101 Soccer Legends Every True Fan Should Know
If you’re looking for a list of soccer legends – this is for you.
Soccer, the most popular sport in the world, has given rise to many legendary players who have left an indelible mark on the beautiful game. From the electrifying dribbles to the jaw-dropping goals, these athletes have become symbols of inspiration for fans globally.
In this article, we will explore the top 101 soccer legends of all time…
Soccer Legends
Compiling a list of the top 101 soccer legends is no easy feat, as the beautiful game has been graced by an abundance of extraordinary talent throughout its storied history.
While goals and records certainly play a role, this list is not a cold calculation but rather a celebration of those players whose contributions have transcended the pitch. It delves into the intangibles – the moments of brilliance, the unwavering dedication, and the impact on the sport.
Ready to see the best soccer legends of all time? Let’s go!
101 Soccer Legends 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 Legends 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 Are The True Soccer Legends?
- 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 Legends 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
Soccer Legends Ranked
- 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 Soccer Legends
- 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
Who Are The Soccer Legends?
- 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 Soccer Legends
- 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 Soccer Legends
- 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 Soccer Legends
- 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)
The Greatest Soccer Legends
These 101 soccer legends will forever be etched in the hearts of fans. Their contributions to the sport go beyond statistics and trophies; they embody the spirit of competition, sportsmanship, and the sheer joy that soccer brings to millions.
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The Next Step
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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.
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101 Soccer Legends Every True Fan Should Know
