Who is the greatest soccer player of all time? Let’s finally settle this debate

Football has produced impressive players admired worldwide for their talents and skills. While the debate about the greatest soccer player continues to stir global discussions, soccer enthusiasts have different opinions on who they believe is the best. But with stats, it is easy to distinguish who deserves the most shout-outs.

The best footballers, like Pele, Diego Maradona, and Lionel Messi, have won nearly everything in their careers. Their exceptional abilities wowed many fans and left many pundits singing their praises. So, who's the greatest soccer player of all time?

Top 10 greatest soccer players of all time

Pele, Maradona, Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Zinedine Zidane are among the best football stars ever. Many young talents have grown inspired by their abilities and success.

Who is the greatest soccer player of all time as of 2023?

Some people consider the late Brazilian star Pele the best in history because of his achievements. However, Messi also ascended to greatness, thanks to his World Cup triumph with Argentina. So, who is considered the greatest soccer player of all time? Our greatest soccer players of all time list rank the top footballers according to their stats and achievements.

Amazing! The top 10 Everton legends of all time are now revealed

Football

10. Eusebio

The Portuguese legend began his career in 1971. He played for several clubs, including Benfica, and won numerous accolades, like the Ballon d'Or, World Soccer, and the European Golden Shoe. Eusebio lifted the Primeira Liga, Taca de Portugal, and the European Cup.

• Country: Portugal
• Position: Striker
• Club goals: 733 (matches 754)
• International Goals: 41 (64 games)

9. Gerd Muller

Muller played for Bayern Munich and Fort Lauderdale as a striker. He won enormous awards like the Ballon d'Or, Footballer of the Year, and the FIFA World Cup Golden Boot. The German is also considered one of the best goal-scorers in football history.

• Country: West Germany
• Position: Striker
• Club goals: 487 (555 matches)
• International goals: 68 (62 games)

8. Franz Beckenbauer

Beckenbauer is a former German footballer and one of the most successful managers. He won two Ballon d'Or titles thanks to his profound vision and versatility. Franz got named to the 2002 FIFA World Cup Dream Team, the Ballon d'Or Dream Team in 2020, and the FIFA 100 of the World's greatest living players in 2004.

Who are the top 10 greatest ranked football midfielders of all time?

Football

• Country: West Germany
• Position: Central defender
• Club goals: 79 (matches 560)
• International goals: 14 (103 games)

7. Alfredo Di Stefano

Di Stefano is a legendary Argentine striker with phenomenal skills and unique tactics. He helped River Plate win many titles before moving to Real Madrid and conquering Europe. Di Stefano won the Ballon d'Or, World Soccer, and UEFA President's Award. He also lifted eight La Liga titles and five European Cups.

• Country: Argentina
• Position: Forward
• Club goals: 376 (521 matches)
• International goals: 29 (41 games)

6. Johan Cruyff

The legendary Dutch footballer and coach ranks among the most influential figures in the sport. He transformed the sport by introducing a modern football style called tiki-taka. Cruyff played for Ajax, Barcelona, and the Dutch national team. He won four League titles, Copa del Rey, Supercopa de Espana, European Cup, and the UEFA European Championship.

Fascinating facts about the top 10 best AC Milan legends of all time

Football

• Country: Netherlands
• Position: Forward/attacking midfielder
• Club goals: 291 (514 matches)
• International goals: 33 (48 games)

Top 5 greatest footballers of all time

According to statistics, the five best soccer heroes are Zinedine Zidane, Cristiano Ronaldo, Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi, and Pele. Their incredible talents put them at a different level from other players.

5. Zinedine Zidane

Zizou is one of the best-attacking midfielders in football. He won multiple trophies, including Onze de Bronze, UEFA European Championship Player of the Tournament, and Serie A Footballer of the Year. Zidane played for top clubs like Juventus and Real Madrid. He also coached Real Madrid to three consecutive Champions League titles.

• Country: France
• Position: Attacking midfielder
• Club goals: 95 (506 matches)
• International goals: 31 (108 games)

4. Cristiano Ronaldo

The Portuguese star is one of the most decorated footballers in history. Ronaldo, who plays for Saudi side Al Nassr, has won nearly everything in his career at Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus. He has five Ballon d'Or titles, four European Golden Shoes, and two PFA Players' Player of the Year awards. CR7 has won over 30 titles.

Maradona to Mertens: List of top 10 Napoli legends of all time ranked

Football

• Country: Portugal
• Position: Forward
• Club goals: 713 in 964 matches (as of May 2023)
• International goals: 122 in 198 games (as of May 2023)

3. Diego Maradona

The legendary Argentine football striker was famous for his vision, passing, ball control, and dribbling skills. He led his nation to the 1986 World Cup glory, cementing his place among football icons. Maradona played for Boca Juniors, Napoli and Barcelona. Diego won the Copa del Rey, Copa de la Liga, and Supercopa de Espana with Barca.

• Country: Argentina
• Position: Attacking midfielder/striker
• Club goals: 259 (491 matches)
• International goals: 34 (91 games)

Who is the 2nd greatest soccer player of all time?

Former Barcelona star Lionel Messi ranks second in our list of the greatest footballers in history. Leo has the most Ballon d'Or titles (7) and Golden Shoe (6). He is also among the wealthiest soccer stars today. However, to some, he is the best.

Revealed! The top 10 most skilled footballers in the world right now

Football

2. Lionel Messi

The Argentine spent most of his career at Barcelona before joining PSG in 2021. He is the second-most decorated footballer with 43 titles, behind Dani Alves (44). Some of his titles include four UEFA Champions Leagues, seven Copa del Reys, and 10 La Ligas. He also led his nation to World Cup glory in 2022.

• Country: Argentina
• Position: Forward
• Club goals: 703 in 849 matches (as of May 2023)
• International goals: 102 in 174 games (as of May 2023)

Who is better, Messi or Pele?

Football fans and pundits have divided opinions on who is better between Messi and Pele. The two are known for their unique talents and the many titles they won with their clubs and country. However, Pele has won more World Cups and scored more goals than the Argentine.

1. Pele

The Brazilian began his career at Bauru in 1953 as a forward. He is the most successful among retired footballers and built a global sports brand. His achievements include the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball, the Ballon d'Or Prix d'Honneur, and the South American Footballer of the Year.

Top 10 fastest soccer players to score 100 goals for a club

Football

Is Pele the greatest soccer player of all time

Pele is the footballer with the most goals on earth, having scored over 1,000 goals in his career. He also has the most World Cup titles (five). The legendary Brazilian was voted the FIFA Player of the Century. His impact on the sport has inspired many talents.

Who is No 1, Messi or Ronaldo?

Messi and Ronaldo are two of the best footballers in the 21st century. The heated debate about who is better has divided many fans and experts. The two have impressive stats, but Messi comes clear, having won the 2022 World Cup with Argentina and bagged more Ballon d'Or awards.

Africa's greatest soccer player of all time

The African continent has also produced unique talents that have conquered top leagues and won titles with their nations. Legendary Liberian forward George Weah, former Cameroonian striker Samuel Eto'o and Ivory Coast legend Didier Drogba are among the best African footballers in history.

A list of footballers with 500 or more goals: Goal-scoring machines

Football

Weah is the only African to win the Ballon d'Or, while Eto'o won nearly everything with Barcelona, Inter Milan and Cameroon. Drogba won four Premier League titles and a Champions League with Chelsea. Other stars include Egypt's Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane of Senegal, Cameroon legend Roger Milla, Nigeria's Nwankwo Kanu, and Yaya Toure of Ivory Coast.

Who is the most skillful player in football history?

Pele ranks top among the most skilled footballers, ahead of Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho, and Zinedine Zidane. He is one of the greatest strikers, who flourished thanks to his ability to destroy rival defenders and score goals.

Many talented footballers have emerged, but Pele remains the greatest soccer player of all time. His death in December 2022 cast a dark shadow on the football fraternity globally. The Brazilian died of cancer aged 82, but his legacy lives on.

READ ALSO: Who is Mirjam Poterbin, Luka Doncic's mother? Everything you need to know about her

Top 20 most underrated footballers of all time: who are they?

Football

Sports Brief also featured Luka Doncic's mother, Mirjam Poterbin. She is a businesswoman and former model, but mostly known as the mother to the NBA superstar. Mirjam competed for the title of Miss Slovenia in 1993 but lost to her rivals.

The former model has also been instrumental in her son's basketball career by supporting him. The above link has more information about her story.