Soccer, a Beautiful Game
Soccer or football is arguably the most popular sport in the world with more than 200 nations and 250 million people participating in this beautiful game. Whenever fans speak about soccer, the most popular topic of discussion is to decide who is the greatest player of all time. With a plethora of contrasting opinions on this discussion, it’s almost impossible to choose any one of the footballers from the lot as many fans tend to biasedly claim their country or club hero to be the best.
Since the introduction of soccer, every decade or century has seen its heroes and legends who made fans sit in awe whenever they had the ball at their feet. There was a time when Pele used to be the poster boy of FIFA, but later Diego Maradona from Argentina became the top player during the 80s-90s. Since 2005, the soccer world has been dominated by the two most popular players of recent times – Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. It is a common topic of discussion among the fans that the rivalry of these two footballers is considered to be the best rivalry.
In this article, we’ll delve into the importance of the top 10 most influential soccer players in the history of the game, as deciding who is the best soccer player of all time remains one of the most challenging debates in this sport.
List of 10 best soccer players in History (2024)
10. Alfredo di Stefano (Spain & Argentina)
The former Spain and Argentina national team player is one of the most versatile footballers in the history of soccer. He won the 1957 and 1959 Ballon d’Or trophies and clinched five European Cups (Present UEFA Champions League), eight La Liga titles, and one Intercontinental Cup. One of the most prestigious honours is undoubtedly his inclusion in the World Team of the 20th Century.
The former Real Madrid captain, who was in the best form of his life from 1956 to 1962, also won the Pichichi five times. The great Pele once said: “People argue between Maradona and Pele, but Di Stefano is the best, much more complete.” Now, you know why this player is on this list.
Also Read: Top 10 highest-paid midfielders in the world
Alfredo di Stefano Achievements
| Title Name | Numbers |
| La Liga | 8 |
| UEFA Champions League | 5 |
| Ballon Dor | 2 |
9. Ronaldo (Brazil)
If there hadn’t been any injuries, Ronaldo Nazario would have become the best to ever lace up a pair of boots in the history of soccer. The Brazilian won two Ballon d’Or titles, the 1998 FIFA World Cup golden ball, and the 2002 FIFA World Cup golden shoe. The former Real Madrid forward won the FIFA World Cup and Copa America two times each.
If it weren’t for fatal knee injuries, he might have become the undisputed greatest footballer of all time. In short, Ronaldo was an example of the perfect forward. Moreover, he has played for some of the biggest soccer clubs in the world besides Real Madrid he had spells with Barcelona, AC Milan and Inter MIlan.
Ronaldo Nazario Achievements
| Title Name | Numbers |
| La Liga | 2 |
| Ballon Dor | 2 |
| World Cup | 2 |
| Copa America | 2 |
8. Zinedine Zidane (France)
Despite missing out on a chance to win a FIFA World Cup trophy in 2006, the Frenchman will still be regarded as one of the great midfield maestros for his exemplary contribution in the middle of the park. With the 1998 Ballon d’Or, 2006 World Cup Golden Ball, UCL’s best player of the last 20 years, and many more great achievements at his disposal.
The decorated midfielder was one beautiful beast with a ball at his feet, he had led Real Madrid to the UEFA Champions League glory
Zidane’s Achievements
| Title Name | Numbers |
| La Liga | 1 |
| Serie A | 2 |
| UEFA Champions League | 1 |
| Euro | 1 |
| World Cup | 1 |
| Ballon Dor | 1 |
7. Franz Beckenbauer (Germany)
The German is arguably the most complete footballer ever. He was at the peak of his career for almost 10 years, having won two Ballon d’Or titles (1972 & 1976) and a 1974 FIFA World Cup trophy. The versatile defender also won three European Cups and five Bundesliga trophies in his career. When discussing winners in soccer, Beckenbauer is the perfect one, who was the consummate leader in his respective teams. He’s also one of the two defenders only to win the Ballon d’Or. Beckenbauer might be the best footballer Germany has ever produced.
Franz Beckenbauer Achievements
| Title Name | Numbers |
| Bundesliga | 5 |
| Champions League | 3 |
| World Cup | 1 |
| Euro | 1 |
| Ballon Dor | 2 |
Also Read: Top 10 Football Clubs in the World
6. Michel Platini (France)
Many modern soccer fans know him as one of the worst UEFA presidents, but his achievements as a player made his way into the list of top ten soccer players of all time. Platini has three Ballon d’Ors to his name and these honours came in three consecutive seasons, serving as proof of how good he was as a player. Among his list of achievements, the most significant one is his 1984 European campaign where he was the player of the tournament, having bagged the top scorer trophy in the tournament despite being a midfielder.
Michael Platini Achviements
| Title Name | Numbers |
| Euro | 1 |
| Ballon Dor | 3 |
| Serie A | 2 |
| Champions League | 1 |
| Ligue 1 | 1 |
5. Johan Cruyff (Netherlands)
The so-called Godfather of Barcelona is a legend in the soccer world. Only special players can create their moves and skills, and in this case, Cruyff invented his move, Aiden McGeady aside. The three-time Ballon d’Or winners, despite missing out on the FIFA World Cup title, won the 1974 FIFA World Cup Golden Ball. He is also called the father of modern football. For his aura and personality, the Dutch attacker is arguably the most influential soccer player ever.
Johan Cruyff Achviements
| Title Name | Numbers |
| La Liga | 1 |
| Champions League | 3 |
| Ballon Dor | 3 |
| Dutch League | 9 |
4. Diego Maradona (Argentina)
Maradona means magic. In Argentina, he is considered to be a God for his contribution towards the betterment of Argentinian soccer. The Argentine forward clinched the 1986 World Cup in a fashion that still raises questions among soccer fans. But there is no denying that he single-handedly won the title for his country through his messianic talent. Maradona, at his very best, is the most complete footballer the world has ever seen. The Argentine magician has 259 goals to his name in senior level.
Diego Maradona Achviements
| Title Name | Numbers |
| Serie A | 2 |
| World Cup | 1 |
| UEFA Cup | 1 |
3. Pele (Brazil)
He is the epitome of football, a man who was sent by the god himself to grace this beautiful sport. It might take a day to speak about all his achievements, but some of them are worth mentioning. He is the only player to have ever received the FIFA Player of the Century honour. The youngest FIFA World Cup winner also won three World Cup titles and two Copa Libertadores trophies in his decorated career.
The Brazilian is the only soccer player who has influenced a whole generation through his play. Like many football pundits say, Pele is an important player, most probably the most important soccer star of all time. The Brazilian had the record for scoring the most goals until Cristiano Ronaldo recently surpassed it. But his total of 1279 goals, which include friendlies, is a Guinness world record.
Pele Achievements
| Title Name | Numbers |
| World Cup | 3 |
| Brazil League | 6 |
2. Lionel Messi (Argentina)
The Argentine is probably the most celebrated soccer player of all time. The “good boy” of FIFA, who has won a whopping eight Ballon d’Or titles, clinched the 2022 Qatar World Cup trophy against all odds. The current Inter Miami star flourished during his Barcelona days and etched his name in the history book of soccer by winning almost all major titles. In Barcelona alone, he secured 520 senior goals across all competitions. Messi’s first senior trophy came in the form of the 2021 Copa America title.
Lionel Messi’s Achievements
| Title Name | Numbers |
| La Liga | 10 |
| World Cup | 1 |
| Copa America | 2 |
| Champions League | 4 |
| French League | 2 |
1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
This player needs no introduction. Choosing him, rather than Lionel Messi, was a very tough call, but his contribution and dedication to the beautiful soccer game make him the perfect number one on the list. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has won many accolades in his dazzling career, but his most significant achievement is the journey of Euro 2016 as he led an underperforming Portuguese side to their first-ever senior international trophy. The former Real Madrid superstar won five UCLs and 33 senior trophies in total. Ronaldo is all about goals.
Ronaldo turns 38 in 2024. He’s the oldest soccer player in the Premier League. He is a beast in front of goal, arguably the most lethal goal scorer in the history of soccer. Cr7 holds the record for the most number of goals in senior-level soccer as he has amassed 878 goals so far, having played more than 1200 games. Also, he is the only soccer player to feature in this prestigious list which shows how hard it was for him to have achieved all the top honors in soccer.
Also Read: List of Top 10 Richest Soccer clubs in the world in 2024
Cristiano Ronaldo Achviements
| Title Name | Numbers |
| La Liga | 2 |
| Premier League | 3 |
| Serie A | 2 |
| Euro | 1 |
| Ballon Dor | 5 |
| Champions League | 5 |
FAQ
Who is considered the greatest soccer player of all time?
Cristiano Ronaldo is considered the greatest soccer player of all time
How many Ballon d’Or awards has Lionel Messi won?
Lionel Messi has 8 Ballon d’Or awards.
How many La Liga has Cristiano Ronaldo won?
Cristiano Ronaldo has won three La Liga titles.
Which player has won the most World Cup trophy?
Pele won the World Cup title five times the most by any player.
How many Ballon Dor has Michael Platini won?
Michael Platini has won three Ballon Dor awards
For how many clubs did Johan Cruyff play?
Johan Cruyff played for Ajax, FC Barcelona, Los Angeles Aztecs, Washington Diplomats, Levante and Feyenoord