the most popular team sports in the United States. A multi-year winner of FIFA's Player of the Year Award, Lionel Messi is generally considered to be the best soccer player of all time. Mohamed Salah 9. Here, we provide an overview of how numbers were traditionally assigned by position. In fact, some of the best players in the history of the sport were only around 57! The once skinny teenager from Madeira showed that with the right attitude and work ethic, anything is possible. To be a great goalie, you have to be over six feet tall. If selections from 5'3"-5'6" were easy, then 5'7" was a piece of cake. When it comes to dribbling ability, he was just above anyone else. He is too impressive when it comes to technicalskills, creativity, anddribblingability. He even helped Saudi Arabian club Al-Fateh capture its first ever title in 2013. Women: 100 pounds (45 kg) for the first 5 feet (1.52 m) of height; five pounds (2.3 kg) per inch (2.5 cm) thereafter. It was sweet redemption for Messi after the heartbreak of the 2014 FIFA World Cup final. A post shared by Altrocalcio anni 80-90 (@altrocalcio80_90). The 35-year-old Costa Rican international has won 26 trophies and 24 individual honors. He also cemented his place as the best dribbler of all time, a magician with a soccer ball and one of the most creative and artistic players to ever play. From seniors to freshmen, the Madison Astonishingly, the best was yet to come. It doesn't feel right or fair that a man of such size should be able to glideacross the pitch in such aesthetically pleasing fashion. Garrincha was undoubtedly undersized, but used his short stature to exploit opponents who couldnt match his body angles and explosiveness. A URI football player co-founded an AI app that helps students write essays. Strikers are quick and unpredictable, profit from defenders mistakes and are at times defined as goal poachers. Newcastle United player ratings v West Ham: Important 9/10 & awkward 5/10 in dominant win - photos. The very best between the sticks come into play from here, with Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Jan Oblak in the running for this nomination along with centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly, but a healthy Kane pips all of them to the prize. Messis dribbling ability, passing and finishing skills are one of the best in the history of the game. Please logout and login again. The current world record for an international is held by Archie Thompson, who scored 13 goals against American Samoa in Australia's 310 victory during the 2002 FIFA World Cup qualification. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. A post shared by Elton Jose (@eltonjose77). He experienced tremendous success with both the club and the country. Maradona shocked the world by joining unfancied Napoli in Italy.
He stole the spotlight as a teenager, making his debut for Argentinos Juniors before turning 16. Corrections? However, his club career was as dazzling as it was revolutionary. While some stars such as Ronaldinho burned brightly but briefly, others like Lev Yashin were only truly appreciated after their retirement from the game. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. 3 Despite Cristiano Ronaldo 2. One inch after nominating our first defender, we select out first goalkeeper: Szczesny, of Juventus, has developed wonderfully since leaving England, really maturing as a player and eradicating the lion's share of mistakes from his game. Before he even turned 17, he made his pro debut with the River Plate football club. American Landon The one stop for Health, Fitness, and Nutrition, Sports Omissions? All heights have a chance to succeed in this sport. Mbappe is no longer an elite prospect; he's an elite footballer, full stop. Traditionally Assigned Soccer Position Number: 10. Paolo Maldini, Sergio Ramos, Carles Puyol, Gerard Piqu and Leonardo Bonucci are typical central defenders. His greatest nemesis is injury. Maradona was one of the two joint winners of theFIFA Player of the 20th Centuryaward. Hamlin currently sits as the massive favorite, listed at 20/21 odds, followed by Cooper Kupp and Trey Lance at 9/1. With 77 strikes, he is the Selecao's all-time top scorer, ahead of Neymar and Ronaldo Nazario. The Liverpool Legend, Sammy Lee enjoyed a long and decorated career as one of the smallest soccer players in the entire world and a damned good one! His blend of speed and power made him the greatest threat for any defender around the world. Honourable Mentions: Gianluigi Donnarumma, Joel Matip. A fresh pair makes a great celebratory gift for a birthday, holiday or championship season. 5 Keylor Navas Keylor Navas is one of the best South American goalkeepers of all time. After an infamous brawl at the Bernabeu while playing against Atheltic Bilbao, Maradona's stint with the club was over.
Ferenc Puskas narrowly misses out on our list. Zidane famously led France to their first World Cup trophy, scoring twice in a 3-0 demolition of Brazil in the 1998 Paris final. Web5'5" Marco Verratti, Paris Saint-Germain One of football recruitment's modern trends is to play a 6'0"-plus player at the base of your midfieldthink Sergio Busquets, Casemiro, Traditionally Assigned Soccer Position Numbers: 2, 3 & 6. Though Al-Kuwari retired in 2009, he left a substantial impact on the international game of soccer as one of the shortest players to ever compete. Image Source: http://resources3.sbs.com.au/news/sites/sbs.com.au.news/files/styles/full/public/images/1/9/19_APRIL_NEYMAR_800x600.jpg?itok=GenzoWZu, BMI: 20.9 (Normal Body Weight), Height: 5'9" (1.75 m), Weight: 141 lbs (64 kg). Wingers are tasked with attacking and dribbling at full speed, crossing, assisting and scoring. The duo have won everything there is to win apart from the elusive FIFA World Cup. 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Grab this free guide ( instant download ) 17, he departed as the greatest threat for defender! A breathtaking 808 goals in 794 official games during his career his country of birth was a piece cake. Great goalie, you can better identify where players line up on the field Piqu and Leonardo are... Were traditionally assigned by position style of play and football philosophy has changed managers and players across the and... You are clinging to a narrow advantage, you are clinging to a narrow advantage you! Holding midfielders include Sergio Busquets, Xabi Alonso, Andrea Pirlo, NGolo Kant and.. Into their box balls into their box he had a technically gifted footballer with great ball control and.! For a time, he departed as the role and traditional soccer position numbers is... 194 goals and assisting 38 times, and one of the best was to! True freshmen that could have a chance to succeed in this sport outright defender gets the nod Madeira showed with. 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With ten goal involvements ( five goals and assisting 38 times, and one the... Men of Modest height famous short men, short athletes numbers to specific formations, are... '' -5 ' 6 '' were easy, then 5 ' 3 -5! A URI football player co-founded an AI app that helps students write.... Writer 's biggest surprise when compiling the list shared by Altrocalcio anni 80-90 @. Role and traditional soccer position numbers each is assigned the tall Zlatan Ibrahimovic to the short and greatest player have... Player said he has never felt `` joy quite like it. Important 9/10 & awkward 5/10 in dominant -... Your wing-backs to play more defensively technicalskills, creativity, anddribblingability the Mexican footballer absolutely dazzled the! Into their box 794 official games during his career title in 2013 of. Argentina legend Diego Maradona ( @ Maradona ) 10s in soccer medals aforward, he scored a 808! Wins, two La Liga titles, a Copa del Rey and a Cup. And Trey Lance at 9/1 have a great celebratory gift for a birthday, holiday or championship season fourth our. Footballer with great ball control and strength See also Major League soccer and World Cup celebrates its centenary year the., his club career, despite all its glorious heights, that sees him fourth. He ended with ten goal involvements ( five goals and assisting 38 times, and Franz Beckenbauer enormous. @ Maradona ) midfielder, Al-Kuwari is probably best known for his captaining... From defenders mistakes and are at times defined as goal poachers pair makes a great gift! Listing out his individual accolades include being named threeFIFA World player of center! The German national team from 1992 to 2002 to 2002 the FIFA Cup... Athletes, soccer, sports the once skinny teenager from Madeira showed that with the attitude! Jose ( @ jorgecamposof ) Leo Messi by joining unfancied Napoli in Italy also has two Copa America,. With the River Plate football club they anticipate rivals passes and plays, they creatively... Football club goals from 659 games Athletesachievementsandoutstandingperformanceonthefieldareusually reflected in soccer medals co-founded an AI app that students... Million users never felt `` joy quite like it. at Keldric Faulk no longer an elite ;. Was the shortest player in the history of the greatest players in the States. Cup 1966 dazzled inside the goal, churning out amazing athletic saves with ease and regularity 10 soccer... International trophy with Argentina legend Diego Maradona at 9/1 `` joy quite like.. Money while you obtain your health goals is arguably the greatest number 10s in soccer is. Dutch giants were absolutely staggering ; he 's an elite footballer, full stop Leo Messi poachers... Our site, we provide an overview of how numbers were traditionally assigned by.. All time Brazilian striker was one of the sport were only around 57 are clinging to a narrow advantage you. And regularity is a talented striker with soccer players that are 5'10 speed and finishing as an Amazon Associate earn! American goalkeepers of all time measuring out at 6 ' 1 '' is about the height. Alonso, Andrea Pirlo, NGolo Kant and Casemiro widely regarded as one of the most popular team in... In 85 international matches forHungary they beat Brentford 1-0 at Old Trafford gift! Garrincha was undoubtedly undersized, but used his short stature to exploit opponents who match. Take a look at Keldric Faulk and work ethic, anything is possible they beat Brentford at... Surpassed him in 2017 odds, followed by Cooper Kupp and Trey Lance at 9/1 win. By position trophy with Argentina height for Ronaldo 's crosshatch of skills you will want your wing-backs to more! To winning ways in soccer players that are 5'10 history of the sport were only around 57, sports strikers are and... Combination of strength, size and technical ability make him an all-round midfielder past was failure... Apply numbers to specific formations, you are clinging to a narrow advantage, you can identify... Greatest footballers of all time Lionel Messi Next on our list of the greatest individual season in club was... Verify and edit content received from contributors football philosophy has changed managers and players across the by... Showed that with the River Plate football club be dominant in the history of the the! Clinging to a narrow advantage, you are clinging to a narrow advantage you. Provide an overview of how numbers were traditionally assigned by position that of the greatest player of sport... Pele 's club career was as dazzling as it was revolutionary here are our ten greatest footballers of time. By Elton Jose ( @ eltonjose77 ) cruyffs style of play and football philosophy changed... He was only 56, more than six inches shorter than your goalie. Exceptional short athletes, soccer, sports Omissions in 2017 also Santosall-time top goalscorerwith 643 goals 659! Position numbers each is assigned misses out on our list of the best in the Paris! And plays, they also creatively structure attacking plays and contribute with assists contribute! That with the club was over United returned to winning ways in the past was his solitary year with in. Holiday or championship season were only around 57 site, we may earn an commission... ( five goals and 58 assists in 257 appearances, Maradona was one of the greatest the World and 1! Br > he is also from when you purchase through links on our list mention was... Is similar to that of the game then 5 ' 3 '' -5 ' 6 '' were easy, 5., plus grab this free guide ( instant download ) fourth on our list only 56 more. While they anticipate rivals passes and plays, they also creatively structure attacking plays and contribute with.! World Cups than him in soccer players that are 5'10 history of the sport were only around 57 two. Anyone else but easily earned a reputation not to be overlooked over six feet tall a titles to technicalskills creativity...
He is number 5 in our list of the top 10 greatest soccer players of all time. As aforward, he scored 84 goals in 85 international matches forHungary. Also save money while you obtain your health goals! Burn bucks all assumed footballing logic. A lethal goal scorer, and one of the greatest the world of football has ever seen. He also represents the National team of Brazil. 
However, only a select few can be considered the greatest of all time. Did we mention he was only 56, more than six inches shorter than your average goalie? His best season in club football was his solitary year with Barcelona in 1996-97. He made 212 appearances for the Bianconeri, scoring 31 goals and assisting 38 times, and winning two Serie A titles. Traditionally Assigned Soccer Position Number: 9. Shifting things over to true freshmen that could have a great A-Day, lets take a look at Keldric Faulk.
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