Ranking the Top 20 Greatest Footballers of All Time: Messi, Ronaldo and More

Listing the top 20 footballers of all time is a tough challenge. No matter the order, someone will disagree. Still, it’s worth celebrating the legends who shaped the sport, from record-breaking scorers like Cristiano Ronaldo to World Cup heroes like Lionel Messi, and innovators such as Johan Cruyff.

We’ve narrowed the list to 20 names that stand out for their talent, achievements, and influence. Do you agree with every choice? Probably not, but that’s part of the fun.

Players Ranked 20 to 11

• 20. Roberto Baggio: Remembered for his 1994 World Cup penalty miss, but also for dazzling skills and five goals in the knockout rounds. Fiorentina fans even rioted when he was sold to Juventus. A unique blend of creativity and goal-scoring.
• 19. Zico: Famous for his flair at Brazil and Flamengo during the 70s and 80s, including four goals at the 1982 World Cup and key assists in the 1981 Intercontinental Cup final against Liverpool.
• 18. Andres Iniesta: One of five players to score a World Cup-winning goal in extra time (2010). His subtle playmaking at Barcelona paved the way for many trophies alongside Messi.
• 17. Marco van Basten: Despite early retirement due to ankle injuries, he won three Ballons d’Or and scored unforgettable goals, including a legendary volley in the 1988 European Championship final.
• 16. Bobby Charlton: England’s midfield powerhouse in their 1966 World Cup win, holding goal records for Manchester United and England for years, inspiring future scoring midfielders.
• 15. Eusebio: Benfica’s iconic scorer with 473 goals in 440 games, a feat unmatched by his successors, who never matched his prolific scoring rate.
• 14. Garrincha: Praised by Pele, he embodied Brazilian flair and won two World Cups. Known for mesmerizing defenders and inspiring the famous ‘ole’ chant.
• 13. George Best: The UK’s most naturally gifted footballer, whose peak season in 1967/68 included a European Cup victory and a Ballon d’Or.
• 12. Ferenc Puskas: A goal machine with 670 club goals and 84 international strikes. He helped Hungary reach the 1954 World Cup final and introduced the 'drag-back' move.
• 11. Gerd Muller: A clutch scorer in World Cup finals and European Cup matches, winning everything multiple times with Germany and Bayern Munich.

Top 10 Footballers of All Time

• 10. Michel Platini: Dominated Serie A in the 80s with three Ballons d’Or and led France to Euro 1984 victory, scoring nine goals in five games.
• 9. Alfredo Di Stefano: Five consecutive European Cups with Real Madrid and first two-time Ballon d’Or winner, praised by Johan Cruyff for his team-first play.
• 8. Johan Cruyff: Pioneer of Total Football, three European Cups, three Ballons d’Or, and a legacy influencing Pep Guardiola and Lionel Messi despite missing a World Cup title.
• 7. Zinedine Zidane: A player of grace and unpredictability, famous for key World Cup goals and Champions League moments, mixing brilliance with fiery passion.
• 6. Cristiano Ronaldo: The ultimate modern athlete, holding records for most international goals (146), Champions League goals (140), and scoring in six different World Cups.
• 5. Ronaldo Nazario: Before knee injuries, he was nearly unstoppable, blending speed, power, and flair. Made a comeback to score in a World Cup final and win a Ballon d’Or.
• 4. Franz Beckenbauer: Known as 'Der Kaiser', a leader who won multiple European Cups, a World Cup, and two Ballons d’Or while redefining the defender role.
• 3. Pele: Revolutionized football, winning three World Cups, scoring over 1,200 goals, and becoming one of the sport’s first global icons and brand ambassadors.
• 2. Diego Maradona: Defined by his 1986 World Cup exploits, especially the ‘Hand of God’ and the ‘Goal of the Century’, he remains one of football’s most controversial and brilliant figures.
• 1. Lionel Messi: After leading Argentina to a 2022 World Cup win, he ended debates about the greatest ever. With record Ballons d’Or and countless trophies, his talent and achievements are unmatched.