Ranking the 20 Greatest Midfielders of All Time – Zinedine Zidane 2nd
The midfielder’s role is one of the most demanding in football. These players control the rhythm of the game, create chances, defend when needed, and often deliver moments of pure magic. From creative playmakers to relentless box-to-box warriors, midfield legends have shaped the sport’s history with their skill, vision, and leadership.
In this list, we rank the 20 greatest midfielders of all time, celebrating their extraordinary achievements, influence on the game, and unforgettable moments
20. Frank Lampard
Frank Lampard is widely regarded as one of the best goal-scoring midfielders in football history. During his time at Chelsea, he became the club’s all-time top scorer, known for his late runs into the box, incredible passing, and leadership on the pitch. Lampard won numerous Premier League titles and a Champions League, cementing his legacy.
19. Claude Makélélé
Claude Makélélé revolutionized the defensive midfield role, so much so that the position is often referred to as “the Makélélé role.” His unmatched ability to break up play, shield the defense, and maintain balance made him indispensable for Real Madrid, Chelsea, and the French national team.
Read also: AI Predicts 2025/26 Premier League Team of the Year
18. Andrea Pirlo
Andrea Pirlo was the master of elegance and vision in midfield. Renowned for his precise passing and incredible composure under pressure, the Italian maestro orchestrated play for both AC Milan and Juventus while winning a World Cup with Italy in 2006.
17. Patrick Vieira
Patrick Vieira was the heartbeat of Arsenal’s midfield during their golden era under Arsène Wenger. A complete box-to-box midfielder, Vieira combined strength, intelligence, and leadership, guiding Arsenal to multiple Premier League titles, including the famous “Invincibles” season in 2003–04.
16. Paul Scholes
Paul Scholes is considered one of the finest midfielders in Premier League history, admired for his vision, technique, and thunderous strikes from distance. A one-club legend at Manchester United, he won 11 Premier League titles and played a pivotal role in the club’s dominance under Sir Alex Ferguson.
15. Clarence Seedorf
Clarence Seedorf remains the only player in history to win the Champions League with three different clubs — Ajax, Real Madrid, and AC Milan. Known for his powerful runs, technical brilliance, and composure in big games, Seedorf was a true midfield powerhouse for both club and country.
Read also: The 50 Greatest Real Madrid Players of All Time
14. Toni Kroos
Toni Kroos has built his reputation as one of the most composed and technically gifted midfielders of his generation. The German playmaker has been central to Real Madrid’s dominance in the Champions League and helped Germany win the 2014 World Cup with his vision and flawless passing.
13. Steven Gerrard
Steven Gerrard is a Liverpool legend, admired for his leadership, determination, and ability to deliver in crucial moments. A dynamic box-to-box midfielder, Gerrard led Liverpool to Champions League glory in 2005 with one of the most iconic performances in football history.
12. Kaká
Kaká reached the peak of his career at AC Milan, where his blistering pace, creativity, and flair made him one of the most feared midfielders in the world. He won the 2007 Ballon d’Or and guided Milan to Champions League glory, cementing his status as a modern legend.
11. Xavi Hernández
Xavi was the conductor of Barcelona’s legendary tiki-taka system, dictating play with his extraordinary passing range and vision. As the heartbeat of both Barcelona and Spain, he won multiple Champions League titles and was instrumental in Spain’s Euro 2008, Euro 2012, and 2010 World Cup triumphs.
Read also: Millions Spent, Nothing Won: The Managers with the Costliest Trophy Droughts
10. Sócrates
Sócrates was the embodiment of elegance and intelligence in midfield, known for his effortless style and creative passing. As the captain of Brazil’s iconic 1982 team, he dazzled fans with his one-touch play and backheels, becoming a symbol of Brazilian football artistry.
9. Lothar Matthäus
Lothar Matthäus combined strength, intelligence, and versatility like few others in history. The German icon led his nation to World Cup glory in 1990, winning the Ballon d’Or the same year. Equally capable defensively and offensively, Matthäus remains one of the most complete midfielders ever.
8. Luka Modrić
Luka Modrić’s journey from an underappreciated signing to a Real Madrid legend is extraordinary. The Croatian playmaker has been pivotal in Madrid’s five Champions League titles and led his national team to the 2018 World Cup final, earning the Ballon d’Or that same year.
7. Ruud Gullit
Ruud Gullit was a dynamic and versatile midfielder who combined strength, speed, and technical brilliance. He won the Ballon d’Or in 1987 and led the Netherlands to their first-ever major trophy — the Euro 1988 title — while starring for AC Milan’s legendary squad under Arrigo Sacchi.
Read also: Revealed: PSG’s Full Salary List 2025 – From Rising Talents to Superstars
6. Andrés Iniesta
Andrés Iniesta is celebrated for his magical dribbling, vision, and ability to deliver in the biggest moments. A Barcelona legend, he played a key role in the club’s golden era and scored the winning goal for Spain in the 2010 World Cup final, securing his place in football history.
5. Bobby Charlton
Sir Bobby Charlton is one of England’s greatest-ever players, combining relentless energy, creativity, and scoring ability. A Manchester United legend, he won the European Cup in 1968 and was instrumental in England’s only World Cup victory in 1966, earning a Ballon d’Or along the way.
4. Zico
Nicknamed the “White Pelé,” Zico was one of the most technically gifted playmakers the game has ever seen. A Flamengo icon, he dazzled fans with his dribbling, free kicks, and unpredictable creativity, becoming a symbol of Brazilian flair and artistry during his career.
3. Michel Platini
Michel Platini dominated European football in the 1980s, guiding France to Euro 1984 glory while scoring a record nine goals in the tournament. The Juventus legend won three consecutive Ballon d’Or awards from 1983 to 1985, cementing his place among football’s elite.
Read also: Every Footballer of the Year Winner in England (1992–2025)
2. Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Zidane remains one of the most elegant and influential midfielders in history. He led France to World Cup glory in 1998 and Euro 2000 success while producing iconic performances for Real Madrid, including his unforgettable volley in the 2002 Champions League final.
1. Diego Maradona
Diego Maradona is widely regarded as the greatest midfielder — and perhaps the greatest footballer — of all time. His legendary 1986 World Cup campaign with Argentina, highlighted by the “Hand of God” and his mesmerizing solo goal against England, remains unmatched. Maradona’s creativity, flair, and genius made him a football icon forever.
