The 30 Greatest Central Midfielders in History – Ranked
Every position on the football pitch is important, but one of the most crucial is the central midfielder. This is where we often find the general or the leader, but it is also a highly versatile role. Some midfielders are visionary passers, others are skillful dribblers, and some are pure enforcers whose primary task is to dominate physically.
Here, we have done our best to rank the 30 greatest central midfielders of all time, from 'least great' to the very best. Is there anyone who's missing or should've been left out?
30. Gennaro Gattuso (Italy)
A relentless defensive midfielder, known for his aggression, intensity, and leadership. A key figure in AC Milan’s dominance and Italy’s 2006 World Cup triumph.
29. Michael Essien (Ghana)
A powerhouse in midfield, combining strength, tackling, and technical ability. Played a crucial role in Chelsea’s dominance under José Mourinho and was one of the best box-to-box midfielders of his era.
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28. Edgar Davids (Netherlands)
A powerful, energetic midfielder who combined physicality with technical skill. A key player for Ajax, Juventus, and the Netherlands.
27. Pep Guardiola (Spain)
Before becoming one of the greatest managers ever, Guardiola was the deep-lying playmaker for Johan Cruyff’s "Dream Team" at Barcelona, redefining the defensive midfield role.
26. Deco (Portugal)
A creative force in midfield, leading Porto to an unlikely Champions League victory in 2004 before becoming a crucial part of Barcelona’s midfield under Frank Rijkaard.
25. Frank Rijkaard (Netherlands)
A physically dominant yet technically gifted midfielder who was the backbone of AC Milan’s legendary late 80s/early 90s team. A two-time European Cup winner.
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24. Toni Kroos (Germany)
One of the best passers of all time. A key part of Real Madrid’s Champions League dominance, winning five UCL titles, and Germany’s 2014 World Cup-winning squad.
23. Cesc Fàbregas (Spain)
A midfield prodigy who controlled games from an early age. Arsenal’s youngest-ever captain, later winning titles with Barcelona and Chelsea, excelling as both a playmaker and deep-lying midfielder.
22. Santi Cazorla (Spain)
A magician with the ball at his feet, known for his two-footed ability and flawless technique. Despite injuries, he remained one of the most elegant midfielders of his generation.
21. Claude Makélélé (France)
The gold standard for defensive midfielders. His ability to break up play and shield the defense was so influential that the position became known as the "Makélélé role."
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20. Frank Lampard (England)
The highest-scoring midfielder in Premier League history and a Chelsea legend. A true box-to-box powerhouse with an incredible goal-scoring ability.
19. Steven Gerrard (England)
Liverpool’s greatest captain. Known for his leadership, long-range shooting, and iconic performances in big matches, including the 2005 Champions League final.
18. Sergio Busquets (Spain)
One of the best defensive midfielders ever. A key part of Spain and Barcelona’s dominance, dictating the tempo of play with his intelligence and positioning.
17. Johan Neeskens (Netherlands)
A vital part of the legendary Dutch Total Football system in the 1970s. Combined work rate, technique, and tactical intelligence.
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16. Clarence Seedorf (Netherlands)
The only player to win the Champions League with three different clubs (Ajax, Real Madrid, AC Milan). A complete midfielder with strength, vision, and leadership.
15. Xabi Alonso (Spain)
One of the most elegant deep-lying playmakers ever. A master passer who won the World Cup, two Euros, and Champions League titles with Liverpool and Real Madrid.
14. Lothar Matthäus (Germany)
The only midfielder to win the Ballon d’Or (1990) while captaining a World Cup-winning team. A powerful, box-to-box force with an eye for goal.
13. Luka Modrić (Croatia)
The 2018 Ballon d’Or winner and the heartbeat of Real Madrid’s modern success. Five-time Champions League winner and leader of Croatia’s golden generation.
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12. Sócrates (Brazil)
A technically gifted playmaker and the leader of Brazil’s legendary 1982 squad. A footballing genius with an effortless playing style.
11. Zico (Brazil)
An attacking midfielder who dictated games from central areas. Scored over 500 career goals and was Brazil’s most influential player in the 1980s.
10. Andrea Pirlo (Italy)
The maestro of Italian football. A deep-lying playmaker with unmatched vision, passing, and composure. A World Cup winner and multiple-time Serie A champion.
9. Paul Scholes (England)
One of the most complete midfielders of all time. Known for his passing range, goal-scoring ability, and intelligence on the pitch.
8. Michel Platini (France)
A three-time Ballon d’Or winner and European Championship hero in 1984. One of the most gifted goal-scoring midfielders ever.
7. Patrick Vieira (France)
The driving force behind Arsenal’s Invincibles. A dominant box-to-box midfielder with a rare combination of technique and physicality.
6. Roy Keane (Ireland)
Manchester United’s most ruthless and influential leader. His intensity, defensive work, and winning mentality made him one of the best captains in history.
5. Andrés Iniesta (Spain)
Scored the winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final and was a crucial part of Spain’s dominance. One of the most technically perfect midfielders of all time.
4. Didi (Brazil)
A two-time World Cup winner (1958, 1962) and the midfield mastermind behind Pelé’s Brazil. Invented the famous "dry leaf" free-kick technique.
3. Ronald Koeman (Netherlands)
A legendary midfielder/libero with an incredible goal-scoring record. Scored the winning goal in the 1992 Champions League final and revolutionized the deep-lying playmaker role.
2. Xavi (Spain)
The heartbeat of Barcelona’s tiki-taka football and Spain’s golden era. Won the World Cup, two Euros, and four Champions League titles. His passing and football IQ were unmatched.
1. Zinedine Zidane (France)
A World Cup winner, Champions League hero, and three-time Ballon d’Or winner. Zidane’s combination of elegance, power, vision, and big-game performances makes him the greatest central midfielder of all time.
Have we forgotten someone on the list, or is there anyone you would have ranked differently?
