Before the emphasis on stats, tactics, formations, and passing through the opponent, there were times when football was much simpler and may I say it, more enjoyable to watch. The best dribblers in football would paint their pretty pictures, dribbling through the opposition with a certain flair and panache that has long gone missing from the modern game.
Back when teams were more fluid and flexible in their approach to games, there was a reliance on the technical masters of the side to influence the game more and pop up with moments of pure brilliance and magic to help their sides to victory. That said, it is a part of the game that has since been forgotten with the teams having a more systematic approach nowadays.
Over the years, football has been blessed with masters of dribbling and close control, capable of putting players on their backs and emerging unscathed with the ball through crowds of players. Whilst some of them will forever be held in high account by fans of their clubs, some transcended to global recognition as world beaters and Ballon d’Or winners.
As such, let’s list down 10 of the best dribblers in football history, ranking them on the basis of their stats, reputation, longevity, and overall impact on the sport throughout their careers.
Ranking Factors
Stats – Dribbles attempted and completed with a high success rate will naturally be given a lot of importance.
Reputation – Seeing that statistics aren’t always available, owing to the longstanding nature of the sport, the accounts of fans, fellow players, managers, and observers are taken into consideration.
Competition – Naturally, it is no surprise that it is more difficult to perform against a higher level of competition, a key detail to take into account.
Longevity – Thousands of players come and go, yet the ones that are truly elite leave a lasting impression, one that tends to linger even after decades.
List of 10 Best Football Dribblers of All Time
| Rank | Player | Nation | Career |
| 1. | Garrincha | Brazil | 1951–1972 |
| 2. | Diego Maradona | Argentina | 1976–1997 |
| 3. | Lionel Messi | Argentina | 2003–Present |
| 4. | George Best | Northern Ireland | 1963–1984 |
| 5. | Johan Cruyff | Netherlands | 1964–1984 |
| 6. | Pele | Brazil | 1956-1973 |
| 7. | Ronaldinho | Brazil | 1998–2015 |
| 8. | Neymar | Brazil | 2009–Present |
| 9. | Ronaldo Nazario | Brazil | 1993-2011 |
| 10. | Eden Hazard | Belgium | 2007-2023 |
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#10. Eden Hazard
Starting off the list, we have a footballer who despite having the potential to end up higher on this list as one of the best dribblers in football, had unfortunately had to call an untimely end to his career last year. For those who were blessed enough to catch a glimpse of his brilliance during his Chelsea days, Eden Hazard was at times untouchable on the football pitch, taking players and leaving them behind like it was nothing.
Whilst his Real Madrid tenure was short-lived and unfortunate, his time at Chelsea for all that he delivered and created, will live on in the club and Premier League history for a long time. Notably, Hazard’s low center of gravity and unorthodox use of his rear end to shrug off pressuring opponents led to many moments of magic across his 7 seasons at Stamford Bridge.
| Career Stats | |
| Notable Clubs | Lille, Chelsea, Real Madrid |
| Games | 749 |
| Goals | 200 |
| Major Honors | Ligue 1, Premier League (x2), La Liga (x2), Champions League, Europa League, Coupe de France, FA Cup, Copa del Rey, League Cup |
#9. Ronaldo Nazario
Up next is a man who took the world by storm in his heyday, and as a striker, made defenders look silly time and time again. Not only that, Ronaldo Nazario, commonly known as ‘R9’, made a habit out of rounding out the keeper as well before slotting in to score. With an abundance of technical ability, flair, power, and strength, Ronaldo was quite literally the perfect striker and the perfect example of Joga Bonito, at the highest level.
A two-time Ballon d’Or winner, thievery mention of R9 would cause fear among defenders of his time, who more often than not, did not have any solutions to what the Brazilian would cook up. Unfortunately, much like a few names on this list, Ronaldo’s career was marred with injuries, which despite all that he has already achieved, made people wonder about his unbridled talent and potential.
| Career Stats | |
| Notable Clubs | PSV, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, AC Milan |
| Games | 518 |
| Goals | 352 |
| Major Honors | KNVB Cup (1), Copa del Rey (1), Supercopa de España (2), La Liga (1), FIFA World Cup (2) |
#8. Neymar
Next on our list is the prodigal prince of Brazil who was meant to be the crown jewel and the heir to some of the names on this list. When he first burst onto the scene at Santos and then became a certified world-beater at Juventus, the world was quite literally 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 overall, backing up his dribbling with some fine prolific form. Unfortunately, repetitive injuries finally caught up to the Brazilian, who departed for Al Hilal in 2023, effectively calling an end to his European aspirations.
| Career Stats | |
| Notable Clubs | Santos, Barcelona, PSG |
| Games | 591 |
| Goals | 360 |
| Major Honors | La Liga(2), Ligue 1 (5), Copa del Rey (3), Supercopa de España (1), UEFA Champions League (1), Coupe de France (3), Coupe de la Ligue (2), Trophée des Champions (3) |
#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.
| Career Stats | |
| Notable Clubs | Gremio, PSG, Barcelona, AC Milan, Flamengo, Atletico Mineiro |
| Games | 646 |
| Goals | 231 |
| Major Honors | La Liga (2), Serie A, Champions League, Copa Libertadores, World Cup, Copa America |
#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, Pele was as proficient with the ball at his feet as he was prolific in front of goal. With a mix of technical flair and end product 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, it was the Brazilian’s ability to create such openings on his own that truly went under the radar.
| Career Stats | |
| Notable Clubs | Santos, New York Cosmos |
| Games | 766 |
| Goals | 709 |
| Major Honors | Campeonato Brasileiro Série A (6), Copa Libertadores (2), Intercontinental Cup (2), North American Soccer League, Soccer Bowl (1), FIFA World Cup (3) |
#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 Cruyff 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.
| Career Stats | |
| Notable Clubs | Ajax, Barcelona |
| Games | 761 |
| Goals | 433 |
| Major Honors | European Cup (3), La Liga, Eredivisie (9) |
#4. George Best
Up next is one of Northern Island’s most prominent contributions to football, the brilliant and 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. Not only was he 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”.
| Career Stats | |
| Notable Clubs | Manchester United, Los Angeles Aztecs |
| Games | 742 |
| Goals | 260 |
| Major Honors | European Cup, First Division (2) |
#3. Lionel Messi
The prodigal son of football itself, 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 small-touch dribbling style, Messi’s ability to weave through defenses and deliver breathtaking moments has been one of the greatest pleasures of those lucky enough to have witnessed him.
| Career Stats | |
| Notable Clubs | Barcelona, PSG, Inter Miami |
| Games | 924 |
| Goals | 749 |
| Major Honors | World Cup, Copa America (2), Champions League (4), La Liga (10), Ligue 1 (2) |
#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. For context, only the entire France squad at the 2022 World Cup managed to beat that number.
| Career Stats | |
| Notable Clubs | Boca Juniors, Barcelona, Napoli |
| Games | 680 |
| Goals | 345 |
| Major Honors | World Cup, Argentine Primera Division, Serie A (2), UEFA Cup |
#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 on 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.
| Career Stats | |
| Notable Clubs | Botafogo |
| Games | 395 |
| Goals | 114 |
| Major Honors | World Cup (2) |
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FAQ’s
Who is ranked as the best dribbler in football history?
Garrincha is ranked as the best dribbler in football history.
What makes Neymar one of the top dribblers today?
Neymar’s ability to back up his dribbling at the highest level with fine prolific forms makes him one of the top dribblers today.