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Ranking the Top 20 Greatest Footballers of All Time: Messi, Ronaldo, and More
Amir Azimi
Power Ranking

Ranking the Top 20 Greatest Footballers of All Time: Messi, Ronaldo, and More

Top 20 Greatest Footballers: Where Messi and Ronaldo Stand

Picking the top 20 football players ever is a tough job. No matter the choices, someone will disagree. Still, it's worth spotlighting some of the best players who have shaped the game — from record goal scorers like Cristiano Ronaldo to World Cup heroes like Lionel Messi, and innovators such as Johan Cruyff.

We narrowed it down to 20 legends. You might not agree with every pick or ranking, but that’s part of the fun.

Players Ranked 20 to 11

  • 20. Roberto Baggio: Famous for missing a penalty in the 1994 World Cup final, yet his talent shone brightest when fit. His five knockout goals in '94 and a memorable solo goal against Czechoslovakia remain iconic. Fiorentina fans rioted when he was sold to Juventus, showing his value. A unique blend of magician and striker.
  • 19. Zico: Known for flair, intelligence, and skill during the 70s and 80s with Brazil and Flamengo. Starred at the 1982 World Cup with four goals. Nearly 400 goals for Flamengo, plus two key assists in the 1981 Intercontinental Cup final versus Liverpool highlight his brilliance.
  • 18. Andres Iniesta: One of five players to net a World Cup-winning goal in extra time (2010). His sublime midfield play helped Spain and Barcelona win four Champions Leagues, a World Cup, and two European Championships. The quiet force behind Messi’s success at Barca.
  • 17. Marco van Basten: Career cut short by ankle injuries but left a huge mark with incredible goals and three Ballons d’Or. Famous for a stunning volley against West Germany. Think of him as Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s superior predecessor.
  • 16. Bobby Charlton: England’s 1966 World Cup hero and record scorer for both England and Manchester United, despite playing midfield. Set the stage for future English goalscoring midfielders.
  • 15. Eusebio: Benfica legend with 473 goals in 440 games. Won a European Cup that the club hasn’t repeated since. Goals were simply unmatched for over five decades.
  • 14. Garrincha: Praised by Pele for his extraordinary skills. The Brazilian embodied flair and joy, winning two World Cups. His dribbling inspired the famous “ole” chant.
  • 13. George Best: Possibly the most naturally gifted UK and Ireland footballer ever. Despite off-field struggles, his 1967/68 season was magical—32 goals, European Cup winner, and a Ballon d’Or.
  • 12. Ferenc Puskas: Scored 670 goals in 659 club matches and 84 in 89 internationals. Three European Cups, Olympic gold, and introduced the drag-back move. His peak form in Hungary is legendary though rarely seen.
  • 11. Gerd Muller: Master of scoring in big moments: 1974 World Cup final, 1970 extra time against England, European Cup final. Winner of three European Cups and a World Cup.

Top 10 Greatest Footballers

  • 10. Michel Platini: Once the world's best midfielder, winning three consecutive Ballons d’Or and Capocannoniere titles. Led France to their first major trophy at Euro 1984, scoring nine goals in five games.
  • 9. Alfredo Di Stefano: A Real Madrid legend, first two-time Ballon d’Or winner, five straight European Cups, and awarded the Super Ballon d’Or. Johan Cruyff praised his team-first approach.
  • 8. Johan Cruyff: Pioneer of Total Football in the 70s, excelling in multiple positions and inventing moves like the Cruyff turn. Three European Cups and Ballons d’Or but no World Cup. His impact extends beyond trophies to shaping modern football.
  • 7. Zinedine Zidane: Known for stunning World Cup performances including two headers in 1998 final and a Champions League volley. A mix of graceful skill and fiery temperament.
  • 6. Cristiano Ronaldo: The ultimate 21st-century athlete with unmatched goal records: most international goals (146), top Champions League scorer (140), first to score in six World Cups, and Real Madrid’s all-time top scorer with 450 goals in 438 games.
  • 5. Ronaldo (R9): Pre-injury, nearly perfect striker combining speed, power, flair, and technique. Famous for a solo goal against Compostela that stunned even Sir Bobby Robson. Returned strong post-injury, winning a Ballon d’Or and scoring in a World Cup final.
  • 4. Franz Beckenbauer: The ultimate winner who led West Germany and Bayern Munich to multiple European Cups, a World Cup, and a European Championship. Revolutionized the libero role and earned two Ballons d’Or as a defender.
  • 3. Pele: Changed football forever, bursting onto the scene at 17 in 1958, leading Brazil to their 1970 triumph, and scoring 1,279 goals per Guinness. Also one of the first global sports brand ambassadors.
  • 2. Diego Maradona: Defined by the 1986 World Cup match against England, with the infamous Hand of God goal and the Greatest Goal of All Time. A genius and controversial figure whose legacy is unparalleled in football history.
  • 1. Lionel Messi: Ended debates by winning the 2022 World Cup, lifting Argentina to glory almost single-handedly. Holds the record for most Ballons d’Or, boasts numerous club and international titles, and is arguably the most talented player ever.

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