Football’s Finest: Ranking the 10 Greatest Number 10s of All Time

August 30, 2025 Kris Isaksen

The number 10 shirt carries a legacy of creativity, flair, and leadership on the pitch. Reserved for football’s most visionary players, it’s a symbol worn by icons who changed the game forever. Here are the top ten to ever wear it—counted down from 10 to 1.

10. Roberto Baggio – Italy’s Elegant Enigma

Baggio was as memorable for his technical brilliance as he was for his iconic ponytail. Despite the heartbreak of missing the 1994 World Cup penalty, his career spanned 22 years with stunning goals, silky dribbling, and a Ballon d’Or win in 1993.

9. Wayne Rooney – England’s Relentless Powerhouse

Rooney burst onto the scene as a teenage prodigy and went on to become Manchester United's all-time leading scorer. Equally capable of scoring and assisting, he thrived in multiple roles, becoming a cornerstone of England's golden generation.

8. Dennis Bergkamp – Arsenal’s Ice-Cool Playmaker

Bergkamp brought calm precision and unmatched creativity to Arsenal, helping usher in a golden era under Arsène Wenger. With a perfect first touch and an eye for a pass, he played a crucial role in Arsenal’s Invincibles and won three league titles.

7. Ronaldinho – The Game’s Greatest Entertainer

With a smile on his face and the ball seemingly tied to his feet, Ronaldinho lit up football with flair. His time at Barcelona revived the club’s fortunes, winning the Ballon d'Or and inspiring the next generation—including a young Lionel Messi.

6. Zinedine Zidane – The Maestro of Elegance

Zidane made football look effortless, with his incredible touch, vision, and calm under pressure. From World Cup heroics to Champions League glory, he was the complete number 10 for France, Juventus, and Real Madrid—and later a trophy-winning manager.

5. Ferenc Puskas – Hungary’s Deadly Left Foot

Puskas defied physical stereotypes, scoring over 500 goals with unmatched precision. His legendary left foot terrorized defences for both Hungary and Real Madrid, and his name now lives on through FIFA’s Puskas Award for goal of the year.

4. Michel Platini – France’s Original Midfield Genius

Platini set the standard for French playmakers with his blend of grit, technique, and intelligence. He carried France to their first major title at Euro 1984 and was also prolific at club level, most notably with Juventus.

3. Diego Maradona – Argentina’s Fallen Angel

Mexico 1986 world cup football — El Gráfico (own scan), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Maradona’s controversial brilliance defined an era, with the 1986 World Cup as his masterpiece. His dazzling solo goal against England lives in football folklore, and his transformation of Napoli into champions remains one of the sport’s greatest stories.

2. Lionel Messi – The Complete Footballer

Messi’s stats and silverware speak for themselves, but it’s his sheer artistry on the ball that sets him apart. The Argentine broke records at Barcelona, winning four Champions Leagues and ten La Liga titles, while racking up over 1,000 goal contributions.

1. Pele – The Blueprint for Greatness

Pele was football’s first global superstar, winning three World Cups and revolutionizing the sport with his style and skill. Playing at just 17 in 1958, he became a symbol of Brazilian flair and remains the ultimate number 10 for many fans and experts.