The list of the best football players of all time on the planet
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In the world of football, there can be understanding for many things, but one issue has created and will always create great debate among fans, analysts, and club members. If you ask someone, "Who are the best athletes of all time?" some, based on their feelings and similarities, will mention certain athletes, while others, based on their emotions, will name others. So, this is a subjective topic, and the names will vary based on personal preferences and eras. But we will do an analysis and try to answer this question based on in-depth analysis, statistics, and creating a list of the best footballers of all time.
When discussing the giants of world football, it's important to recognize how the evolution of the game has affected the performances of athletes. For example, the playing conditions of legends like Maradona, Pelé, Di Stefano, and Cruyff varied greatly compared to those faced today by icons like Ronaldo, Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Zidane. The approach towards athletes has also changed, moving from a context in which psychology and the harshness of fouls played a predominant role, to one in which the support and treatment of athletes have significantly improved.
In the first part of this article, we will talk about some of the best athletes from the past and analyze their qualities or strengths:
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Pele
Firstly, we'll discuss the legendary figure of Pelé, often referred to as the "Brazilian wizard." Throughout his illustrious career, he shattered numerous records, with his remarkable goal-scoring prowess and technical skills standing out as his signature traits. A distinctive achievement in his portfolio is being the youngest athlete to participate in a World Cup final, a milestone he reached in 1958 when he was just 17 years old. Additionally, he's among the elite group of athletes who have netted over 1000 goals, showcasing his extraordinary level of play. Beyond his statistical achievements, Pelé's legacy is cemented by his sophisticated technique and his pivotal role in leading Brazil to triumph in three World Cup tournaments.
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Diego Armando Maradona
"El Pibe De Oro" (The Golden Boy) is celebrated for his unparalleled technical skills and memorable goals. His unmatched technique, dribbling prowess, and agility were a nightmare for defenders tasked with halting his advances. Diego carved his name in history with Napoli, clinching the Serie A title and netting numerous stunning goals. On the international stage with Argentina, he secured a World Cup victory and scored two iconic goals that have etched their place in history. One such goal is famously dubbed the "Hand of God" against England, and another spectacular goal in the same match saw him weaving through half the field, bypassing 4-5 athletes before finding the net. Despite his illustrious career, it was not without its controversies, which only added to the legend that surrounds him.
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Alfredo Di Stefano
He stands as an iconic figure for both Real Madrid and the Spanish national team. In his remarkable eleventh season with Madrid, he secured 8 La Liga titles and was instrumental in the team's 5 consecutive Champions League victories. Throughout his tenure at Madrid, Di Stefano amassed 218 goals over 282 appearances. Football greats such as Bobby Charlton and Franz Beckenbauer have lauded Alfredo as the finest athlete to ever grace the sport. Ferenc Puskas, another football luminary who played alongside Di Stefano, remarked, “He is the best there has ever been, and likely ever will be.” Such high praise from peers of his caliber clearly illustrates the immense respect and admiration held for Alfredo Di Stefano’s contributions to football.
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Johan Cruyff
A game-changing figure in football, reshaping how teams work together, both with Barcelona and the Dutch team. He introduced the world to "total football," a strategy that emphasized flexible roles and teamwork. While at Barcelona, Cruyff earned 20 trophies, including winning the Champions Cup three years in a row (1971, 1972, 1973). Cruyff was famous for being really fast and always scoring goals. He was so unpredictable during games. Also, he's remembered for a special dribbling move and a unique turn that bear his name, commonly referred to as the "Cruyff Turn" during training sessions.
In addition to these football legends, the sport has seen the emergence of new icons who have pushed the limits further. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have elevated the concept of rivalry and excellence to unprecedented heights, establishing new benchmarks in commitment, talent, and reliability. Let's explore some of the standout athletes since 2000:
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Cristiano Ronaldo
The athlete from Portugal, known globally as "CR7," stands out as one of the greatest, not just in recent times but across football history. Throughout his career, Ronaldo has shattered numerous records at both club and international levels, earning him the title of a 'goal machine'. Among his achievements are being the first to net goals in 5 time in finals, holding records for the most Champions League appearances (197), highest goals (140), and assists (42), alongside having the most caps and being the top scorer in Serie A with 128 goals. Ronaldo's trophy cabinet boasts 33 awards. His knack for finding the net, technical prowess, and aerial skills make him a formidable opponent for any defender.
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Lionel Messi
Many consider Messi the wizard from Argentina because of his incredible skills and achievements. There used to be arguments about who was better between him and Diego Maradona, especially since Maradona had won a World Cup. However, Messi's World Cup win with Argentina in 2022 changed many opinions, making people see him as possibly the greatest athlete ever. Among Messi's standout achievements are his record of 72 goals in a single year, being the top scorer in La Liga history with 474 goals, and winning the Ballon d'Or 8 times. Throughout his career, Messi has won 43 titles. His exceptional skill in passing the ball accurately, swiftly dodging opponents, and dribbling with finesse poses a significant challenge for defenders trying to catch up with him.
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Ronaldo (the Brazilian striker)
Ronaldo, also celebrated as "The Phenomenon," is regarded as one of football's most gifted athletes, yet injuries often hindered him from showcasing his full capabilities. He starred for several top clubs around the globe, including Barcelona, Inter, Real Madrid, and Milan, tallying numerous goals and securing many titles. His trophy case includes various domestic and international accolades, highlighted by two World Cup victories with Brazil in 1994 and 2002, where he played a pivotal role. Ronaldo has also been honored with two Ballon d'Or awards. Known for his remarkable speed, innate goal-scoring ability, and power, his shots were notoriously challenging for goalkeepers to save.
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Zinedine Zidane
One of the most skilled midfielders in the history of both French and international football, renowned for his scoring prowess. He's remembered for his brilliant displays, notably a spectacular goal in the Champions League final between Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen. Zidane's play was characterized by elegance, outstanding game awareness, precise passing, flawless ball handling, and superior technique. Throughout his career, he garnered numerous individual and team accolades. However, his career also had its share of controversy, such as the notable incident with Marco Materazzi, showcasing his passionate nature.
Ultimately, the debate over who is the greatest football player of all time remains a hot topic for discussion, with varying opinions and preferences leading to support for different legends. This debate is complex, given the extensive list of incredible athletes who have left their mark on football's history, from earlier eras to the present day. Yet, it's clear that football's future is promising, thanks to the rise of numerous young talents who continue to showcase their skills. Athletes like Mbappé, Haaland, Vinicius, Pedri, Gavi, and many more are keeping the game vibrant and exciting, promising a future rich with talent and thrilling performances.
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