Over the years of professional soccer, viewers have had time to enjoy the game of so many masters. It is difficult to choose the top best players in the history of soccer. This sport is constantly evolving, the game is becoming more complex. However, the spectacular actions of the world stars of the distant past and present remain in memory. We have the following list.
1st place – Pele.
“The King of Football” has not lost his status as the best footballer in the world. His career is the benchmark for all masters of the leather ball. Pele is a three-time world champion. His golden years came in the 60s. Well, Pele made his debut at 17 in the national team. Speaking for Santos, Pele scored 90, 100, 110 goals per season in different tournaments. A phenomenal figure, which is very difficult to repeat.
2nd place – Lionel Messi.
Argentine forward has not yet finished his career, but it has already turned out bright. Messi went through the youth school of Barcelona, and spent 18 seasons for the Catalans. We know Leo as a unique dribbler, able to deal with 2-3 defenders on the back line and score a goal. The peak of his career fell on the period of Josep Guardiola. Together with Xavi, Iniesta Messi worked wonders on the pitch.
3rd place – Diego Maradona.
Another great Argentine is remembered for his brilliant play. He proved that you can single-handedly lead teams to titles. So it was in 1986, when the Argentine team, led by Maradona, became the best. And Maradona’s masterpiece goals traveled around the world. The same can be said about Napoli. Before Maradona arrived few people knew about the Neapolitan team. But the Argentine managed to lift it to the top of Italian soccer. In such a difficult championship as Serie A Maradona managed to create soccer works.
4th place – Franz Beckenbauer
The German defender pushed soccer forward by becoming the first defender to join the attack. His position came to be called “libero” (free defender). There is much to say about his talent, but the main indicator of quality of his game – 2 Golden Balls, which no defender before or after the career of Beckenbauer succeeded in.
5th place – Johan Cruyff
“The Flying Dutchman” is rightly one of the top five players. He was the main conductor of “total soccer” Dutch team. Everyone remembers this team in the early 70’s. During this period Johan Cruyff received 3 “Golden Ball” For “Ajax” he also spent many brilliant matches and three times winner of the Champions Cup.
6th place – Zinedine Zidane
One of the smartest footballers in history. French midfielder knew everything on the field – to beat one-on-one, subtly pass and score with his foot and head. It was his play that allowed the French team to become world champions for the first time in 1998. Everyone remembers Zidane’s two goals in the final against the Brazilians, who were widely regarded as the favorite.
And how many masterpiece matches Zidane played for Real Madrid, Juventus Turin. When the Frenchman was in top form, it was impossible to take the ball away from him without interference. The megamaster was remembered for his perfect passing and ball control. With any part of his foot he could give an amazing pass. European champion in 2000, winner of “Golden Ball” 3 times, winner of Champions Cup 2002.
7th place – Cristiano Ronaldo
Long-time leader of the Portuguese national team, the 2016 European champion in its composition, an outstanding striker – Cristiano Ronaldo often argued with Messi for the title of the best footballer in the world. His skill and ability to realize moments even in difficult situations and led to an abundance of goals.
8th place – Michel Platini
Another French top ten who has left a mark on world soccer. Everyone remembers the play of the French national team of the 80’s. In 1984 it won the European Championship, with Michel Platini playing the leading fiddle. A truly unique achievement – 3 consecutive Golden Balls from 1983 to 1985 were won by the Frenchman.
9th place – Lev Yashin
The first goalkeeper, who conquered the “Golden Ball”. Lev Yashin was very good at exits. Moreover, he was active in the penalty area and even outside it. The future showed that this manner is very correct. Just stand on the ribbon is no longer possible, you have to work around the perimeter.
Yashin distinguished by a good reaction and the ability to throw the ball far and accurately to his partners hand. For his performances in the national team and “Dynamo” he earned many awards.
10th place – Ferenc Puskas.
A true master of goal. The career of the Hungarian forward Ferenc Puskász was successful, primarily at club level. When the best players in history are mentioned, his name is often in the rankings. The most successful period took place at Real Madrid, for which Ferenc scored 830 goals in 840 matches. At the Madrid club he won three Champions Cup. For the national team of Hungary Pushkash played 170 games and scored 270 goals (!!!).
