Cristiano Ronaldo, De Bryune and top 9 Most Two Footed Players in Football History

Cristiano Ronaldo, De Bryune and top 9 Most Two Footed Players in Football History

Isaac Darko
April 27, 2024 at 1:57 PM
  • Cristiano Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane stand as iconic examples of two-footed stars
  • World Cup winners Messi and Maradona are excluded due to their reliance on one foot
  • Sports Brief has ranked the greatest two-footed players in football history

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Over the years, many iconic players have graced the field, but only a handful can truly boast brilliance with both feet.

From thunderous shots from distance to breathtaking one-handed rescues to desperate sliding tackles, the multifaceted nature of the game ensures there's a spectacle for every fan.

Arguably, few sights rival the pleasure of witnessing a player equally adept with both feet, captivating the eye with their seamless control of the ball.

Sports Brief brings you the top nine most two-footed players in football history.

Son Heung-Min

With the frequency with the South Korean cuts in from the right wing to gracefully curl shots into the top corner with his left foot, one might easily mistake Son for a natural left-footer.

It's only when he steps up to take free kicks and penalties with his right foot that you discern his true dominant

Pedro

While the former Barcelona and Chelsea player may not have possessed equal power in both feet, his ability to score with either was evident, showcasing remarkable ambidexterity.

Pedro played a pivotal role in Barcelona's early 2010s success alongside David Villa and Lionel Messi, and has maintained high performance levels wherever he's played since.

Ivan Perisic

During his Tottenham debut, Perisic dazzled fans by effortlessly taking set pieces with both his right and left foot.

Such mastery is a hallmark of truly exceptional two-footed players, and the Croatian certainly fits that description.

Throughout his career, he has showcased his versatility by scoring penalties with both feet. Capable of operating on either flank, he torments opposing defenders with his ability to go left or right, causing them endless headaches.

Santi Cazorla

A single moment epitomises Cazorla's ambidexterity. While preparing to take a corner for Arsenal with his right foot, he was instructed to deliver an inswinger.

Rather than calling for a left-footed player, Cazorla effortlessly switched sides and delivered the cross with his 'weaker' foot.

Cazorla's proficiency with both feet emerged after sustaining an injury to his right ankle. Speaking to the Arsenal club website, he said:

“I have always preferred the right foot, ever since I was younger. I was a little bit hurt in my right ankle once, and that is when I started to use my left foot a lot more."

Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo might not have the precision of others on this list with his weaker left foot, but his sheer power compensates.

He's shown his ability to smash in 30-yarders with that foot, a feat few can replicate.

According to the Messi vs Ronaldo App, he's scored an impressive 167 goals with his left boot alone, a tally that many players would envy across their entire careers, regardless of the body part.

His ambidexterity is just one more facet of his remarkable skill set. To illustrate, despite his aerial prowess, he's netted more goals with his left foot than his head, even at 39 years old.

Kevin De Bruyne

Kevin De Bruyne is renowned for his right foot, but his prowess with his 'weaker' foot is unparalleled.

When the Belgian lines up a shot from 25 yards with his left foot, it's almost certain to find the bottom corner. His strikes possess an incredible combination of power and precision.

The 32-year-old once netted a hat-trick of left-footed goals for Manchester City against Wolves, showcasing his exceptional ability with his non-dominant foot.

Johan Cruyff

Cruyff, one of the game's greatest, owed much to his exceptional ambidexterity. So adept was he with both feet that during the 1974 World Cup match against Sweden, he famously eschewed a right-footed cross, executing a 'Cruyff turn' to utilize his supposedly weaker left foot instead.

Renowned as a footballing genius, his unpredictability on the field was legendary. Particularly mesmerising was the graceful manner in which the Barcelona and Ajax icon manoeuvred across the pitch, captivating fans with his sublime ball control and aesthetics.

Pele

Many regard Pele as the greatest player ever. While we may not have had the privilege to see the legendary Brazilian in action, a quick YouTube search reveals his proficiency in scoring with both feet.

The three-time World Cup champion possessed an extraordinary skill set, excelling in every aspect of the game.

Despite his shorter stature, his heading ability matched his prowess with either foot.

Zinedine Zidane

Zinedine Zidane's place near the top of the list is justified solely by his unforgettable left-footed volley in the Champions League final for Real Madrid against Bayer Leverkusen.

The Frenchman's technical prowess was evident on both sides, showcasing equal skill with his left foot as with his right.

Adding to defenders' woes alongside his deceptive speed, power, and dribbling ability was his comfort in going either way. Some argue that the French legend could claim the number one spot on the list, but he narrowly falls short.

Authors
Isaac Darko photo
Isaac Darko
Isaac Darko is a La Liga, Ligue 1 and Bundesliga editor at Sports Brief with a Degree in Journalism and Communications from Ghana Institute of Journalism (2010)