The 32 Best Footballers of the 1990s – Ranked
The 1990s was a golden era in football, an exhilarating decade that gave rise to a generation of truly iconic players. From the elegance of Zinedine Zidane to the explosive power of Ronaldo, and the artistry of Roberto Baggio, the 90s blended grit and glamour in unforgettable ways. Here’s our definitive countdown of the best footballers of that remarkable decade—starting with number 32.
32. Thomas Ravelli
Swedish goalkeeper Thomas Ravelli spent nearly his entire club career in his homeland but made his biggest mark internationally. His heroics at the 1994 World Cup—especially saving two penalties against Romania—earned him lasting recognition as one of the best shot-stoppers of the 90s.
31. Ryan Giggs
A Manchester United legend and loyal one-club man, Ryan Giggs began winning major honours in the early 90s. His dazzling run and finish against Arsenal in the 1999 FA Cup semi-final remains one of the most iconic goals in English football history.
30. Edwin van der Sar
The Dutch goalkeeper rose to prominence with Ajax during their glorious 90s era, winning the Champions League in 1995. Calm, tall, and reliable, he later moved to Juventus before becoming a staple of elite European goalkeeping.
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29. Diego Maradona
Though past his prime by the 90s, Diego Maradona was still a magical presence on the pitch. He played for Sevilla, Newell’s Old Boys, and Boca Juniors while continuing to show flashes of his divine footballing ability.
28. Roy Keane
Roy Keane joined Manchester United in 1993 and quickly became the heartbeat of their midfield. Fierce, tireless, and a born leader, Keane was instrumental in four Premier League titles before the decade closed.
27. Cafu
Cafu began the 90s as a rising star and ended it as one of the best right-backs the world had ever seen. He was part of Brazil’s 1994 World Cup-winning team and became a model of consistency and athleticism on the flank.
26. George Weah
George Weah made history as the first African to win the Ballon d’Or and FIFA World Player of the Year in 1995. A powerful and elegant striker, he starred for Monaco, PSG, and AC Milan, earning legendary status despite never playing at a World Cup.
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26. Jürgen Klinsmann
The German forward enjoyed a hugely successful decade, winning the World Cup in 1990 and Euro 96. Known for his smart movement and sharp finishing, Klinsmann also lit up the Premier League during his time with Tottenham Hotspur.
24. Peter Schmeichel
Widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers ever, Peter Schmeichel was a cornerstone of Manchester United’s dominance in the 90s. He also played a vital role in Denmark’s fairytale Euro 92 triumph.
23. David Beckham
David Beckham became a global football icon during the 90s thanks to his pinpoint passing and trademark free-kicks. His halfway-line goal in 1996 put him on the map, and he soon inherited the famous number seven shirt at Manchester United.
22. Michael Laudrup
A technical genius and one of Denmark’s finest, Laudrup was instrumental in Barcelona’s early 90s dominance. After falling out with Johan Cruyff, he made the shocking switch to rivals Real Madrid, continuing to dazzle in La Liga.
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21. Paul Gascoigne
Gazza was a mercurial talent who shone for England in both the 1990 World Cup and Euro 96. His unforgettable volley against Scotland and the famous ‘dentist’s chair’ celebration are etched into English football folklore.
20. Gheorghe Hagi
Known as the “Maradona of the Carpathians,” Hagi was a magical playmaker with extraordinary vision and skill. He starred for Romania on the world stage and enjoyed successful spells at Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Galatasaray.
19. Davor Šuker
Šuker was Croatia’s talisman at the 1998 World Cup, where he won the Golden Boot as his team finished third. He also thrived at Real Madrid, winning the Champions League and earning Ballon d’Or recognition.
18. Raúl
A homegrown Real Madrid legend, Raúl made his mark with a remarkable scoring record throughout the 90s. Intelligent and clinical, he was a key figure in Los Blancos’ 1998 Champions League-winning side.
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17. Alessandro Del Piero
Del Piero dazzled for Juventus and Italy with his creativity, flair, and eye for goal. He hit his peak in the late 90s, helping Juve win Serie A and the Champions League, and earning back-to-back Ballon d’Or nominations.
16. Alan Shearer
One of the deadliest strikers in Premier League history, Shearer won the title with Blackburn in 1995 and later starred for Newcastle. He also led the line brilliantly for England at Euro 96, finishing as the tournament’s top scorer.
15. Marcel Desailly
Desailly was the ultimate defensive rock, winning back-to-back Champions Leagues with Marseille and Milan. He later anchored France’s defence as they lifted the 1998 World Cup, showcasing his power and composure.
14. Roberto Carlos
A left-back like no other, Roberto Carlos was famous for his rocket-like free-kicks and attacking runs. He joined Real Madrid in 1996 and won Champions League and Copa America titles while redefining the full-back role.
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13. Lothar Matthäus
Matthäus was a dominant force in the early 90s, winning the World Cup and Ballon d’Or in 1990. Despite his age, he remained a key player for both Bayern Munich and Germany throughout the decade.
12. Gabriel Batistuta
Batigol was a fearsome striker for Fiorentina, scoring over 200 goals in the 90s and becoming Argentina’s all-time top scorer for a time. His physical power and ruthless finishing made him a Serie A legend.
11. Eric Cantona
Cantona was the catalyst behind Manchester United’s rebirth under Sir Alex Ferguson. A genius on the ball and a charismatic leader, he won multiple Premier League titles and left an indelible mark on English football.
10. Hristo Stoichkov
The fiery Bulgarian forward was a key part of Barcelona’s Dream Team and won the 1994 Ballon d’Or. That same year, he also took Bulgaria to a historic World Cup semi-final, winning the Golden Boot.
9. Romário
Romário was Brazil’s main man in their 1994 World Cup triumph, winning the Golden Ball. His finishing was clinical and instinctive, and he racked up over 700 goals in a career that flourished in the early 90s.
8. Luís Figo
Figo was a phenomenal winger who dominated La Liga with Barcelona before his infamous move to Real Madrid. In the 90s, he established himself as one of Europe’s most consistent and dangerous creative forces.
7. Dennis Bergkamp
Bergkamp’s elegance and vision made him a cult hero at Arsenal and a standout for the Netherlands. He scored some of the most beautiful goals of the 90s, combining grace with cold-blooded precision.
6. Marco van Basten
Although his career ended prematurely in 1993, van Basten’s brilliance in the early part of the decade was unforgettable. He won the Ballon d’Or in 1992 and delivered countless goals for AC Milan with unmatched class.
5. Rivaldo
Rivaldo brought samba flair to Europe, first dazzling at Deportivo before dominating at Barcelona. His creativity, power, and ability to score from anywhere culminated in him winning the 1999 Ballon d’Or.
4. Paolo Maldini
The ultimate defender, Maldini led AC Milan through a decade of dominance with elegance and intelligence. A natural leader and five-time Serie A champion in the 90s, he was the gold standard for defenders.
3. Roberto Baggio
The Divine Ponytail enchanted the world with his dribbling and vision, leading Italy to the 1994 World Cup final. He won the Ballon d’Or in 1993 and remains one of football’s most beloved creative geniuses.
2. Ronaldo
"O Fenômeno" stunned the world with his pace, power, and goal-scoring prowess, especially at Barcelona and Inter Milan. At just 21, he had already won the Ballon d’Or and led Brazil to the 1998 World Cup final.
1. Zinedine Zidane
Zidane was the complete midfielder—elegant, powerful, and decisive. His two goals in the 1998 World Cup final made him a national hero, and he capped off the decade with both the Ballon d’Or and FIFA World Player of the Year.
