Football is one of the most popular sports around the world. But some true heroes made this game more attractive with their ability to win matches single-handedly, consistently, performance, and longevity. Their legacy and dedication to the game make them unique among all the players of all time. Here we have attempted to pick some legendary football players who will captivate the minds of football fans forever for their wonderful performance.
Cristiano Ronaldo
The Portuguese superstar is a precociously talented player. He cemented his legacy as one of the greatest footballers of our generation. The legendary George Best was very impressed with Ronaldo’s performance. In an interview, he said, “There have been a few players described as ‘the new George Best’ over the years, but this is the first time it’s been a compliment to me.” With his supreme talent, he made a name for himself. Now he is a global superstar. He established his status as an all-time great. Furthermore, Ronaldo has become one of the most recognizable names in world football today.
Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Zidane was one of the most elegant football players of all time. He won the 1998 Ballon d’Or. Additionally, he won the 1998, 2000 & 2003 FIFA World Player of the Year award. It was the most memorable moment when he won the UEFA Champions League Best Player of the Past 20 Years title. He is the only player who got the honor of being the Player of the Year in three of the top five leagues. Zidane was one of the most entertaining footballers of all time. His super performance with a dashing look and style would be in the minds of football fans forever.
Johan Cruyff
Johan Cruyff was a special type of footballer to invented his move in the field. His surprising moves still impress football lovers as well as astonish football players around the world. This talented football player won the 1971, 1973 & 1975 Ballon d’Or. This Dutch footballer also won the 1974 FIFA World Cup Golden Ball and the FIFA World Cup All-Time Team. His contribution to inventing modern football techniques is undoubtable. Cruyff can be treated as the most influential footballer of all time.
Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi is undoubtedly one of the best footballers in the world. He won five Ballons d’Or in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 & 2015. He is the player who scored the most goals in a calendar year. This five-time European Golden Shoe winner is still ruling the football world. His extraordinary performance made him one of the greatest footballers of all time.
Diego Maradona
How can we complete the list without this legendary football player? He achieved many awards worldwide, being recognized as Corriere dello Sport’s Best Athlete in History and 90min’s Greatest Footballer of All Time. This Argentina football player won the FIFA World Cup All-Time Team as well as the FIFA Goal of the Century awards. Diego Maradona is the greatest footballer we have. His exceptional playing techniques made him a favorite around the world. That’s why he is considered as the best of the best.
Pele
The list could be unfinished if we miss the name Pele. According to TIME, he is not only the greatest football player but also one of the most important people of the 20th century. This amazing player became the FIFA Player of the Century. He was also the youngest FIFA World Cup winner. Pele won the World Cup on three separate occasions. He is the player who made Brazil the football nation.
