The 35 Best Footballers of the 1990s
The 1990s was a golden age for football, packed with unforgettable moments, rising global superstars, and tactical evolution. From legendary defenders to magical playmakers and lethal strikers, this list ranks the top 35 players who defined the beautiful game during that decade—beginning with number 35 and working our way to the ultimate 90s icon.
35. Fernando Redondo
A maestro in defensive midfield, Fernando Redondo commanded Real Madrid’s engine room with elegance and intelligence. His performance in the 1999/2000 Champions League, especially the backheel assist against Manchester United, remains the stuff of legend.
34. Patrick Kluivert
Kluivert burst onto the scene with Ajax, scoring the winning goal in the 1995 Champions League final at just 18. His pace, power, and finishing made him a key figure for both club and the Dutch national team.
33. Clarence Seedorf
One of the most complete midfielders of his generation, Seedorf lifted the Champions League with Ajax in 1995 and with Real Madrid in 1998. His blend of tactical intelligence, strength, and technical finesse made him a pillar of success in the 90s.
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32. Thomas Ravelli
Known for his eccentric personality and incredible reflexes, Thomas Ravelli played a crucial role in Sweden’s run to the 1994 World Cup semi-finals. His penalty shootout heroics against Romania etched his name in tournament history.
31. Ryan Giggs
Giggs was the embodiment of loyalty and flair, dazzling down the left wing for Manchester United. His solo goal against Arsenal in the 1999 FA Cup semi-final remains one of the Premier League’s most iconic moments.
30. Edwin van der Sar
Part of Ajax’s golden generation, van der Sar helped the Dutch giants win the 1995 Champions League. His commanding presence and shot-stopping ability would set the standard for a new era of goalkeeping.
29. Diego Maradona
Though past his prime, Maradona was still a captivating presence in the early 90s, notably at the 1994 World Cup before his controversial exit. His stints with Sevilla and Boca Juniors showed glimpses of the genius that once ruled the footballing world.
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28. Roy Keane
Fierce, relentless, and uncompromising, Roy Keane was the heartbeat of Manchester United’s midfield during their 90s dominance. A born leader, he embodied Sir Alex Ferguson’s drive and determination.
27. Cafu
Brazil’s legendary right-back began his international dominance in the 90s, winning the 1994 World Cup. His tireless runs and defensive reliability made him irreplaceable for both club and country.
26. George Weah
The 1995 Ballon d’Or winner made history as the first African player to win the award. Weah starred for Monaco, PSG, and AC Milan, dazzling defenders with pace, strength, and composure—despite never playing at a World Cup.
25. Jürgen Klinsmann
Klinsmann had a glittering 90s, winning the 1990 World Cup and Euro 96 with Germany. He enjoyed spells at Inter, Bayern, and Tottenham, where he became a fan favorite with his diving goal celebration.
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24. Peter Schmeichel
The towering Danish goalkeeper was a cornerstone of Manchester United’s treble-winning season in 1999. Known for his reflex saves and commanding aura, he also won Euro 92 with Denmark.
23. David Beckham
Beckham became a global icon in the 90s, launching his career with a wonder goal from the halfway line in 1996. His pinpoint crossing and free-kicks made him one of the most recognizable players of the decade.
22. Michael Laudrup
A key figure in Johan Cruyff’s Barcelona "Dream Team", Laudrup was famed for his vision and grace. His move to Real Madrid in 1994 was controversial, but it only underscored his unique talent.
21. Paul Gascoigne
"Gazza" was the face of English football in the 90s, combining flair, creativity, and passion. His iconic Euro 96 goal against Scotland and the infamous "dentist’s chair" celebration remain etched in fans' memories.
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20. Gheorghe Hagi
Romania’s greatest-ever player lit up the 1994 World Cup with dazzling dribbles and long-range goals. A magician with the ball, Hagi played for both Real Madrid and Barcelona before finding success at Galatasaray.
19. Davor Suker
Suker powered Croatia to a third-place finish at the 1998 World Cup, earning the Golden Boot. His sharp instincts and composure in front of goal were key during his time with Sevilla and Real Madrid.
18. Raul
A symbol of Real Madrid’s resurgence, Raul emerged in the mid-90s as a prolific striker and natural leader. He was a central figure in Madrid’s 1998 Champions League win, scoring consistently year after year.
17. Alessandro Del Piero
Del Piero's elegance and versatility helped Juventus dominate domestically and in Europe. He scored 32 goals in the 1997/98 season, becoming one of Italy’s most beloved forwards.
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16. Alan Shearer
A Premier League record-breaker, Shearer won the title with Blackburn in 1995 before moving to Newcastle for a then-world record fee. His power and finishing made him England’s top striker of the decade.
15. Marcel Desailly
A rock at the back or in midfield, Desailly won the Champions League with Marseille and AC Milan in consecutive years. He was vital to France’s 1998 World Cup triumph, despite seeing red in the final.
14. Roberto Carlos
Renowned for his explosive runs and thunderbolt free-kicks, Roberto Carlos redefined the left-back role. His swerving strike against France in 1997 remains one of the most iconic goals of all time.
13. Lothar Matthäus
The 1990 Ballon d'Or winner captained Germany to World Cup glory and enjoyed success at Inter and Bayern. Even in his late 30s, Matthäus was competing at the highest level with undiminished influence.
12. Gabriel Batistuta
"Batigol" was a ruthless goal machine for Fiorentina and Argentina. His powerful finishing and aerial ability made him one of Serie A’s most feared strikers throughout the decade.
11. Eric Cantona
Cantona was more than a footballer—he was a cultural icon and catalyst for Manchester United’s 90s dominance. Known for his charisma and creativity, he inspired a generation of Premier League players.
10. Hristo Stoichkov
The Bulgarian forward was electric at the 1994 World Cup, winning the Golden Boot and finishing as Ballon d’Or winner. He formed a lethal partnership with Romario at Barcelona during their most dominant years.
9. Romario
Romario’s deadly finishing helped Brazil lift the 1994 World Cup, where he was named player of the tournament. His prolific spells at PSV and Barcelona made him a global star.
8. Luis Figo
Figo’s flair and precision made him Europe’s top winger by the late 90s. He was La Liga’s assist king with Barcelona before his controversial move to Real Madrid in 2000.
7. Dennis Bergkamp
With sublime technique and visionary passing, Bergkamp mesmerized fans for Ajax, Inter, and Arsenal. His unforgettable goal against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup is one of football’s greatest moments.
6. Marco van Basten
Though injuries forced him to retire at just 28, van Basten’s brilliance at Milan in the early 90s earned him a third Ballon d’Or in 1992. His blend of grace and precision was unmatched.
5. Rivaldo
Rivaldo lit up La Liga after joining Barcelona from Deportivo in 1997, scoring sensational goals with either foot. He won the 1999 Ballon d’Or after leading the club to back-to-back league titles.
4. Paolo Maldini
A model of consistency, Maldini led AC Milan through a dominant decade, winning five Serie A titles and two Champions Leagues. His style, composure, and loyalty made him one of football’s most respected figures.
3. Roberto Baggio
Baggio carried Italy to the 1994 World Cup final, dazzling with his dribbling and finesse. Although remembered for his missed penalty, his genius shone at Juventus, Milan, and beyond.
2. Ronaldo
"O Fenômeno" was unstoppable in the 90s, scoring goals at an astonishing rate for PSV, Barcelona, and Inter. His 47-goal season for Barca in 1996/97 and 1998 World Cup Golden Ball confirmed his greatness.
1. Zinedine Zidane
Zidane reigned supreme in the late 90s, guiding France to their first World Cup in 1998 with a final brace against Brazil. That same year, he won the Ballon d’Or and became the world’s premier playmaker.
