Top 10 Best Dribbler in the World – All Time Ranked

Before the emphasis on stats, tactics, formations, and passing through the opponent, there were times when football was much simpler and may I say, more enjoyable to watch. The best dribbler in the world would paint their pretty pictures, dribbling through the opposition with a certain flair and panache that has long gone missing from the modern game.

Whilst some of them will forever be held in high regard by fans of their clubs, some transcended to global recognition as world beaters and Ballon d’Or winners. As such, let’s list 10 of the best dribblers in football history, ranking them based on their stats, reputation, longevity, and overall impact on the sport throughout their careers.

List of Best Dribblers in Football History

Picking the best dribblers was not an easy task for us. Everyone has their favorites; some might prefer Maradona, while for some it will be Messi. But these 10 players stood out from the rest. They all had one thing in common: they could make dribbling look easy.

How We Ranked the Best Dribbler in Football History?

Impact of Dribbling in Major Matches: The first factor that was considered while ranking the best dribbler in the world is their impact with dribbling in crucial games. Players who used dribbling to create a spark in crunch games, such as World Cup finals or Champions League matches, were prioritized on our list.

Longevity & Consistency: Maintaining elite dribbling skills over a long career, consistently outwitting defenders across seasons, was a significant factor.

Style & Creativity: Unique dribbling techniques, including signature moves like the “Cruyff turn” or “elastico,” and the ability to entertain the fans and leave them speechless with their flair.

Career Stats: Their stats, like career goals and assists, were considered while ranking these players and determining who is the best dribbler in football of all time.

Competition: Performing against top defenders in top leagues or international tournaments carries more weight and gives an edge while ranking the players on our list.

Who is the Best Dribbler in Football of All Time?

Some might not agree that Garrincha was the best dribbler in football history. But remember, he was called “The King of the Dribble.” Even with physical problems, he could make any defender look foolish.

10. Eden Hazard

Eden Hazard was one of the best dribblers of the 2010s. He wasn’t flashy like some others on this list. But he was incredibly effective at beating defenders. At Chelsea, he was unstoppable. The former Chelsea forward had a low center of gravity, which made him hard to tackle. He could change direction without losing speed. Defenders bounced off him like he was made of rubber.

However, his move to Real Madrid didn’t work out due to a series of injuries. But at his peak with Chelsea, he was unplayable. He led them to two Premier League titles. He announced his retirement in 2023 after the World Cup.

9. Ronaldo Nazario

Up next is a man who took the world by storm, making defenders look silly defending him. Ronaldo Nazario made a habit of rounding out the keeper before slotting in to score. With an abundance of technical ability, flair, power, and strength, he was quite literally the perfect striker and the perfect example of Joga Bonito.

Unfortunately, much like a few names on this list, Ronaldo’s career was marred by injuries, which, despite all that he has already achieved, made people wonder about his unbridled talent and potential. However, he is still easily one of the most gifted players of all time, and undoubtedly deserves his place among the best dribbler in the world.

8. Neymar

Next on our list is the Prince of Brazil, who was meant to be the crown jewel. When he first burst onto the scene at Santos and became a certified world-beater at Juventus, the world was at his feet. Following a world-record transfer to PSG, Neymar continued to dazzle and daze his opponents, becoming the main man at the club.

Despite showing signs of not only being one of the best dribblers in football but also the best player in the world at his peak. However, repetitive injuries finally caught up to the Brazilian, who departed for Al Hilal in 2023, effectively calling an end to his European aspirations

7. Ronaldinho

One of Brazil’s most important and storied players who left his mark on the sport. Ronaldinho, or ‘The Smiling Assassin’ as many know him, tantalized audiences worldwide with his wide array of skills, his bag of tricks, and joyful exuberance every time he took to the pitch.

Embodying the Joga Bonito spirit, Ronaldinho experienced the highest of highs as a player and some very low lows in his personal life. Despite this, the world will forever remember Dinho as the man who’d dance with the ball at his feet and make a mockery out of defenders at the highest levels of the game.

6. Pele

The man who can only be referred to as ‘The King of Football’, the legendary Pele, is known for his goal tally for both club and country. In a career that saw him put up unthinkable numbers and run rampant on the global stage. He was as skilled with the ball at his feet alongside prolificness in front of goal. With a mix of technical flair and a goal-scoring eye to back it up, there was very little anyone could do to deny Pele on his day.

Whilst many feel that Pele’s quality in front of goal made him a one-dimensional goalscorer, the Brazilian could create such openings on his own that truly went under the radar. Regardless, his list of achievements and the ability to beat players mean that he is also part of our list of the best dribblers in the world.

5. Johan Cruyff

The Dutch icon who blessed the world with not only his ideas but his talents on the ball was a legend from before much of our time. However, his philosophy, skills, and ideology live on even today. The creator of the ‘Cruyff Turn’ and an ingenious creator of the ball, the Dutchman mesmerized audiences at home and around the world throughout his career.

Not only was JohanCruyff an outstanding player, but he furthered his legacy as well, and to date, is regarded as one of the best FC Barcelona coaches throughout the club’s illustrious history. Cruyff was not only one of the most gifted players who ever played for Ajax and Barcelona.

4. George Best

Northern Ireland’s most prominent contribution to football is the ever-so-charismatic George Best. One of Sir Matt Busby’s most important players, Best’s ability to leave defenders in a tangled mess was unparalleled. He was one of the best dribblers in football from his time; not even the likes of other great dribblers were safe from his mischievous brilliance on the pitch.

A Manchester United icon who accomplished domestic and European glory at a very young age, Best was hailed as one of the best footballers ever by the likes of Pele. However, at the same time, Best was also the embodiment of the phrase, “Those that shine brightest often burn fastest”.

3. Lionel Messi

A boy hailing from Rosario went on to take the entire world by storm, and when all is said and done, will likely go down as perhaps the best to ever grace the game. Lionel Messi stands out above many, not just as one of the best dribblers in football, but quite possibly the best footballer ever, owing to the sheer weight and amount of his accomplishments.

A direct, tricky attacker, with close control and a small-touch dribbling style, Messi’s ability to weave through defences and deliver breathtaking moments has been one of the greatest pleasures of those lucky enough to have witnessed him.

2. Diego Maradona

Quite possibly responsible for drawing more fouls than anyone on the list, Diego Maradona was a menace and quite a handful to deal with in his time. Blessed with technical ability, speed, and a cutting edge much ahead of his time, Maradona was rightfully awarded the FIFA Player of the 20th Century award, as there is quite literally no other way to describe him.

Low center of gravity, and the ability to maneuver past defenders as though they were in slow motion, Maradona is said to have managed 53 dribbles during the 1986 World Cup. While Maradona is a true great for both country and club, his off-field activities also regularly made headlines.

1. Garrincha

When Garrincha stepped up for his country at the 1962 World Cup as the ‘Little Engine that Could’, he showed the world exactly why he belongs in the top spot on this list. Covering for an injured Pele at the time, the little Brazilian battled hardships, deformities, and countless other struggles to stamp his name in the annals of football history.

Twisting and turning to leave defenders in a heap, Garrincha was unanimously seen as the best dribbler in football, with many of his peers, opponents, and managers deeming him ‘too good’ and ‘unplayable’ at times. Garrincha’s individual achievements may undoubtedly fall short of some of the other players mentioned in this list.