Choosing the greatest player in any sport is subjective and includes many aspects that can’t be measured. However, Lionel Messi is widely seen as the best football player ever because of his record-breaking number of goals and winning every major trophy. His status as the GOAT was solidified when Argentina won the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, with Messi scoring seven goals and assisting three, earning him the Golden Ball award.
Let’s explore the top 10 footballers of all time.
1. Lionel Messi – 802 goals, 42 trophies
Lionel Messi came from Barcelona’s academy, La Masia, and quickly became one of football’s best players. He won his first Ballon d’Or in 2009 at age 22 and went on to win seven more. Messi achieved the treble twice with Barcelona and finally won the Copa America in 2021 and the FIFA World Cup in 2022. He also has an Olympic gold medal from Beijing 2008. Messi is the only player to win two Golden Balls in World Cups (2014 and 2022).
Now nearing the end of his career, the Argentine legend plays for Inter Miami in the United States. In his short time there, he helped the team win the Leagues Cup, a historic achievement for the franchise.
While Miami is still establishing itself in the MLS, fans and neutrals alike believe it’s only a matter of time before Messi helps them compete for the MLS title. Many fans already see them as contenders for next season’s championship. Some are even betting on Miami to win, attracted by good odds and betting bonuses offered by sportsbooks to new customers.
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2. Pele- 767 goals, 26 trophies
Pele, a three-time World Cup champion, made a big impact in the 1958 World Cup by scoring six goals. He’s known as football’s first superstar today. Pele scored more than 700 goals for his teams and won many titles with Santos, a club in Brazil.
3. Diego Maradona- 353 goals, 12 trophies
Diego Maradona is celebrated by many fans and experts as one of football’s best attacking players. He amazed with his skillful ball control and tricky moves, inspiring a new wave of footballers. Maradona led Argentina to victory in the 1986 FIFA World Cup, scoring two goals in both the quarter-finals and semi-finals. He also guided Napoli to their only two league championships ever.
4. Cristiano Ronaldo- 819 goals, 34 trophies
Cristiano Ronaldo scored more goals than anyone in football history. He won league championships in England, Spain, and Italy. He also won five Champions League titles, four of them with Real Madrid. Ronaldo, who has won the Ballon d’Or five times, scored four goals as Portugal won their first major title, the UEFA Euro 2012.
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5. Johan Cruyff- 433 goals, 22 trophies
Johan Cruyff, known for “Total football,” is seen as football’s most influential figure for his roles as player and manager. He won three European Cup titles with Ajax and the Ballon d’Or three times. With the Netherlands, he reached the FIFA World Cup finals in 1974 and 1978.
6. Zinedine Zidane- 156 Goals, 16 trophies
Zinedine Zidane is considered one of the greatest football players ever. Known for his skill and control, he began his career with Cannes and was noticed by Bordeaux, who signed him.
Afterwards, he joined Juventus and won many titles before transferring to Real Madrid, where he won the Champions League in his first season. Zidane also played a key role in France winning the 1998 FIFA World Cup at home and reaching the finals again in 2006, although they lost to Italy. He was named the best player in the world in 1998, 2000, and 2003.
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7. Gerd Muller- 722 Goals, 16 trophies
Gerd Muller was a famous German football player, known as one of Germany’s best. He played for German clubs like Bayern Munich, where he became famous. He played 453 games for Bayern Munich and scored 398 goals.
Later, he went to the United States to play for Fort Lauderdale Strikers. In international football, he won the European championship with Germany in 1972 and two years later, the FIFA World Cup.
8. Ronaldo Nazario- 414 Goals, 15 trophies
Ronaldo was a young football star who showed great talent early in his career. Despite injuries later on, he is still considered one of the best strikers ever.
He started at Cruzeiro, impressing Brazil with his scoring ability, scoring 12 goals in 14 games.
At 17, Ronaldo was part of Brazil’s 1994 World Cup-winning team, though he played a small role. He then moved to PSV, scoring 30 goals in his first European season.
His success led him to Barcelona, where he continued scoring goals. In 1998, he and Brazil lost the World Cup final to France, but won it four years later in Korea/Japan 2002.
Ronaldo won the Ballon d’Or twice and many other major trophies. He scored a total of 414 goals for his clubs and country.
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9. Alfredo Di Stefano- 509 Goals, 26 trophies
Alfredo Di Stefano, a football legend from Real Madrid and Argentina, is known as one of the most skilled players in the sport.
He was born in Buenos Aires and began his career at River Plate. Initially struggling to join the first team, he was loaned to Atletico Huracan.
Upon his return, he played a crucial role in River Plate’s 1947 title win. Later, he moved to Millionariis before making a significant impact at Real Madrid in Spain.
Di Stefano’s time at Real Madrid brought him global fame. He helped the team secure eight La Liga titles from 1954 to 1964 and five consecutive European titles from 1955 to 1960.
10. Michel Platani- 353 Goals, 12 trophies
The story of French football wouldn’t be complete without Michel Platini. He was a great midfielder in his time.
Platini was born in 1955 in northeastern France to Italian parents. He began playing youth football at Nancy and later turned professional, winning the French Cup with the club in 1978.
Afterward, he joined Saint Etienne and helped them win the Ligue 1 title in 1981. The following year, he moved to Juventus where he won several championships.
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