101 Best Soccer Players Of All Time (and why)
If you’re looking for a list of the best soccer players of all time – this is for you.
Soccer has seen an extraordinary array of talent grace its fields over the years. In this exploration of the 101 best soccer players of all time, we’ll take a closer look at players from over the years, and why they rank in this list of the best soccer players of all time.
From dazzling dribblers to clinical finishers, each player on this list has left an indelible mark on the beautiful game, transcending eras and captivating the imaginations of soccer enthusiasts worldwide.
Best Soccer Players Of All Time
Creating a definitive list of the 101 best soccer players of all time is a subjective task, as opinions may vary based on personal preferences and biases.
However, this list includes some of the greatest players in the history of soccer, taking into consideration their achievements, skill level, and impact on the sport. This list does not include soccer players who are still in the prime of their career.
Ready to see the best soccer players of all time? Let’s go!
Top 100 Best Soccer Players Of All Time
- Jürgen Klinsmann (Germany): Led Germany to victory in the 1990 FIFA World Cup
- Emilio Butragueño (Spain): Key player for Real Madrid during the 1980s
- David Villa (Spain): Spain’s all-time leading goal scorer
- Laurent Blanc (France): Part of the French team that won the 1998 World Cup
- Dani Alves (Brazil): holds the record for most assists by a defender in La Liga history
- Xabi Alonso (Spain): Won domestic and international titles with Real Madrid and Spain
- Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast): Ivory Coast’s all-time leading goal scorer
- Marcel Desailly (France): Key player in France’s World Cup and Euro-winning teams
- Dino Zoff (Italy): Oldest player to win the World Cup as a captain in 1982
- Fabio Cannavaro (Italy): Captained Italy to victory in the 2006 FIFA World Cup
Top Best Soccer Players Of All Time
- Franco Baresi (Italy): AC Milan legend and three-time European Cup winner
- Michael Laudrup (Denmark): Renowned for his skill and creativity as an attacking midfielder
- Raul Gonzalez (Spain): Real Madrid’s all-time leading goal scorer
- Luis Figo (Portugal): Won the FIFA World Player of the Year in 2001
- Frank Rijkaard (Netherlands): Key player in AC Milan’s success in the late ’80s
- Paolo Rossi (Italy): Top scorer and Golden Boot winner in the 1982 World Cup
- Fernando Peyroteo (Portugal): Averaged over a goal per game throughout his career
- Sergio Ramos (Spain): four UEFA Champions League titles in five years from 2014 to 2018
- Gabriel Batistuta (Argentina): Argentina’s all-time leading goal scorer for many years
- Filippo Inzaghi (Italy): One of the top goal scorers in UEFA Champions League history
Who Is The Best Soccer Player?
- Cesare Prandelli (Italy): Managed Italy to the UEFA Euro 2012 final
- Gaetano Scirea (Italy): Part of Italy’s World Cup-winning team in 1982
- Gigi Buffon (Italy): Italy’s all-time most capped player and World Cup-winning captain
- Frank Lampard (England): Chelsea’s all-time leading goal-scorer
- Francesco Totti (Italy): Long-serving captain and forward for AS Roma
- Paul Gascoigne (England): Known for his flair and skill, particularly in the 1990 World Cup
- Roger Milla (Cameroon): Oldest goal scorer in FIFA World Cup history (42 years and 39 days)
- Hugo Sanchez (Mexico): Five-time Pichichi Trophy winner as La Liga’s top scorer
- Daniel Passarella (Argentina): Led Argentina to victory in the 1978 FIFA World Cup
- Dixie Dean (England): Scored a record 60 league goals in the 1927-28 season
Best Soccer Players Of All Time and Why
- Didi (Brazil): Won two FIFA World Cups with Brazil (1958, 1962)
- Patrick Vieira (France): Integral part of Arsenal’s “Invincibles” team in the 2003-04 season
- Fernando Hierro (Spain): Long-serving captain and defender for Real Madrid
- Michael Laudrup (Denmark): Renowned for his skill and creativity as an attacking midfielder
- Wayne Rooney (England): leading goal-scorer for Man United and the England national team
- Just Fontaine (France): Holds the record for most goals in a single World Cup tournament (13)
- Michael Ballack (Germany): Led Germany to the World Cup final in 2002
- Raymond Kopa (France): Part of the Real Madrid team that won three European Cups
- Johan Neeskens (Netherlands): Part of the Total Football era with Ajax and Dutch national team
- Alan Shearer (England): all-time leading goal-scorer in the Premier League, scored 260 goals
Most Influential Soccer Players Ever
- Juan Román Riquelme (Argentina): Renowned for his vision and playmaking ability
- Giuseppe Meazza (Italy): Two-time World Cup winner (1934, 1938)
- Frank Rijkaard (Netherlands): Key player in AC Milan’s success in the late ’80s
- Luis Figo (Portugal): Won the FIFA World Player of the Year in 2001
- Dunga (Brazil): Captain of Brazil’s 1994 World Cup-winning team
- Gordon Banks (England): Made the “Save of the Century” against Pelé in the 1970 World Cup
- Alessandro Nesta (Italy): World-class defender with a successful career at AC Milan
- Sócrates (Brazil): Renowned for his elegant playing style and intelligence on the field
- Nilton Santos (Brazil): Integral part of Brazil’s 1958 and 1962 World Cup-winning teams
- Andrea Pirlo (Italy): Regarded as one of the best midfielders of his generation
Top 50 Best Soccer Players Of All Time
- Lothar Matthäus (Germany): Captained West Germany to victory in the 1990 World Cup
- Paolo Rossi (Italy): Top scorer and Golden Boot winner in the 1982 World Cup
- Carlos Alberto (Brazil): Scored one of the greatest goals in World Cup history in 1970
- Gary Lineker (England): Won the Golden Boot at the 1986 World Cup
- Zico (Brazil): Scored over 500 career goals and was a free-kick specialist
- Hristo Stoichkov (Bulgaria): Key player in Barcelona’s “Dream Team” era
- Cafu (Brazil): Two-time FIFA World Cup winner (1994, 2002)
- Kaka (Brazil): Won the FIFA World Player of the Year in 2007
- Rivelino (Brazil): Part of Brazil’s legendary 1970 World Cup-winning team
- Dennis Bergkamp (Netherlands): Scored iconic goals, including the 1998 World Cup wonder goal
Best Soccer Players Of All Time Ranked
- David Beckham (England): Renowned for his free-kick ability and crossing
- Jean-Pierre Papin (France): Won the Ballon d’Or in 1991
- Michel Hidalgo (France): Managed France to victory in the 1984 European Championship
- Javier Zanetti (Argentina): Long-serving captain and defender for Inter Milan
- Alessandro Del Piero (Italy): Won numerous domestic and international titles with Juventus
- Ruud Krol (Netherlands): Key player in the Total Football era of the Netherlands
- Carlos Puyol (Spain): considered one of the greatest defenders of all time
- Miroslav Klose (Germany): all-time leading goal-scorer in FIFA World Cup history with 16 goals
- Robin Van Persie (Netherlands): prolific striker, known for his goal-scoring ability and versatility
- Karl-Heinz Rummenigge (Germany): Led West Germany to the 1980 European Championship
Top 30 Best Soccer Players Of All Time
- Zico (Brazil): Scored over 500 career goals and was a free-kick specialist
- Roberto Carlos (Brazil): Known for powerful free-kicks and long-range goals
- George Weah (Liberia): The only African player to win the Ballon d’Or
- Ronaldinho (Brazil): Won the FIFA World Player of the Year twice
- Ruud Gullit (Netherlands): Key player in AC Milan’s successful era
- Gerd Muller (Germany): Scored over 600 career goals, including 68 in a single season
- Lev Yashin (Soviet Union): Only goalkeeper to win the Ballon d’Or (1963)
- Franz Puskas (Hungary): Netted four goals in the 1954 World Cup final
- Xavi Hernandez (Spain): Key playmaker in Spain’s era of dominance (2008-2012)
- Andres Iniesta (Spain): Scored the winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final
Top 20 Best Soccer Players Of All Time
- Sándor Kocsis (Hungary) prolific striker who played for Hungary and FC Barcelona
- Thierry Henry (France): Arsenal’s all-time leading goal scorer
- Bobby Charlton (England): Scored crucial goals for England’s 1966 World Cup win
- Franz Puskas (Hungary): Netted four goals in the 1954 World Cup final
- Paolo Maldini (Italy): AC Milan legend with over 1000 career appearances
- Roberto Baggio (Italy): Scored iconic goals and played in multiple World Cups
- Garrincha (Brazil): Two-time FIFA World Cup winner (1958, 1962)
- Marco van Basten (Netherlands): Scored memorable goals, including the Euro ’88 final volley
- Eusébio (Portugal): Golden Boot winner at the 1966 World Cup
- Ronaldo Nazário (Brazil): Two-time FIFA World Player of the Year
Top 10 Best Soccer Players Of All Time
- George Best (Northern Ireland): PFA Young Player of the Year in 1968
- Romário (Brazil) Brazil’s 1994 FIFA World Cup victory, won the FIFA World Player of the Year
- Alfredo Di Stefano (Argentina/Spain): Key figure in Real Madrid’s success in the 1950s
- Michel Platini (France): Won three Ballon d’Or awards
- Zinedine Zidane (France): Led France to victory in the 1998 FIFA World Cup
- Franz Beckenbauer (Germany): Captained and managed Germany to World Cup victories
- Johan Cruyff (Netherlands): Revolutionized modern football as a player and manager
- Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal): Five-time Ballon d’Or winner
- Lionel Messi (Argentina): Six-time Ballon d’Or winner
- Diego Maradona (Argentina): Led Argentina to victory in the 1986 FIFA World Cup
- Pelé (Brazil): Three-time FIFA World Cup winner (1958, 1962, 1970)
Best Soccer Player Of All Time
As we finish looking at the 101 best soccer players ever, we see a mix of talent, passion, and a lasting legacy. These players are really good at soccer and not only did they make the sport great, but they also became famous figures, inspiring many people and making fans feel a strong connection.
If you want to become a better soccer player, check out this 3-minute video. It’s not just another tutorial — it’s designed to help you unlock your full potential on the soccer field.
Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced player, the video explains how to improve your skills, develop your mindset, soccer IQ, and enhance your physical fitness.
Ready to take your soccer game to new heights? Watch the video and discover how can your player transformation today:
Improve Your Game Today
Imagine the satisfaction of looking back and realizing that today was the day you decided to push yourself a little harder, run a little faster, and train a little longer. Tomorrow’s success is built on the decisions you make today.
Don’t wait for the perfect moment; make this moment perfect by committing to your improvement. The path to greatness isn’t found in procrastination — but by taking action today.
Seize the opportunity, embrace the challenge, and let your progress today be the driving force behind your triumphs tomorrow. Your journey to greatness starts now.
If you really want to take another strong step in the right direction…
( continue reading )
The Next Step
If you found this article helpful, you’ll absolutely love The Soccer Success Planner.
Are you tired of feeling like you’re not making progress in your soccer skills? Do you want to have a more organized and effective training routine? Do you struggle with setting and achieving your soccer goals?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then the Soccer Success Planner is perfect for you. This planner will help you stay motivated, focused, and on track towards achieving your soccer goals. And it’s completely customizable to fit your unique needs!
Use the planner to set clear goals, track your progress, and stay accountable to yourself. With helpful prompts and exercises, you’ll be able to identify your strengths and weaknesses, plan your training sessions, and maximize your performance on the field.
Download your free copy now and start taking control of your soccer success today! You can download it here – Soccer Success Planner
Want To Improve Faster?
Not getting better at soccer? Confused about how to train effectively? Maybe you’re worried that you won’t be properly prepared for your next big opportunity? Or you just want to standout and actually feel respected by your teammates, coaches, and friends?
Whatever struggles you’re going through, The Online Soccer Academy is the best solution to help you overcome obstacles and achieve goals. Thousands of satisfied players have already taken the next step and achieved incredible results in record time.
With expert coaching, structured player development systems, and easy-to-follow training routines, it’s guaranteed to elevate game.
Join today and start experiencing the transformation you’ve been waiting for!
Get more information here – Online Soccer Academy
About The Author
If you don’t know about me…
I used to be a soccer player who struggled with self-confidence. I felt slow, weak, and unmotivated. My coaches didn’t pay much attention to me, my friends laughed at my lack of skills. At one point, I even became so discouraged that I quit the sport altogether.
Enough was enough. I decided to take control of my own development and set out on a journey to become a better soccer player. This path led me on an incredible journey of self-improvement.
I went on to win league and goal-scoring titles, earn awards, lift trophies, and received a college scholarship. I’ve even earned international caps for my country.
I started sharing my knowledge with others and teaching them how to become the best soccer players they could be. My YouTube channel grew to over 500,000 subscribers.
In addition, I coached for several youth clubs in my local city, and even started my own soccer training company. I went on to coach the most prestigious men’s club in my city for several years.
But enough about me, let’s focus on you.
If you’re looking to improve your skills, let’s take your soccer game to the next level. I want to help you make a noticeable change in style of play and overall performance on the field.
I’m passionate about helping players achieve their goals in soccer, and I’d love to be a part of your journey. I can help you reach your goals faster and achieve more in this sport, but I won’t force you. If you’re ready to take the next step, here’s what I suggest you do:
1) Download The Soccer Success Planner (FREE)
2) Apply To The Online Soccer Academy (Limited Spots)
Want more soccer training content?
Here are some related soccer articles you might enjoy:
101 Inspirational Soccer Quotes
How To Become A Great Soccer Player
Wishing You Success In Soccer
Coach Dylan
Progressive Soccer
Thank you for reading this article:
101 Best Soccer Players Of All Time (and why) | TOP RANKED LIST
