Football is the most popular sport in the world. People play it in almost every country, and it has many passionate fans. Over the years, many great players have made the game special.
These players have added to football with their unique styles and memorable performances. They have inspired millions of fans and secured their place in football history.
Choosing the top 5 greatest footballers ever is hard, but the best players stand out because they are consistently good, play well for a long time, perform in big games, and can change a match with a moment of brilliance.
5. Franz Beckenbauer – Germany
Franz Beckenbauer, known as “Der Kaiser” (meaning “the Emperor” in German), truly earned his nickname. His impressive looks, graceful passing, clean tackling, and strong leadership made him a legend in football.
Beckenbauer is often considered the greatest defender in football history, but he could have been a midfielder too. He played as a sweeper or “libero,” a position he made famous with his style of play. Franz would clear the ball from his penalty box and then start attacking moves by passing to midfielders.
He first gained attention in the 1966 World Cup as a 21-year-old playing for West Germany. Though West Germany lost to England 2-4 in the final amid controversy, Beckenbauer’s performance was notable. In the 1970 World Cup, he played with a broken arm in a memorable semifinal against Italy, which West Germany lost 3-4.
In 1974, Beckenbauer captained West Germany to victory in the World Cup held in Germany, beating the Netherlands 2-1 in the final. Before this, he had led West Germany to win the Euro 1972.
Beckenbauer spent most of his career with Bayern Munich, winning 3 consecutive European Cups and 4 Bundesliga titles in 13 years. He also won the Ballon d’Or twice.
After more than 400 appearances for Bayern and over 100 caps for West Germany, Beckenbauer retired from international football. He then played for New York Cosmos in the United States to help popularize the sport there.
He returned to West Germany three years later, joined Hamburger SV, and won another Bundesliga title. In 1990, he led the West German national team to a World Cup victory as their manager.
“Der Kaiser” also became the president of Bayern Munich and remains a patron of the club. He represents the success and efficiency that German football is known for.
ALSO READ: The 5 greatest captains in Barcelona’s history
4. Johan Cruyff – Netherlands
Johan Cruyff, a legendary Dutch footballer, was one of the most influential figures in world football. Known for his elegant playing style and incredible dribbling, he was a key player in the ‘total football’ system created by Dutch coach Rinus Michels.
Cruyff started his career at Ajax in 1964, winning 3 European Cups, 6 Eredivisie titles, and 3 Ballon d’Or awards. He scored 190 goals in 240 matches for Ajax. In 1973, he moved to Barcelona, where he also left a significant impact, winning La Liga.
After a brief stint in the US, Cruyff returned to Ajax in 1981 and won another Eredivisie title before moving to Feyenoord, where he won the Dutch League again. For the Dutch national team, he scored 33 goals in 48 matches and was named the best player of the 1974 World Cup, despite losing in the final to West Germany.
As a manager, Cruyff won the Eredivisie with Ajax and the European Cup with Barcelona in 1992. He was influential in developing young players like Pep Guardiola and Ronald Koeman. Cruyff continued to contribute to football as an advisor to Barcelona and Technical Director of Ajax until his death from cancer in 2016.
3. Lionel Messi – Argentina
Lionel Messi is the best club football player ever. In 14 years with Barcelona’s main team, he won 9 La Liga titles and 4 UEFA Champions League titles. He scored 552 goals in 636 games and made many assists for Barcelona, winning the Ballon d’Or 5 times.
Messi is excellent at attacking, with amazing dribbling, passing, and shooting skills. He can score and set up goals easily and always performs well in big matches. He scored 26 goals against Real Madrid and played great against Manchester United in the 2009 and 2011 Champions League finals.
Messi was discovered as a kid by Barcelona scouts and trained at La Masia, Barcelona’s academy. Some people say he plays better for Barcelona than for the Argentine national team, but this isn’t true. He has scored 61 goals and made many assists in 123 matches for Argentina.
Messi often plays a more supportive role for Argentina, focusing on creating chances, which is why he doesn’t score as many goals for his national team. He led Argentina to the final of the World Cup in 2014 and to 2 Copa America finals in 2015 and 2016. However, Argentina lost all 3 finals, and Messi retired from international football in 2016.
There was a big reaction in Argentina to his retirement, and Messi returned to the national team in 2016. He even scored a hat-trick in a crucial match to help Argentina qualify for the 2018 World Cup.
Winning the World Cup is still a dream for Messi, but his place among the football greats is secure, no matter what happens.
2. Diego Maradona – Argentina
Diego Maradona, known as “El Diego,” was Argentina’s soccer hero, famous for his incredible skills. He almost single-handedly won the 1986 World Cup for Argentina, scoring the famous “Goal of the Century” against England and winning the Golden Ball for the best player.
Maradona joined Boca Juniors at 20 and later played for FC Barcelona, winning the Copa del Rey and La Liga. He then moved to Napoli, where he spent seven successful years, winning two Serie A titles and the UEFA Cup. He also led Argentina to the 1990 World Cup final.
In 1994, he was banned by FIFA after failing a drug test but briefly returned to play for Boca Juniors. He played over 500 matches and scored nearly 300 goals in his club career, and 34 goals in 91 matches for Argentina. Maradona later managed the Argentine national team in the 2010 World Cup.
Despite his controversies, Maradona is celebrated as one of the most talented footballers ever. He remains a passionate supporter of Argentine sports, especially Boca Juniors and the national team.
1. Pele – Brazil
Writing about Pele, one of the most famous people ever, is exciting. Known as “The King,” Pele became famous at 17 when he helped Brazil win the 1958 World Cup. He won two more World Cups, making him the only player to win three. He played for Santos FC in Brazil for 18 years and scored over 600 goals for the team. In 1975, he moved to the New York Cosmos and played there for two seasons. He also scored 77 goals for Brazil in 92 matches, including 12 in World Cups.
Pele was one of the most famous people in the world at his career’s peak. Despite many myths, his true soccer talent was undeniable. He was great with both feet, had an excellent header, was a superb passer, and could play as both a striker and a playmaker.
Pele first showed his skills in the 1958 World Cup, scoring six goals and becoming a global star. He missed parts of the 1962 World Cup due to injury, but Brazil still won. In the 1966 World Cup, he was injured again, and Brazil lost in the quarter-finals. He made a comeback in 1970, leading Brazil to another World Cup victory and scoring four goals, including one in the final against Italy.
Pele helped Santos become one of the most successful soccer clubs, winning many titles, including the World Club Cup twice in the 1960s. He was praised by opponents like Johan Cruyff and Bobby Charlton. FIFA made him a global ambassador to promote soccer, and he played an important role during the 1994 World Cup in the United States. Pele is possibly the greatest sportsperson of all time.
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