nigeriasport.ng

Ranking the 20 Greatest Footballers of All Time: Where Messi and Ronaldo Stand

Deciding the top 20 footballers ever is a tough job. No matter how it’s done, someone will disagree. Still, it’s worth celebrating the incredible talent that has graced the sport.

From goal-scoring legends like Cristiano Ronaldo, to World Cup heroes such as Lionel Messi, and innovators who transformed the game like Johan Cruyff, this list captures some of the finest players in history.

Here are players ranked from 20 to 11, each with a unique story and legacy.

  • 20. Roberto Baggio: Remembered sometimes for his missed penalty in the 1994 World Cup final, Baggio was a generational talent. His five goals in that World Cup’s knockout stages, along with unforgettable solo efforts and fan devotion at Fiorentina, prove his brilliance.
  • 19. Zico: Known for his flair and skill during the 70s and 80s with Brazil and Flamengo, Zico starred in the 1982 World Cup and scored nearly 400 goals for Flamengo. His creativity shone in the 1981 Intercontinental Cup final with two key assists.
  • 18. Andres Iniesta: One of only five to score a World Cup-winning extra-time goal (2010), Iniesta was essential for Spain and Barcelona. He may not have grabbed headlines like Messi, but Iniesta’s vision and dribbling set up countless victories and trophies.
  • 17. Marco van Basten: Forced to retire early due to ankle injuries, Van Basten still earned three Ballons d’Or and scored iconic goals, including a stunning volley against West Germany. Think of him as an even more dazzling version of Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
  • 16. Bobby Charlton: England’s key figure in their 1966 World Cup win, Charlton was a goal-scoring midfielder whose record stood for decades. He inspired future English greats while blending grit and finesse.
  • 15. Eusebio: Benfica’s legend, scoring 473 goals in 440 matches, remains unmatched at the club. His incredible goal tally over 50 years highlights why he’s one of the all-time greats.
  • 14. Garrincha: Praised by Pele for unmatched skills, Garrincha defined the Brazilian style with flair and crowd-pleasing antics. A two-time World Cup winner, he inspired the famous ‘ole’ chant by tormenting defenders.
  • 13. George Best: Perhaps the UK and Ireland’s most naturally gifted player, Best dazzled with pace and dribbling. Despite off-field distractions, his 1967/68 season saw him win the Ballon d’Or and the European Cup with Manchester United.
  • 12. Ferenc Puskas: A goal machine with 670 club goals and 84 international strikes, Puskas won multiple European Cups and Olympic gold. He also introduced the ‘drag-back’ move, changing the way goals were scored.
  • 11. Gerd Muller: Renowned for clutch performances, Muller delivered in World Cup finals and European Cup matches. His trophy haul includes three European Cups and a World Cup.

The Top 10 Footballers of All Time

Now we reach the elite group. Messi claims the top spot, with Cristiano Ronaldo at sixth. Here’s how the rest stack up:

  • 10. Michel Platini: Once the dominant force in Serie A, Platini won three Ballons d’Or in a row and led France to Euro 1984 glory, scoring nine goals in five games.
  • 9. Alfredo Di Stefano: Despite mixed modern opinions, Cruyff called him his favourite. Di Stefano won five straight European Cups and was the first two-time Ballon d’Or winner.
  • 8. Johan Cruyff: The mind behind Total Football, Cruyff changed how the game is played. He won three Ballons d’Or and three European Cups but never a World Cup. His influence lives on through La Masia and Guardiola.
  • 7. Zinedine Zidane: His magic on the ball made him a childhood hero for many, with moments like two headed goals in the 1998 World Cup final and a Champions League volley in 2001. His fiery temperament added to his legend.
  • 6. Cristiano Ronaldo: A 21st-century icon, Ronaldo’s records are staggering: most international goals (146), Champions League top scorer (140), and Real Madrid’s leading marksman with 450 goals.
  • 5. Ronaldo Nazario: Before injuries, he was the perfect striker—speed, power, flair, and clinical finishing. Even after knee issues, he scored in World Cup finals and won the Ballon d’Or twice.
  • 4. Franz Beckenbauer: Known as 'Der Kaiser', he captained Bayern Munich and West Germany to multiple European Cups and a World Cup. Twice Ballon d’Or winner, his leadership defined winning football.
  • 3. Pele: The man who turned football into a global phenomenon. Starting as a 17-year-old World Cup star, he scored 1,279 goals and became football’s first true global ambassador.
  • 2. Diego Maradona: Forever remembered for the 1986 World Cup match against England, with his infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal and the ‘Greatest Goal of All Time’. A genius and controversial figure whose impact is unmatched.
  • 1. Lionel Messi: Winning the 2022 World Cup silenced all debate about the greatest ever. Holding a record number of Ballons d’Or, countless club and international titles, and an astonishing goal tally, Messi is football’s ultimate talent.

Related Articles