Greatest Soccer Players of All Time: Top 10 Legends

Soccer (football) is the world’s most popular sport – with an estimated 3.5 billion fans globally. Across generations, a handful of football legends have defined the game with extraordinary skill, record-breaking goals, and iconic moments. In this article, we rank the 10 greatest soccer players of all time. These legendary players – from Pelé and Maradona to Messi and Ronaldo – each redefined greatness on the pitch. We’ll highlight their career achievements, key stats, and why they are remembered as the best soccer players ever.

Table of Contents

Teams & trophies (World Cups, Champions League, etc.)
Individual honors (Ballon d’Ors, Golden Boots, MVP awards)
Records (goals, assists, appearances)
Influence and legacy (impact on the sport, iconic moments)

Image: Female soccer player kicking a ball on a sunny field, representing determination and skill of famous footballers.

Below are our top 10 picks. Each section includes career highlights in bullet form for easy reading. Let’s dive into the greatest soccer players in history, and see what made them legends.

1. Lionel Messi – Record 8× Ballon d’Or (1987–2023)

Lionel Messi is often hailed as the pinnacle of modern soccer. The Argentine forward won a record eight Ballon d’Or awards (2010–2012, 2015–2019, 2021, 2023), the most in history. He is Barcelona’s all-time top scorer with 672 goals in all competitions. Messi’s skill, vision, and consistency led Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title, ending a 36-year drought.

Records: 8× Ballon d’Or (most ever); Barcelona’s all-time top scorer (672 goals)
Club success: 35 trophies with FC Barcelona (10 La Liga, 4 Champions League, 7 Copa del Rey, etc.)
International success: 2022 World Cup champion; 2021 Copa América champion (best player of tournament)
Other highlights: 7× European Golden Shoe (most goals in Europe); over 800 career goals and counting

Messi’s playmaking and dribbling made him the centerpiece of Barcelona’s “Tiki-Taka” era. In 2023 he joined Inter Miami, becoming the first active MLS player to win the Ballon d’Or. His humility and passion also make him a global icon of the sport.

2. Pelé (Edson Arantes do Nascimento) – 3× World Cup Champion (1940–2022)

Brazilian great Pelé is often considered the first global superstar of soccer. A prolific forward, he scored 1,279 goals in 1,363 games (including friendlies) – a Guinness World Record. Pelé won an unprecedented three FIFA World Cups (1958, 1962, 1970) with Brazil, a feat no other player has matched. He was named FIFA Player of the Century (jointly with Maradona) and was the face of the sport for millions of fans.

Goal record: 1,279 career goals (Guinness World Record)
World Cups: Champion in 1958, 1962, 1970 (Brazil’s top scorer in World Cup history)
Club success: Led Santos FC to two Copa Libertadores and multiple Brazilian titles; 643 goals for Santos in official matches
Honors: FIFA Player of the Century (2000); named in TIME’s 100 Most Important People of 20th Century.

Pelé’s flair and athleticism introduced soccer to new audiences. He popularized the phrase “the beautiful game,” reflecting his play style. Even today, Pelé is regarded as a “futuristic” footballer who combined power, skill, and humility, making him one of the greatest soccer players ever.

3. Diego Maradona – 1986 World Cup Winner (1960–2020)

Diego Maradona is Argentina’s legendary playmaker, famous for his “Hand of God” goal and stunning solo run in the 1986 World Cup. He led Argentina to the 1986 FIFA World Cup title, earning the Golden Ball as best player. Maradona’s extraordinary dribbling and creativity made him a hero in Naples (scoring a brace in the 1989 UEFA Cup final) and across the football world.

Iconic moment: Scored two legendary goals vs. England in 1986 (the “Hand of God” and the “Goal of the Century”)
World Cup: Winner in 1986; Golden Ball winner as tournament’s top player
Club career: Starred for Barcelona and Napoli; won two Serie A titles (1987, 1990) with Napoli
Legacy: Voted the top player of 20th century by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS)

Maradona was adored for carrying underdogs to victory. Despite off-field controversies, his impact on soccer culture is immense. He remains a symbol of passion and skill, and is celebrated as one of the best footballers in history.

4. Cristiano Ronaldo – 5× Ballon d’Or (1985– )

Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo is a modern-day legend known for athleticism and goal-scoring. He has won five Ballon d’Or awards (2008–2009, 2014–2017), second only to Messi. Ronaldo has scored 140 Champions League goals (all-time record) and is the only player to win the UEFA Champions League five times (four with Real Madrid and one with Manchester United).

European records: All-time top scorer in UEFA Champions League (140 goals); most appearances in Champions League (183)
Titles: 5× Champions League winner; multiple league titles (England, Spain, Italy); UEFA European Championship 2016 (Portugal)
Individual awards: 5× Ballon d’Or; 3× FIFA World Player of the Year; 4× European Golden Shoe
Career goals: Over 800 career goals (club + country); all-time top scorer for Portugal (123 goals)

Ronaldo is known even to casual fans for his work ethic and longevity. Even into his late 30s he continued scoring at top levels – earning moves to Juventus and then the Saudi Pro League. His countless records for goals and fitness make him one of the greatest soccer players of all time.

5. Kylian Mbappé – 2018 World Cup Champion (1998– )

Kylian Mbappé is one of the brightest talents of the 21st century. The French forward burst onto the scene as a teenager by winning the 2018 FIFA World Cup with France (scoring in the final). In the 2022 World Cup, he scored a hat-trick in the final (though France lost), earning the Golden Boot as top scorer. At just 24 years old, Mbappé has already won multiple league titles with Paris Saint-Germain and is compared to greats like Thierry Henry.

World Cups: 2018 champion with France; Golden Boot winner (8 goals) in 2022 World Cup
Career goals: Over 200 professional goals by age 24; youngest player to score in back-to-back World Cup finals
Honors: 4× Ligue 1 champion (with PSG); 3× French Player of the Year; UEFA Nations League title (2021)
Potential: Frequently cited among “best soccer players ever” and expected to lead France and his clubs for years to come.

Mbappé’s speed and finishing make him a constant threat. As Reuters notes, he is destined to lead a new generation of French players. At such a young age, he is often called the best player on the planet today, making him a strong contender for the title of greatest soccer player in the future.

6. Michel Platini – 3× Ballon d’Or (1955–2020)

French midfielder Michel Platini dominated European football in the early 1980s. He is one of only three players to win three consecutive Ballon d’Or awards (1983, 1984, 1985). Platini captained France to their first major title at Euro 1984, where he was top scorer (9 goals) and named the best player of the tournament.

Awards: Ballon d’Or winner in 1983, 1984, 1985 (first player to win it three times in a row)
International: Euro 1984 champion (France); top scorer of Euro 84 with 9 goals
Club success: Won Serie A (1982–83) and the European Cup (Champions League) in 1985 with Juventus; 2× UEFA Cup winner (1984, 1984–85)
Legacy: Held France’s national goal-scoring record (post-retirement) and was ranked 7th in FIFA’s Player of the Century poll.

Platini was the heartbeat of the “Carré magique” (magic square) French team. His vision and free-kick mastery make him an all-time great. He helped put French football on the map and remains a football legend in Europe.

7. Johan Cruyff – 3× Ballon d’Or (1947–2016)

Dutch superstar Johan Cruyff was the face of Total Football. A creative midfielder/forward, Cruyff won three Ballon d’Or awards (1971, 1973, 1974). He was named European Footballer of the Century in 1999. Cruyff revolutionized the game at Ajax – helping them win three straight European Cups (1971–73) – and later led Barcelona to its first league title in 14 years.

Awards: Ballon d’Or winner in 1971, 1973, 1974; FIFA World Cup Golden Ball (Best Player) in 1974
Club success: 3× European Cup champion (1971, 1972, 1973) with Ajax; 2× La Liga champion (1973–74, 1974–75) with Barcelona
Innovations: Key figure of the Netherlands’ 1974 World Cup team; later as a coach he built Barcelona’s “Dream Team”
Legacy: Credited with popularizing “total football”; voted UEFA Golden Player of the 20th Century for the Netherlands.

Cruyff’s intelligence and style influenced generations. He remains a symbol of football artistry, with honors like induction into the FIFA 100 greatest living players list. His legacy ensures he is forever among the best soccer players ever.

8. Ronaldo Nazário (Brazilian Ronaldo) – 2× Ballon d’Or (1976– )

Brazil’s Ronaldo (“O Fenômeno”) was a physical and technical phenomenon in the 1990s/2000s. He won two Ballon d’Or awards and was FIFA World Player of the Year three times. Ronaldo scored 62 goals in 98 games for Brazil, making him their second-highest scorer. He helped Brazil to 2002 World Cup glory, where he won the Golden Boot (8 goals, including 2 in the final).

Achievements: 2× Ballon d’Or winner; 3× FIFA World Player of the Year
World Cup: Champion in 1994 (squad) and 2002 (star of team); Golden Boot and Golden Ball (best player) in 1998 as well
Goals: 15 World Cup goals (third-most of all time); 62 goals in 98 caps for Brazil
Clubs: Won three La Liga titles (1 with Barcelona, 2 with Real Madrid); UEFA Cup 1998 (Inter Milan); over 400 club goals

Despite severe injuries mid-career, Ronaldo’s raw talent was unmatched. His pace, dribbling, and finishing were game-changing. His 2002 World Cup final performance and record-breaking speed cemented his status as one of soccer’s elite forwards.

9. Ferenc Puskás – Hungarian Goalscoring Legend (1927–2006)

Ferenc Puskás was a legendary striker for Hungary’s “Golden Team” and Real Madrid. He scored 84 goals in 85 international matches for Hungary – one of the highest goal-per-game ratios ever. Puskás won the 1952 Olympic gold medal and led Hungary to the 1954 World Cup final. After moving to Real Madrid, he won three European Champions Cups (1959, 1960, 1966) and helped score numerous goals in Europe’s top club competition.

International: 1952 Olympic champion; 1954 World Cup finalist (scored twice in the final)
Goals: 84 goals in 85 games for Hungary; later scored 4 goals in 2 matches for Spain (eligibility)
Club success: 3× European Cup champion with Real Madrid (1959, 1960, 1966); 8× La Liga champion (Real Madrid)
Records: Named the greatest top-division scorer of the 20th century by IFFHS; 514 goals in 529 competitive club matches.

Puskás’s powerful left foot made him a prolific striker. The FIFA Puskás Award (for best goal) is named in his honor. His scoring feats and style of play keep his name among the famous footballers of all time.

10. Paolo Maldini – Defensive Maestro (1968– )

Italian defender Paolo Maldini is the epitome of longevity and excellence. He played 25 seasons for AC Milan, winning 5 European Cups/Champions Leagues and 7 Serie A titles. Maldini earned 126 caps for Italy, holding the national record for appearances (until very recently). He’s often listed among the greatest defenders ever.

Club titles: 5× Champions League winner; 7× Italian league champion; 5× UEFA Super Cup; 2× Intercontinental Cup
International: 126 caps for Italy; World Cup runner-up in 1994 and Euro runner-up in 2000 (captained Italy to two finals)
Awards: UEFA Club Footballer of the Year (Best Defender) in 2007; FIFA 100 (Pelé’s list of greatest living players)
Legacy: Holds AC Milan’s all-time appearance record (902 games); legendary for his leadership and sportsmanship (Milan retired his #3).

Maldini was an unmatched tactician on defense. His ability to read the game and impeccable positioning set a standard for defenders. Even without Ballon d’Ors or World Cup wins, his trophy haul and consistency make him a soccer legend.

Conclusion: This list of the greatest soccer players spans eras and continents. Each of these legends – from Pelé to Messi – left an indelible mark on the game with their talent and achievements. Debates about the “GOAT” (Greatest Of All Time) continue, but one thing is clear: these top footballers in history have inspired millions. We hope you enjoyed this deep dive into soccer history.

Who do you think is the greatest soccer player ever? Let us know in the comments below. If you loved this list, share it on social media and join the discussion! ⚽🌍

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Who is considered the greatest soccer player of all time?
A: The “GOAT” is subjective. Historically, Pelé and Diego Maradona are often named the greatest. In the modern era, many consider Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo as the top contenders. All three have multiple Ballon d’Ors, World Cup titles (Pelé and Messi), and countless records. Factors include individual awards, team success, and overall impact on the game.

Q: How do players like Messi and Pelé compare?
A: Both are legends. Pelé’s record 3 World Cups (1958–1970) and over 1,200 goals make him iconic. Messi’s 7+ Ballon d’Ors (now 8) and 2022 World Cup triumph highlight his career. Statistically, Messi has more club goals and Ballons, while Pelé’s era had more goals counted. The debate is ongoing among fans and experts.

Q: Who has scored the most goals in soccer history?
A: Officially, Pelé is credited with 1,279 career goals, a Guinness World Record. Modern tallies vary due to different record-keeping. Others like Romário or Müller have high counts, but Pelé’s mark stands out. Among active players, Messi and Ronaldo have 700+ each (all competitions).

Q: Which players have won the most World Cups?
A: Only Pelé has 3 World Cup wins (1958, 1962, 1970). A few Brazilians (Cafú, Ronaldo, etc.) have 2. Many great players (Messi, Maradona, etc.) have 1 World Cup each. World Cups are every four years, so multiple wins are rare.

Q: Who are the greatest female soccer players of all time?
A: Although this article focused on men’s soccer, women’s football has its own legends. Marta (Brazil), Mia Hamm (USA), Abby Wambach (USA), Birgit Prinz (Germany), and Sun Wen (China) are often cited as all-time greats. Marta has won the FIFA World Player of the Year award six times, and Hamm won two World Cups. These female footballers dominated their eras and inspired the growth of women’s soccer worldwide.

Q: What makes a player a soccer legend?
A: Beyond statistics, legends combine skill, consistency, leadership, and memorable performances on big stages (World Cup, Champions League). They also influence other players and capture fans’ imaginations. Long careers at top clubs and international success usually factor into being named among the best soccer players ever.