The history of football has seen many great players, but only a few are true legends. The players that have made our list have been ranked according to their skills, titles, and influence on the game over time.

10.) Franz Beckenbauer

Franz Beckenbauer a versatile player, highly regarded both for his achievements and his influence on football, started out as a midfielder. Twice named European Footballer of the Year, he appeared 103 times for West Germany and played in three FIFA World Cups.

Years Active: 1964-1983
National team: Germany (103 caps, 14 goals)
Clubs: Bayern Munich, New York Cosmos, Hamburger SV

9.) Michel Platini

Michel Platini of France won the Ballon d’Or three times, in 1983, 1984 and 1985. Platini participated in the 1978, 1982 and 1986 World Cups and reputed as one of the best free kick specialists in history. He also holds the record for most goals (9) scored in European Championship final tournaments.

Years Active: 1972-1987
National team: France (72 caps, 41 goals)
Clubs: Nancy, Saint-Etienne, Juventus

8.) Eusebio da Silva Ferreira

Eusebio da Silva Ferreira, a Mozambique-born Portuguese football icon, noted for his great skill, agility, and scoring ability. He was the top player of Benfica and the Portuguese national team of the 1960s, as well as European Cup top scorer in 1964-1966 and 1967-68.

Years Active: 1961-1978
National team: Portugal (64 caps, 41 goals)
Clubs: Benfica, five different clubs in the North American Soccer League (NASL), CF Monterrey

7.) Bobby Charlton

England’s Bobby Charlton is renowned for his attacking instincts and passing abilities from midfield. Charlton had an incomparable finesse as a ball passer and scorer, capable accurate chip shots and strong low-flying shots. He played for four World Cups, in 1958, 1962, 1966 and 1970. He helped England to win the prestigious award in 1966.

Years Active: 1954-1975
National team: England (106 caps, 49 goals)
Clubs: Manchester United, Preston North End

 6.) Johan Cruyff

Johan Cruyff led the Netherlands to the 1974 FIFA World Cup final and also captured the Golden Ball award as player of the tournament. Considered one of the most gifted technicians of all time, capable of sensational dribbling moves and feints.

Years Active: 1964-1984
National team: Netherlands (48 caps, 33 goals)
Clubs: Ajax, Barcelona, Los Angeles Aztecs, Washington Diplomats, Feyenoord

5.) Ferenc Puskas

Ferenc Puskas of Hungary was top scorer in the Hungarian League. He also won three European Cups, 10 national championships and 8 top individual scoring honors. Puskas led Hungary to 1954 World Cup final where he was named the tournament’s best player. FIFA recognized his achievements in 2004 by naming him Top Scorer of the Century.

Years Active: 1943-1966
National team: Hungary (85 caps, 84 goals), Spain (4 caps, 0 goal)
Clubs: Budapest Honved, Real Madrid

4.) Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima

Ronaldo of Brazil a three-time FIFA World Player of the Year and two-time Ballon d’Or awardee. He played for his country in 98 matches, scoring 62 goals, and is the second-highest goalscorer for his national team. Regarded as one of the most gifted scorers of all time with a record that remains unbeaten so far.

Years Active: 1993-2011
National team: Brazil (97 caps, 62 goals)
Clubs: Cruzeiro, PSV Endhoven, Barcelona, Inter Milano, Real Madrid, AC Milan, Corinthians

3.) Zinedine Zidane

French legend Zinedine Zidane was named the FIFA World Player of the Year three times, in 1998, 2000 and 2003, and won the 1998 Ballon d’Or. He also received the Golden Ball for player of the tournament at the 2006 World Cup.

Years Active: 1988-2006
National team: France (108 caps, 31 goals)
Clubs: Cannes, Bordeaux, Juventus, Real Madrid

2.) Diego Maradona

Argentina’s Diego Maradona is an advanced playmaker who operated in the classic number 10 position. He played in four FIFA World Cups, including the 1986 World Cup in Mexico where he captained Argentina and led them to victory over West Germany in the final where he won the Golden Ball award.

Years Active: 1976-1997
National team: Argentina (91 caps, 34 goals)
Clubs: Argentino Juniors, Boca Juniors, Barcelona, Napoli, Sevilla FC, Newell’s Old Boys

1.) “Pele” Edson Arantes do Nascimento

Brazilian Pele is regarded as the greatest player of all time, he is credited with making the phrase “the beautiful game” synonymous with football. He played as striker for Brazil and is the only player who has won the World Cup three times.

Years Active: 1956-1977
National team: Brazil (92 caps, 77 goals)
Clubs: Santos, New York Cosmos

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