The 40 greatest football players of all time (2025 edition)
From legends of the past to modern-day icons, this definitive countdown ranks the top 40 footballers ever to grace the pitch. Based on their impact, trophies, individual brilliance, and legacy, here's how the world’s greatest players stack up — starting from number 40 all the way to number 1.
40. Kenny Dalglish – Scotland’s ultimate football icon
A legend for both Liverpool and Celtic, Kenny Dalglish's impact on British football is enormous. The Scotsman won league titles, European Cups, and remains Scotland’s joint-top scorer.
39. Michael Laudrup – Denmark’s elegant genius
Laudrup’s creativity and elegance on the pitch made him a fan and player favourite alike. Winning titles in Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands, he was a playmaker ahead of his time.
38. Luis Suárez Miramontes – Spain’s midfield pioneer
Not to be confused with the Uruguayan forward, Suárez was Spain’s first Ballon d'Or winner. His playmaking ability inspired generations, and he helped Inter win back-to-back European Cups.
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37. Bobby Moore – England’s World Cup-winning captain
Famous for captaining England to victory in 1966, Moore was a composed and tactical defender. Pele himself considered him one of the best he faced.
36. Giuseppe Meazza – Italy’s original superstar
The San Siro's alternate name honours Meazza, who won two World Cups and three Serie A titles. His 33 goals for Italy remain legendary in the nation’s history.
35. Sir Stanley Matthews – the wizard of the wing
Knighted during his playing days, Matthews was the first-ever Ballon d'Or winner. Known for his dribbling and longevity, he played top-flight football into his 50s.
34. Gareth Bale – Wales' greatest footballer
From a breakthrough at Spurs to Champions League glory with Real Madrid, Bale’s career was packed with moments of brilliance. His iconic overhead goal in the 2018 final remains unforgettable.
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33. Manuel Neuer – the modern goalkeeper
Neuer redefined goalkeeping with his sweeper-keeper style. A World Cup winner and multiple-time Bundesliga champion, he set the standard for future generations.
32. Carlos Alberto – the captain of Brazil’s 1970 flair
His stunning goal in the 1970 World Cup final capped off Brazil’s brilliance. A composed right-back and respected leader, Alberto's legacy still echoes in Brazilian football.
31. Kaka – Brazil’s last Ballon d’Or winner
Kaka’s peak at AC Milan saw him lift the Champions League and win the Ballon d'Or. A graceful player with elite vision and technique, he also won the World Cup in 2002.
30. Rivaldo – Brazil’s left-footed magician
Rivaldo had a lethal mix of skill, goals, and creativity. He was pivotal in Brazil’s 2002 World Cup win and shone brightly at Barcelona in the late '90s.
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29. Roberto Baggio – Italy’s divine ponytail
Baggio brought elegance and flair to Italian football. Despite missing a crucial World Cup penalty, his brilliance across several clubs and the national team is unquestioned.
28. George Best – the rockstar of football
Best’s peak was electric and unforgettable, helping Manchester United win the 1968 European Cup. Off the pitch, he became British football's first global icon.
27. Ruud Gullit – total football in full flow
A dynamic Dutchman, Gullit was a powerful force in midfield and defence. With Ballon d'Or honours and titles across Europe, his versatility and charisma made him a star.
26. Thierry Henry – Arsenal’s king
A Premier League icon, Henry scored 175 top-flight goals and led Arsenal’s Invincibles. Later winning the Champions League with Barcelona, he’s France’s all-time great.
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25. Lothar Matthäus – the ultimate midfield engine
Matthäus captained Germany to a World Cup win and won the Ballon d’Or in 1990. His rivalry with Maradona defined an era, and his influence in midfield was unmatched.
24. Luka Modric – Croatia’s maestro
Once labelled a flop, Modric rose to become a Ballon d'Or winner and Real Madrid legend. His technique, longevity, and leadership made him one of the game’s best midfielders.
23. Xavi – the metronome of tiki-taka
Xavi defined an era of midfield control with Barcelona and Spain. A two-time European champion and World Cup winner, his precision passing changed football forever.
22. Romario – the street-smart finisher
Romario’s goal-scoring instincts were second to none, tallying over 750 goals. He was key in Brazil’s 1994 World Cup win and dominated wherever he played.
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21. Andres Iniesta – the magician in midfield
Iniesta’s calm, creative play won Barcelona and Spain countless trophies. His 2010 World Cup-winning goal for Spain cemented his place in football folklore.
20. Ronaldinho – joy incarnate on the pitch
With a smile on his face and magic in his boots, Ronaldinho dazzled fans globally. A Ballon d'Or winner and World Cup champion, he made football fun again.
19. Lev Yashin – the black spider of Moscow
The only goalkeeper to win the Ballon d'Or, Yashin redefined shot-stopping. A loyal servant to Dynamo Moscow and the Soviet Union, he remains a goalkeeping legend.
18. Sir Bobby Charlton – England’s goal king
Charlton helped England win their only World Cup and scored 249 goals for Manchester United. His long-range strikes and leadership defined English football's golden era.
17. Marco van Basten – the Dutch master cut short
A stunning striker with grace and power, Van Basten won three Ballon d'Ors. Injuries ended his career early, but his goals and technique left a lasting impact.
16. Eusebio – Portugal’s original icon
The “Black Panther” tore up defences with Benfica and Portugal. A Ballon d'Or winner and Golden Boot holder, Eusebio was a lethal finisher with electric pace.
15. Franco Baresi – defensive perfection
A one-club man with AC Milan, Baresi was Italy’s defensive rock. His reading of the game and leadership earned him a Ballon d'Or runner-up finish in 1989.
14. Garrincha – Brazil’s crooked-legged genius
Despite physical challenges, Garrincha dazzled with unmatched dribbling and flair. A key player in Brazil’s 1958 and 1962 World Cup wins, he brought joy to millions.
13. Paolo Maldini – elegance at the back
With 25 years at AC Milan, Maldini defined class in defence. He adapted from left-back to centre-back, winning five European Cups and countless domestic honours.
12. Gerd Muller – the goal machine
A poacher extraordinaire, Muller scored 568 goals for Bayern Munich and 69 for Germany. His instincts helped West Germany to Euro 1972 and World Cup 1974 triumphs.
11. Michel Platini – the midfield marksman
Platini won three Ballon d'Ors in a row and scored goals like a forward. His dominance at Euro 1984 with France is still one of the greatest tournament displays.
10. Ferenc Puskás – the Hungarian hurricane
A prolific striker, Puskás was a goal-scoring juggernaut for Hungary and Real Madrid. His name lives on through FIFA’s Puskás Award for the best goal of the year.
9. Ronaldo Nazário – the phenomenon
R9 was the ultimate blend of power, skill, and finishing. Injuries may have limited him, but his 2002 World Cup heroics and club exploits remain unforgettable.
8. Zinedine Zidane – the elegant warrior
Zidane was pure class, from his Champions League volley to his World Cup triumph. Even his farewell red card in 2006 can’t overshadow his legendary midfield career.
7. Franz Beckenbauer – the emperor of defence
Inventing the role of the sweeper, Beckenbauer won two Ballon d'Ors and led Germany to World Cup glory. He was the complete defender with a touch of class.
6. Alfredo Di Stefano – Real Madrid’s original king
Di Stefano helped Real Madrid to five straight European Cups and scored over 300 goals for the club. A player of immense intelligence and skill, he set the standard for greatness.
5. Johan Cruyff – the total football visionary
Cruyff changed the way football is played and understood. A genius for Ajax and Barcelona, he was as brilliant as a manager as he was a player.
4. Diego Maradona – the hand and heart of football
Maradona led Argentina to World Cup glory in 1986 with unmatched brilliance. His spell at Napoli and iconic moments made him a legend far beyond Argentina.
3. Pelé – the king of Brazil
With three World Cups and over a thousand goals, Pelé was football’s first global superstar. His name remains synonymous with excellence and legacy.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo – the relentless record-breaker
Ronaldo’s stats are staggering: 800+ goals, five Ballon d'Ors, and countless trophies. His evolution from winger to lethal striker is unmatched in modern football.
1. Lionel Messi – the greatest of all time
Messi's story reached its fairy-tale ending with a World Cup win in 2022. Eight Ballon d'Ors, breathtaking goals, and unparalleled playmaking — he is football’s GOAT.
