10 Football Legends Who Were Great Despite Being Slow

September 20, 2025 Kris Isaksen

Speed may be a prized asset in modern football, but it’s far from essential when you're armed with elite intelligence, technique, and timing. These ten footballers proved that being slow never stopped them from reaching greatness — and in some cases, it may have even made them better.

10. Oscar Cardozo – The Towering Target Man

Paraguayan striker Oscar Cardozo wasn’t known for his pace, but his power, positioning, and clinical finishing made him a feared forward. During his peak at Benfica, the 6ft4 striker thrived as a dependable target man, linking midfield to attack and lurking dangerously in the box.

9. Jorginho – The Pass Master

Jorginho built his career on intelligence and precise passing rather than physical attributes. The Italian international excelled at dictating tempo from deep midfield, especially during his peak years at Chelsea, where his calmness under pressure defined his style.

8. Jan Koller – A Giant Who Dominated Without Speed

At 6ft8, Jan Koller was never going to outrun defenders — but he didn’t need to. The Czech striker used his size and strength to bully defenders, win aerial duels, and score goals with both head and feet across a prolific career.

7. Nemanja Matic – The Defensive Wall

Serbian midfielder Nemanja Matic used tactical discipline and strength to control games, even as his speed declined. His ball control and ability to break lines with smart passes made him one of the most reliable holding midfielders of his generation.

6. Teddy Sheringham – The Brainy Forward

Teddy Sheringham wasn’t blessed with pace, but his football IQ more than compensated. The English striker's clever movement, vision, and link-up play helped him thrive at top clubs like Manchester United and Tottenham — and he aged like fine wine.

5. Olivier Giroud – Style, Strength, and Staying Power

Olivier Giroud may lack speed, but few can match his combination of finesse and physicality. The Frenchman remains a prolific scorer into his late 30s, thanks to his touch, positioning, and knack for scoring stunning, audacious goals.

4. Per Mertesacker – A Giant With Perfect Timing

At 6ft6, Per Mertesacker was never built for chasing down speedy forwards, but he didn’t have to. His exceptional reading of the game and aerial dominance made him a key figure at both Werder Bremen and Arsenal — proving brains often beat brawn.

3. Ruud van Nistelrooy – The Master of Movement

Ruud van Nistelrooy wasn’t fast, but his lightning-quick reactions and deadly finishing made him one of the finest poachers of his era. He timed his runs to perfection and always seemed to be in the right place at the right time.

2. Sergio Busquets – The Invisible Genius

Sergio Busquets was never quick on his feet, but he outplayed faster opponents with anticipation and composure. A cornerstone of Barcelona's golden era, Busquets could break presses, dictate rhythm, and deliver killer passes — all without leaving second gear.

1. Toni Kroos – The Silent Controller

Toni Kroos redefined what it means to dominate a game without pace. His technical skill, game intelligence, and unrivaled passing range made him one of the greatest deep-lying playmakers of all time. With trophies galore and a trademark “Kroos Shuffle,” he proved you don’t need speed to leave defenders behind.