The 20 most skilful footballers in history, ranked
From elegant playmakers to street-style showmen, football has always had room for the dazzling and the daring. These are the players who brought artistry to the game, making the ball dance and defenders despair. Ranked from 20 to 1, here are the most skilful footballers ever.
20. Sergio Busquets
Not the flashiest player on the pitch, but Busquets was the master of subtlety and control. His ability to manipulate space and time made him essential to Barcelona’s dominance, with Pep Guardiola praising his football intelligence above all.
19. Dimitar Berbatov
Berbatov's languid style disguised razor-sharp technique. His first touch and close control were almost unmatched in the Premier League, making him a standout at both Tottenham and Manchester United.
18. Juan Román Riquelme
Riquelme made the game look like chess while everyone else played checkers. A magician with the ball, his drag-backs and visionary passing made him one of Argentina’s greatest number 10s.
Read also: The greatest UFC heavyweights of all time — ranked
17. Santi Cazorla
Ambidextrous to an elite degree, Cazorla could pass, shoot, or dribble equally well with either foot. A cult hero at Arsenal, his flair and joyful style made him unforgettable.
16. Eden Hazard
At his Chelsea peak, Hazard was almost unstoppable. His balance, dribbling and strength in tight spaces allowed him to glide past defenders and change games single-handedly.
15. Andrés Iniesta
Iniesta didn’t rely on speed — his genius came from timing and touch. Whether winning the World Cup for Spain or controlling games for Barcelona, his grace under pressure was unmatched.
14. Hatem Ben Arfa
Inconsistent, yes — but when Ben Arfa was on form, few could match him. His solo goal against Bolton remains one of the most skilful moments in Premier League history.
Read also: The 10 Fastest F1 Cars in History - Ranked
13. Michael Laudrup
Laudrup had that rare ability to make elite football look simple. Praised by legends and adored by fans, his vision and technical mastery were central to Barcelona’s success in the 90s.
12. George Best
One of football’s original flair players, Best combined natural dribbling with showmanship. Off-field antics aside, he was as skilful as anyone who came after him.
11. Cristiano Ronaldo
While known for his athleticism, Ronaldo's early years were filled with tricks, flicks and devastating footwork. He blended flair with power, creating a fearsome combination that defenders dreaded.
10. Ricardo Quaresma
Known for the rabona and trivela, Quaresma was a player who prioritised flair. His unpredictability and technical moves made him a joy to watch, even when consistency eluded him.
Read also: How much every Champions League club has earned in the 2025/26 season
9. Neymar
One of the most technically gifted of the modern era, Neymar’s game has always been about flair. From Santos to Barcelona to Brazil, he lit up pitches with rainbow flicks, roulettes and sheer audacity.
8. Thierry Henry
A blend of speed and skill, Henry could beat you with a feint or fly past with pace. Under Wenger at Arsenal, he developed into a world-class striker who could create magic from anywhere on the pitch.
7. Zinedine Zidane
Zidane brought elegance to every touch. With the ball at his feet, he was an artist — calm, calculated and deadly — capable of dominating the biggest stages in world football.
6. Diego Maradona
A force of nature with the ball, Maradona combined power, balance and outrageous control. His solo goal against England in 1986 is still one of the greatest showcases of skill ever seen.
Read also: Why the Top 14 Salary Cap Is the Most Controversial Rule in Rugby
5. Johan Cruyff
Cruyff revolutionised football on and off the pitch. With moves like the "Cruyff turn" and an almost telepathic understanding of the game, he left a legacy of brilliance.
4. Lionel Messi
Effortless dribbling, inch-perfect passes, and a goal tally to envy — Messi’s skill is both beautiful and effective. His low-centre balance and composure have defined a generation.
3. Jay-Jay Okocha
With flair to spare, Okocha was an entertainer at heart. Whether in France, Germany or the Premier League, he amazed crowds with his close control, backheels and bold creativity.
2. Ronaldo Nazário
The original Ronaldo was a phenomenon — explosive speed, feints, stepovers, and clinical finishing. Injuries may have slowed him down, but his skill level was always off the charts.
Read also: The best english managers in world football right now
1. Ronaldinho
Ronaldinho didn’t just play football — he performed it. From elasticos to no-look passes, he brought street-style to the world stage and remains the undisputed king of flair and finesse.
