World Football Museum Hall Of Fame : Greatest Ever

Dearman · Dec 20, 2009

Retrospectively, Football sports was created in the 1860s and it has been reformed and developed for more than the Century. Era over era, There are so many superstars and legends being created chronogically. I'm proud to offer the list of "The Greatest Footballers of All-Time" in complete version. The ranking is prioritized base on total performance. However, it is supposed that many players are very equal in overall career performance. The combination between Total Skill and Total Ability is the value judgment for players in the same position and Total Ability is the only value judgment for players in different position. Ability is a combination set of main football function are, Physical, Defensive and/or Offensive. Ability is the internal potential of footballer by no application to football role while Skill is set level of importance base on the role. However, there are some exceptional cases of player that cannot take place just only for their total performance and their greatness to impact history of their club or nation is regarded as Bonus in addition to the basic rating. The greatness become the primary judgment of equal comparison for these players in case their raw performance is not more than once bond credit rating in difference. Additionally, the overall method of rating is written in the introduction, conclusion and clarification thread.

This topic also covers list of the greatest European and Latin American footballers ever, Era World ranking, The greatest club and international footballers ever, The greatest Prime and Consistency footballers ever and Offensive abilities ranking.

Criteria cover these items ;

1. Level of Abilities
2. Consistency, Longevity
3. The Greatness, Awards
4. Standard Competition In Each Era

50. Giacinto Facchetti

Ability : Physical B, Defensive A-, Offensive D+
Total Ability : B,Total Skill: A-, Total Performance: A-

Facchetti is best remembered as the greatest wing-back ever in history of the European football. He would make marauding run upfield using his wonderful running, dribbling and crossing, even sometimes done well as left-winger to make scores. Facchetti could also play as center-back which his tackling was used great effect, possessed excellent stamina, great leadership and scored important goals. He is compared by some as “Beckenbauer in version of side-back” for his leadership and technical ability. He was one of the Le Grande Inter which was notable with completely defensive game. He was also voted 5th Ballan D’or in 1968. Facchetti is the only player to be retired number for Inter Milan which he is one of the greatest players n history of the club and played 634 official games with scoring 75 goals.

49. Frank Rijkaard

Ability : Physical B+, Defensive B+, Offensive C-
Total Ability : B,Total Skill: A-, Total Performance: A-

Frank Rijkaard is the greatest defensive midfielder of all-time. His primitive race is Suriname. He started his professional career as central defender but he was transformed into a world-class holding midfielder at AC Milan and became an indispensable player alongside his comrades like Ruud Gullit and Marco Van Basten to build their glory year. Rijkaard basically played as man’s marker for Netherlands national team. He possessed tremendous determination and excellent technique, both of which served him well in controlling the middle of the field. His vision and ability to advance forward also made him a formidable defensive force. Rijkaard was remembered of his unsuitable behavior spat in Voller’s hair. This led him to be sent off and Holland finally lost to West Germany. He ended his career with a luxury scene winning the first UEFA Champion League in 1995. In spite of a defensive player, He scored more than 100 goals in all club competition.

48. Daniel Passarella

Ability : Physical B-, Defensive A-, Offensive C-
Total Ability : B,Total Skill: A-, Total Performance: A-

“The Great Captain” Daniel Passarella is the greatest defender ever to come from the Americas and one of the best defender-scorer in history of the game. His leadership, passion and his organization prowess on the field led him as an outstanding captain leading Argentina to make a victory winning their first World Cup. He was a libero who excellent in the air despite his medium height and often join the attack to make a lot of scores. He was also noted for using his elbows against rivals whilst managing to avoid the referee's gaze. Passarella kept the second best record as top scoring defender only to Ronald Koeman. He scored more than 180 goals in his club career. His wonderful season was 1976 that he incredibly scored 24 goals from 35 matches. Unfortunately, He didn’t play any game in world cup 1986 just because of fractious relationship with Bilardo and Maradona. Passarella finished in top five in South American footballer of the year once time and top ten for five times.

47. Ronaldinho

Ability : Physical B, Offensive A-
Total Ability : B+,Total Skill: A, Total Performance: A-

Ronaldinho is widely regarded as one of the most gifted footballers of all-time. He was famous for his exciting technical abilities especially dribbling, agility and making score. Ronaldinho was known as a versatile attacker but he always base on the left-side of the field as a midfielder. He started his career with Gremio before moved to Europe to play for Paris Saint-Germain. After he could do his performance in World Cup 2002 impressively, He was wanted by many big club in Europe. Ronaldinho decided to join with Barcelona and he finally became the best player in the world during the middle of the 2000s, won so many individual awards in that time, was expected to become a top world-legend in the future. On the other hand, His legend status such incredibly failed down that becoming an average international footballer because of his unprofessional attitude as athletic.

46. Juan Alberto Schiaffino

Ability : Physical C-, Offensive B+
Total Ability : B,Total Skill: A-, Total Performance: A-

Juan Schiaffino is widely regarded as the greatest Uruguayan footballer of all-time. He was an inside-left who proficient as a creator and assister more than a scorer. Schiaffino was one of the best inside-forwards of the 1st half 1950s. He broke into the Peñarol youth team as a 17 year old and a year later was a first-teamer. At 19, he was a member of Uruguay's South American championship squad. In the 1950 World Cup he was the second highest goalscorer with five goals, including an equallizer against Brazil in the final, which set Uruguay on the road to victory. Four years later, an injury to Schiaffino in the semifinal saw the South Americans defeated and finished in fourth place. AC Milan paid a world record for Schiaffino shortly after the 1954 World Cup. He was rated 8th Best World Cup player of all-time by France Football.

45. Gyorgi Sarosi

Ability : Physical B-, Defensive B-, Offensive B+
Total Ability : B+, Total Skill: B+, Total Performance : A-

Gyorgi Sarosi is one of the symbolic Hungarian legends, was the greatest European footballer in the second half 1930s. He is one of the most completed footballers of all-time, played in several positions for Ferencváros and Hungary. Essentially an inside-forward and center-forward, he could also operate in midfield as a world-class center-half or even an international-class central defender, played these role in the early and the late career. Sarosi was an extraordinary dribbler and scorer with aggressive character, had got great physical option as a true leadership and very good teamwork ability. Sarosi is one of the best players in history of Mitropa Cup, was a superstar and reached four final matches. He captained Hungary to the 1938 FIFA World Cup finals and scored five goals. Sarosi made phenomenon record in the 1935 -1936 season, scored 36 goals in 20 league games. In the 1937 international club, he scored seven goals in single match against Czechoslovakia. For his role as a forward, he scored 331 goals in 317 league games and approximately scored 40 goals in 40 national team games.

44. Rivaldo

Ability : Physical C+, Offensive B
Total Ability : B,Total Skill: A-,Total Performance: A-

Rivaldo is regarded as the supreme class player in the world during the lately 1990s that he was in his prime. He played in the area between attacking midfielder and deep-lying forward but he was more exerting as scorer than creator. Rivaldo could dribble, shot and pass with the best. Especially, His shooting was combined with powerful and precision. He was renown of his superb by-cycle kicking. He was voted as the 5th and 4th best player of the 1998 and 2002 FIFA World Cup tournament, respectively. After his glory years in Bracelona, he was transferred to AC Milan. His time in Milan proved a mutually disappointing affair, was a starter trough the first season but he didn’t play even a game in the next one partly due to injury problems. Rivaldo was also voted in fifth place FIFA World Player of the Year twice times in 2001 and 2002.

43. Luis Suarez Miramontes

Ability : Physical C, Offensive B+
Total Ability: B,Total Skill: B+, Total Performance: A-

"The Architect" Luis Suarez Miramontes is regarded as the greatest Spanish footballer of all-time and the best European midfielder in the early 1960s, iso ne of the most underrated players among World’s legends, is one of the best passers ever. He was one of the great organizing of the modern era. Not content to direct from a distance, he help modernized the forward-looking more free-ranging creative midfielder and known as his elegant movement. Suárez first played as an inside left for Barcelona. He was also noted for his perceptive passing and explosive shot and in 1960 he became the only Spanish-born player to date to be won Ballon d’. In 1961 Suárez became the world's most expensive footballer when Barcelona sold him to Inter Milan where he was an equally prominent member of the legendary Great Inter side of the 1960s as a deep-lying playmaker. He retired as a player after the last three seasons at Sampdoria.

42. Cristiano Ronaldo

Ability : Physical A-, Offensive B
Total Ability : B+,Total Skill: A-, Total Performance: A-

Cristiano Ronaldo is currently one of the most popular superstars in the World, holds the distinction of being the most expensive player in football history after having been transferred to Real Madrid. He holds the record most goal in single season of Spanish La Liga with 40. For his prime, he is well-known as a free role player who basically started operating his force in left or right-wing but he often try to run positioning himself to make scores in front of the goal in the central area and has become a prolific scorer in the club level. Ronaldo is very fast, great dribble with his individual technical abilities and possesses a special drive-shoot. But still, He has not been a great assister or creator but his best skill would be a scorer. Cristiano Ronaldo has no extradrdinary profile for his performance in national team career. He was selected in PFA team of the year for four times.

41. Valentino Mazzola

Ability : Physical B+, Defensive C-, Offensive A-
Total Ability : A- ,Total Skill: 90.7, Total Performance: A-

Valentino Mazzola was the greatest footballer in the World during the late 1940s and is one of the most completed footballers of all-time. He captain of the legendary Grande Torino side killed in the Superga air disaster at the age of 30 year olds. An inspirational character, he was also gifted with great skills and a scoring ability could tackle, defend and lead his teammates to victory with his charismatic presence. Mazzola senior was a robust figure as the game in the immediate years around World War II required. He scored 118 Series A goals in 195 games for Torino. He shared his view of the game before the disaster “I consider football to be a very simple game. You will win as long as you don’t always play in the same way. You have got to add some variations to make your game more dynamic. There has to be room for improvisation outside of classical tactics. But I am of the opinion that modern football must be above all a team game."

40. Fritz Walter

Ability : Physical B-, Offensive B+
Total Ability : B,Total Skill : B+, Total Performance: B+, Greatness Bonus

Fritz Walter is the greatest personality of the circle of German football. He was a prolific score as well a great assister with his impressive vision, passing and stamina. He was the most influenced player in retrieving Germany from their being devastated from the World War II. Walter could score a hat-trick as soon as his debut with the national team. He was drafted into the armed forces in 1942, however, the end of the war found 24 year old Fritz. He narrowly fortunate survived from that war and suffered from Malaria, again played for Kaiserslautern, leading them to win German league 2 times. Sepp Herberger recalled him to the national team in 1951, and he was named captain and led his country won their first World Cup in 1954 ironically. Walter received his last cap during the 1958 World Cup which Germany won fourth place, and retired from football at age of 39 year olds. Noted that his goal statistics mostly was done during German league was fail in standard due to the World War II. The Fritz Walter Stadium was named for his honours to be the home of Kaiserslautern.

39. Leonidas Da Silva

Ability : Physical B, Offensive B+
Total Ability : B,Total Skill: B+, Total Performance: A-

“The Black Diamond” Leonidas Da Silva was the greatest South American footballer in the late 1930s. He was known for his elasticity and prolific scoring ability. He was one of the pioneers of the bicycle kick. Leonidas also played for famous clubs like Penarol, Vasco Da Gama and Botafogo each a year before settle his career down with Flamengo and Sao Paulo. He usually played as inside-forward and sometimes as center-forward. In 1938, he was the World Cup's top scorer with 7 goals, scoring hat-trick in the 6-5 extra time winning over Poland. However, he was dropped in semi-final round to be rested by coach and Brazil finally disqualify for the final. Nelson Rodrigues who was playwright ever mentioned “He was a rigorously Brazilian player. Had the fantasy, childhoodness, improvisation and the sensuality from the best Brazilian players"

38. Dino Zoff

Ability : Physical D+, Protective A+
Total Ability : C,Total Skill: A, Total Performance: B+, Greatness Bonus

Dino Zoff is one of the best goalkeepers the world has ever seen. He has set lots of records in Italian and world football. For instance he is the oldest player to win the World Cup. In 1982 at the age of 40 he could collect the trophy as captain of Italy's team. And he is also the goalkeeper to have kept a clean sheet the longest time, from September 1972 to June 1974 (consecutive 1142 minutes or 12 Matches) was unbeaten. According to being main pillar of Italy over decade, He became the most iconic player of his nation. Zoff was medium in stature but quick on his feet and excellent positioning and shot-stopping skills. He was a level-headed goalkeeper, capable of staying calm during the toughest and the most exhilarating moments. In 1973, He was chosen the second best as European footballer of the year. Zoff kept 55 clean sheets from 112 games for Italy. Zoff was finished 5th in UEFA Jubilee Poll. Also, IFFHS’s poll result show him as the third greatest goalkeeper in the World of the century.

37. Sandor Kocsis

Ability : Physical B-, Offensive B
Total Ability : B,Total Skill: B+, Total Performance: A-

Sandor Kocsis is considered as the greatest target striker in history of Eastern European football, and the finest main striker in the world during the first half 1950s, is the greatest header ever, is believed to be the best player in the World 1954. He was an all round forward being a magnificent finisher, very strong, great at positioning and most of all brilliant in aerial battle. He is regarded as the best players ever as heading scorer. Kocsis was one of the legendary Mighty Magyars. After the 1956 Hungarian Revolution he moved to Spain where he became a prominent member of the successful CF Barcelona team of the late although he was not a prolific scorer that he was in his earlier career due to injury. With Hungary, He played as inside-right but his duty was expected as a final finisher. 1954 was his best year that he was a top scorer of league in the World, and was a top scorer in World Cup tournament. Kocsis was one of the most prolific scorer ever in national team career, registered hat-trick for Hungary for seven times.

36. Raymond Kopa

Ability : Physical C+, Offensive B+
Total Ability : B,Total Skill: B+, Total Performance: A-

Raymond Kopa is the great legendary French football who is regarded as the finest playmaker in the World during the late 1950s. Kopa was the progeny of a Polish immigrant family. He was a free-role playmaker who ran to many areas in attacking line, quick, agile and excellent in dribble combined with playmaking abilities. He played or Stade Reims in his early career during their glory years. After he with the club lost Real Madrid in European Cup final 1956, He was signed to the Santiago Bernabeu, played for them for three seasons and fortunately won European Cup all seasons. Kopa was an important key player to lead France won third place in World Cup 1958 with his many assists to Just Fontaine who overshadowed him by scoring so many goals. Kopa return to play for Stade Reims for eight seasons.

35. Gianni Rivera

Ability : Physical D+, Offensive A-
Total Ability : B,Total Skill: A- ,Total Performance : A

“The Golden Boy of Italy” Gianni Rivera is considered as one of the greatest Italian footballers of all-time and is one of the greatest-youngest player ever. He was an advance creative midfielder with offensive ideas, often at odds with the proponents of the classic Italian defensive schemes. Rivera had a classy elegant and aesthetic style, impeccable in the dribbling and distribution. His passing ability was very top-class of the world. Rivera could play well as both of deep-lying playmaker or free-role playmaker. His talent in the only season with his first team Alessandria led him to be transferred to Milan and become a starter of the team immediately at his only 18 year olds. He gradually proved himself until being a famous legend of the club after the consistency performance for two decades in Italian Series A. Unfortunately, he played in the same era as Sandro Mazzola and this led him not became a legend in any major international tournament.

34. Adolfo Pedernera

Ability : Physical C, Offensive A
Total Ability : B+,Total Skill: A-, Total Performance: A

“The Master” Adolfo Pedernera is considered as one of the greatest legends in history of Argentinean Football, is one of the greatest creators ever. He was set as center forward for “La Maquina” in the basic formation. To support “Total Football’ style of play, he always down to operate creativity in the midfield area and create a large number of assists. Then, he went forward to make score by his own. His style of play is regarded as the similar kind and level of Alfredo Di Stefano. He debut professional career at just 16 year olds. Later then, He joined with Milonarios after spending 13 seasons with River Plate. The press of Bogotá received Pedernera well and commented after his great performance in the first match that "He was a phenomenon, an artist, a master of passing, and a show of intelligence. After the debut of El Maestro, everything is possible."

33. Franco Baresi

Ability : Physical B-, Defensive A+, Offensive C-
Total Ability : B,Total Skill: A,Total Performance: A

“Piscinin” Franco Baresi is acknowledged as the greatest defender ever to play the game. He perfectly played as sweeper and being the most important role for AC Milan’s famous defensive line which kept record without conceding a goal in consecutive more than 900 minutes. Baresi was honoured to retire number 6 for AC Milan. Even his lower-average tall of his, He still always managed with aerial ball well. Baresi was a footballer leader with excellent technique, vision and courage on the pitch. Baresi was voted as 5th and 6th Ballon D’or in 1990 and 1993, respectively, 6th and 9th FIFA World player of the year in 1991 and 1994, respectively. In spite of his world-class performance, He was just a start of Italy national team because departure of Gaetano Scirea. His undesirable remembering is mistaking in penalty shootout in world cup 1994 final match leading Italy lost Brazil finally. Baresi was voted in top twenty in Europe’s player of century by IFFHS’s poll and in the greatest player of century in World Soccer’s poll.

32. Lionel Messi

Individual Achievement : 2 Times Spanish La Liga Top Scorer
5 Times Argentinean Footballer of The Year (2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010)
3 Time La Liga Foreign Player of The Year (2007, 2009, 2010)
3 Time La Liga Player of The Year (2009, 2010, 2011)
2 Times UEFA Champion League Best Forward and MVP (2009, 2011)
4 Times UEFA Champion League%2 Top Scorer (2009, 2010, 2011,02012)
2 Times European Golden Shoe (2010, 2012)
2009 European Footballer of The Year, 2 Times Silver Ball (2007, 2008)
2009 World Soccer Player of The Year, 2 Times Silver Ball (2007, 2008)
2009 FIFA World Player of The Year, 3 Times Silver Ball (2007, 2008, 2010)
2 Times FIFA Ballon'Dor (2010, 2011)
World All-Time Highest Goalscorer In Single Season
Barcelona All-Time Top Scorer and Greatest Player Ever
UEFA Champion League Greatest Player Ever

Ability : Physical B, Offensive A+
Total Ability : A,Total Skill: A+, Total Performance: A

Lionel Messi is currently a phenomenon-class player in the World, is one of the most completed attackers of all-time, and regarded as the closest successor of Diego Maradona, is famous for his superb agility and acceleration, formidable dribbling and is the most prolific scorer in the modern era. He started well-known when he won FIFA World Cup U-20 with Argentina in 2005. Afterwards, He could be a starter in Barcelona team as a brilliant young star. He played as forward free role with Barcelona but always switch to play as attacking midfielder for Argentina. Messi could get pass defenders as usual. He was expected by an eye around the world to be a great legend of the world in the future but he is still not much an extraordinary player for Argentina national team. In 2011 - 2012 season, Messi scored 73 goals in 60 club games, is the highest goalscorer of all-time in a single season.

31. Rivelino

Ability : Physical C-, Offensive A-
Total Ability : B,Total Skill: A, Total Performance: A

"Kinglet Park" Rivelino is widely regarded as one of the most graceful footballers ever and also one of the most underrated players in football history. He was famous for his extremely potent left-foot shot, thunderous long-range free kicks, excellent long passes, quick thinking, distinct way of handling the ball and large moustache. He invented a football move called the "Elastico", also known as "flip flap", famously copied by Ronaldinho and C.Ronaldo in recent years. Rivelino played for Corinthians during the most troubled periods in the history of the club, didn’t win any state trophy and this reason effect him never won first place in any individual awards. He later move on Fluminense and finally won state trophies. He was a key player for Brazil to reach semi-final in World Cup twice times during the 1970s. He is selected in FIFA All-Time South America team of the Century in 1998.

30. Karl-Heinz Rummenigge

Ability : Physical B, Offensive B+
Total Ability : B+,Total Skill: B+, Total Performance: A

"King Kalle" Karl-Heinz Rummenigge is the greatest footballer in the world during the separate period between lately 70’s to early 80’s. He was an athletic all-round forwarder, could play all position in the front line cover winger in both side, second striker and targeted striker, made him as one of the most completed football players the World has ever seen. He always beat opposing defenders with his high speed, physically power and technical abilities. Also, Rummenigge was great in off the ball and finishing. His never-say-die attitude made him a natural captain for his country as 1982 and 1986 FIFA World Cup finalists. He was rated by Kicker Ranking in 3 World-Class seasons plus 5 seasons of International-Class during ten seasons in Bundesliga. According to German footballer of the year voting, he was German forward of the year for three times. Afterwards, He moved to play for Inter Milan 3 seasons by the time he had failed from his prime. In 2005, He was voted in all-time Bayern XI.

29. Bobby Moore

Ability : Physical C+, Defensive A
Total Ability : B-,Total Skill: A-, Total Performance: A-, Greatness Bonus

Bobby Moore is one of the most iconic English footballers ever. His greatness has been appeared with a statue outside Wembley stadium. Moore was admired for his reading of the game and ability to anticipate opposition movement, played as center-back mostly by his genius positional play, as he had uncanny intuitive sense for where the ball was headed. His timing in the tackle was unmatched, and he was rarely off of his feet while winning the ball back for his team. Moore is known as a true leader and gentleman with his fair play. In 1966, He was voted as the fourth best of Ballon D’or, and he was voted seventh place the best player in history of World Cup by France Football. Although his ability was not the best ever, His greatness as captain leading England to be champion of world cup could lead him to be ranked among the best.

28. Stanley Matthews

Ability : Physical B-, Offensive B
Total Ability : B,Total Skill: A, Total Performance: A-, Greatness Bonus

“The Wizard of The Dribble” Sir Stanley Matthews is the greatest legend in history of English football, is the greatest old footballer of all-time. He is the only player to have been knighted while still playing, as well as being the first winner of both the European Footballer of the Year and the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year awards. A vegetarian teetotaller, he kept fit enough to play at the top level until he was 50 years old, the oldest player ever to play in England's top football division. He played his final competitive game in 1970, at the age of 55. The Second World War interrupted his career. After the war, he fell out with Stoke and was transferred to Blackpool. He won Ballon'Dor at his 40 years old and the second FWA footballer of the year at 48 years old. He was famous. Matthews was a right-side midfielder who assisted many goals after done his great speed, stamina and dribble. He was voted 11th and 17th World player of the century by IFFHS and World Soccer’s poll, respectively.

27. Matthias Sindelar

Ability : Physical C, Offensive A-
Total Ability : B,Total Skill: A-, Total Performance: A

“The Mozart of Fooball” Matthias Sindelar in his prime is considered as the phenomenon footballer in the pre-war era. A prototype of withdrawn center-forward who was very influence the team as a creator in the front-line, he was a genius footballer who was full of special talent, is one of the greatest dribblers of all-time, also was principled individual didn’t compromise or abandoned his moral and ethical beliefs. Sindelar and Austria were especially prominent at the 1934 World Cup. The high point was their defeat of Hungary in quarterfinals. Austria then suffered a controversial defeat to the host nation, with Sindelar affected by the harsh marking of Luis Monti. Sindelar was voted 22nd greatest footballer of the Century by IFFHS’s poll as well as the greatest Austrian player of all-time.

26. Zizinho

Ability : Physical B-, Offensive A-
Total Ability : B+,Total Skill: A-, Total Performance: A+

"Master Ziza" Zizinho was the greatest South American footballer in the late 1940s. He came to international prominence at the 1950 World Cup, where scored two goals. He played as an inside-right but could operate his game in central midfield with his stamina to help defensive game, is noted for his dribbling skills and pace. Zizinho played for Flamengo, Bangu, São Paulo FC, Audax Italiano of Chile among others teams. He mostly spent his career with Flamengo and scored 146 goals for the club. In the 1950 World Cup he helped Brazil to progress to the final, but their surprise 2-1 defeat to Uruguay tarnished his reputation. Pelé always said that Zizinho was the best player he ever saw. "He was a complete player. He played in midfield, in attack, he scored goals, he could mark, head and cross." He came in 4th place in the IFFHS Brazilian Player and 10th place South American player of the 20th Century.

25. Paolo Maldini

Ability : Physical B+, Defensive A+, Offensive C-
Total Ability : B,Total Skill: A, Total Performance: A, Greatness of Bonus

Paolo Maldini is already regarded by so many as the greatest defender of all-time after his retirement at 41 Year olds. He was honoured to retire number 3 for AC Milan where he totally played 902 matches for 25 seasons and also holds all-time record most appearance in European Cup with 139 games. He debuted in Italian series A at 16 year olds and had become a World-Class defender since his 20 year olds for AC Milan and Italy and sustain his level through 1990s before switching from left-back to center-back during 2000s which he still reach World-Class in some years. He was also voted in top ten Ballon D’or in 1993, 1996, 2000 and 2005, also being voted in top ten FIFA World Player Of The Year in 1996 and 2005. Maldini is a modern defender with considerable technique and vision, solid defensively, quick and with excellent recuperation skills. Maldini holds the all-time world cup record of 2,217 consecutive minutes played and also holds with Francisco Gento of the all-time most appearances in European Cup final with 8. Maldini was finished 10th in UEFA Jubilee Poll as the best European footballer in last 50 years.

24. Ruud Gullit

Individual Achievement

2 Times Dutch Footballer of The Year (1984, 1986)
1986 Dutch Golden Shoe Winner
1987 Dutch Sportman of The Year
1987 European Footballer of The Year
2 Times European Championship Team of The Tournament (1988, 1992)
1988 Silver Ball European Footballer of The Year
2 Times World Soccer Player of The Year (1987, 1989)
1993 Bronze Ball World Soccer Player of The Year

Ability : Physical A-, Defensive C-, Offensive A-
Total Ability : A-,Total Skill: B+, Total Performance: A+

"The Black Tulip" Ruud Gullit is the most versatile footballers of all-time, renowned as one of the tiger-soldiers of AC Milan and Holland alongside Frank Rijkaard and Marco Van Basten. He could play in all attacking positions very well and even perform as sweeper in his late career impressively. He His primitive race was Suriname. Gullit epitomised the ethos of Total Football as he was naturally adept in almost every position. His foremost attribute was his athleticism, as he used his strength and speed to great effect, as well as being excellent in the air. Yet unusually for a man of his stature Gullit also possessed outstanding natural balance and poise that gave a graceful style to his game. Gullit thus combined technical ability with physical presence to become an iconic figure in world football.

23. Roberto Baggio

Individual Achievement

1990 Bravo Award
1993 European Footballer of The Year
1993 FIFA World Player of The Year
1993 World Soccer Player of The Year
1994 FIFA World Cup Silver Ball
1994 FIFA World Cup Silver Shoe
1994 FIFA World Cup All Star Team
1994 Bronze Ball FIFA World Player of The Year
1994 Silver Ball World Soccer Player of The Year
2001 Guerin Italian Footballer of The Year
2002 FIFA Dream Team

Ability : Physical C-, Offensive A-
Total Ability : B,Total Skill: A-, Total Performance: A+

“The Golden Ponytail” Roberto Baggio is the most popular footballer of all-time. He played as a creative forward. An elegant player, was an excellent dribbler and defense infiltrator and free-kick specialist. He was best remembered for his great performance in World Cup 1994. Among the pressured situation of Italy in several matches due to their non-proficient in attacking game, Baggio scored important goals until leading Italy reached final round. However, It is him to miss the final penalty kick affecting Italy lost in that match. Baggio is one of a few players to play for all three famous clubs in Italian series A consist of AC Milan, Inter Milan and Juventus. He was very consistency trough his career, still had a great form in his late career with Bologna and Brescia until his retirement at 36 year olds. Baggio was voted eighteenth in a poll organised by the French weekly magazine France Football. He is also regarded by some as the best Italian player ever.

22. Giuseppe Meazza

Individual Achievement

Inter Milan All-Time Top Scorer
Inter Milan Greatest Player Ever
3 Times Italian Series A Top Scorer
3 Times Mitropa Cup Top Scorer
1934 FIFA World Cup Golden Ball
1934 FIFA World Cup All Star Team
2008 FIGC Greatest Italian Player of All-Time

Ability : Physical C+, Offensive B+
Total Ability : B,Total Skill: A-, Total Performance: A+

“Il Balilla” Giuseppe Meazza is still considered by many as the greatest Italian players of all-time as well as the best player in history of Inter Milan club. He began his career as all out striker, but showed his skill and ability by also becoming an accomplished midfielder, playing for more than half of his career as inside forward both left and right. He was a great leader with excellent shooting and intoxicating dribbling skill, an eye for the pass and, despite his middle height, an exceptional heading ability. He was a brilliant passer, both-footed, had remarkable field vision and was noted for his turns and spins. He was a true leader and supstar in World Cup 1934. In the 1938 tournament, he was a captain of Italy and became more an assister than a scorer. Meazza is a FIFA Hall of Champions Inductee and Italian Hall of Fame Entrant. He was selected by IFFHS as the 2nd Best Italian player and 21st World Player of the Century. The Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, is the home of inter Milan, was named in honour of him.

21. Romario

Individual Achievement

1984 Bravo Award
7 Times Brazil State Championship Top Scorer
3 Times Brazil National Championship Top Scorer
3 Times Dutch League Top Scorer
2 Times European Cup Top Scorer (1990, 1993)
1993 Silver Ball FIFA World Player of The Year
1994 Spanish League Top Scorer
1994 Bronze Ball World Soccer Player of The Year
1994 FIFA World Player of The Year
1997 FIFA Confederation Cup Top Scorer
2000 Brazilian Footballer of The Year
2000 South American Footballer of The Year
2001 Bronze Ball South American Footballer of The Year
PSV Eindhoven Greatest Player Ever

Ability : Physical B-, Offensive B+
Total Ability : B+,Total Skill: A-, Total Performance: A+

"O Baixinho" Romario the greatest players in the World during the mid-90s, is one of the most prolific goalscorers in history of the game. He scored more than 1,000 goals during his career including unofficial matches. He is one of the greatest first touch goal-getters of all-time, processed great shooting and dribbling technique. While Romario was sometimes criticized for “Disappearing” during games, he would then crop up and score one or more goals. A Master of Zen-like “no-play,” He would let the action sweep around him until it was his time to strike. When man-marked, He often stopped moving, reasoning that his marker’s natural tendency was to move rather than stand still. After his markers moved, He was off in the other direction for a pass or goal opportunity. Because of his freedom style of attitude, He played for Barcelona for twice seasons and back to play in Brazil in the rest of his career, affected him not to prove himself in the highest standard level anymore. He holds the record most goals in a single season in history Brazilian football league with 70 goals in 2000. Romario is the second most prolific scorer in history of football only to Josef Bican.

20. Didi

Individual Achievement

1958 FIFA World Cup Golden Ball
Brazil Football Museum Hall Of Fame

Ability : Physical C+, Defensive C-, Offensive A-
Total Ability : B+,Total Skill: A-, Total Performance: A+

"The Prince Ethiopian" Valdir Pereira “Didi” is considered to be one of the greatest midfielder ever. He had incredibly accurate passing, ball controlling, vision, great stamina and strength. He played as holding creative midfielder and created many of assists to Brazil’s strikers and scored a lot of goals by his own. Didi is credited as the inventor of the unpredictable “Dry Leaf” or “Banana” free-kick technique, where the ball would swerve seemingly downwards at the right time resulting in a goal. Despite his great reputation after the 1958 World Cup which he won player of the tournament, He moved to Real Madrid and played only 19 matches for the Spaniards and often clashed with the team leader Alfredo Di Stéfano, who felt offended by the divide in the fan’s attention with this newcomer; this situation precipitated his exit from the club. Didi was voted 20th World’s player of century by IFFHS’s poll.

19. Lev Yashin

Individual Achievement

1963 European Footballer Of The Year
2000 FIFA World Goalkeeper Of Century
IFFHS World’s Goalkeeper of Century
UEFA Jubilee Award (Golden Player Of Russia)
1967 Order Of Lenin
8 Times European Goalkeeper Of The Year
2 Times European Championship Best Goalkeeper (1960, 1964)
1998 FIFA World Team of The Century
1999 IFFHS Soviet Union Goalkeeper of The Century
Soviet Top League Greatest Player Ever

Ability : Physical C, Protective A+
Total Ability : C+,Total Skill: A+,Total Performance: A, Greatness Bonus

“Black Octopus” Lev Yashin is the greatest goalkeeper in history of the game and regarded as Soviet Union‘s greatest footballer ever. He is the only goalkeeper to win European footballer of the year award. Yashin is known for his superior athleticism, imposing stature, routine amazing reflex saves and inventing the idea of goalkeeper sweeping. During his career, He had stopped around 150 penalty kick which is the best record of all-time. Moreover, Yashin won 270 clean sheets from approximately 420 career games played or almost 65 percent. He was also voted in top five in Ballon d’Or 3 times aside from the 1963 that he won the first place. In 1994, FIFA established the Lev Yashin Award for the best goalkeeper in world cup final tournament. Yashin was finished 8th in UEFA Jubilee Poll as the best European footballer in the last 50 years. For his outstanding service to the people and to his country, Yashin was awarded the Order of Lenin in 1967, the highest award of the USSR. A Bronze statue of Lev Yashin was erected at the Dynamo Stadium in Moscow.

18. George Best

Individual Achievement

UEFA Jubilee Award (Northern Ireland)
1968 European Footballer Of The Year
1968 FWA Footballer Of The Year
1968 English Top Division Top Scorer
1971 Bronze Ball European Footballer Of The Year
1999 IFFHS Northern Ireland Player of The Century
PFA Special Merit Award

Ability : Physical C, Offensive A-
Total Ability : B,Total Skill: A, Total Performance: A+

“Dangerous Divine” George Best is one of the most talent footballers of all-time. If consider only his prime, He would be the greatest player in history of British football without any hesitation but he was known for his unprofessional behavior as an alcoholism effected his career not consistency. George Best was a left-winger who was tremendously skilled an innovative footballer. Unsurpassed on dribble and penetration, would often pass off the score after rather than take the goal himself. He was one of few players with virtually ambidextrous ball control with both feet. Best scored 185 goals in 465 matched for Manchester United. In his native Northern Ireland the admiration for him is summed up by the local saying: "Maradona good; Pelé better; George Best. He was one of the world legends never participated in World Cup. He was voted 8th,12th and 16th World player of the century by World Soccer, France Football and IFFHS’s poll, respectively.

17. Marco Van Basten

Individual Achievement

4 Times Dutch League Top Scorer
1985 Dutch Footballer of The Year
1986 European Golden Boot
1986 World League Top Scorer
1987 Bravo Award
1987 Bronze Ball World Soccer Player of The Year
1988 European Championship Top Scorer
2 Times European Championship Team of The Tournament (1988, 1992)
1989 European Cup Top Scorer
1989 Silver Ball World Soccer Player of The Year
2 Times Italian Series A Top Scorer (1990, 1992)
2 Times World Soccer Player of The Year (1988, 1992)
3 Times European Footballer of The Year (1988, 1989, 1992)
1992 FIFA World Player of The Year

Ability : Physical B-, Offensive B+
Total Ability : B+,Total Skill: A, Total Performance: A+

"Killer of Ghost Whisper" Marco Van Basten is the greatest striker in the World during the lately 1980s, is the greatest striker in history of Italian Series A, is one of the most completed strikers ever. He was two foots grace with close control, quick on the turn and excellent in the air, He scored Spectacular goals for club and country. He was best remembered with his winning goal in Euro 1988 final. He shot from a seemingly impossible angle. The shear audacity and technique of that strike showed his supreme class. Van Basten was very success in his career with AC Milan despite playing in highest standard ever of the league due to appearances of many World-Class defenders. On the other hand, Van Basten failed to prove himself in World Cup tournament that he could not score even a goal. His states for Holland was also unimpressive as he did it just 0.4 goal per game in average. After he was gotten big injury at age of 29 and decided to retire in next two years. he was also voted 5th place in the 1991 FIFA World Player of the Year. Van Basten was voted 8th, 9th and 12th the greatest footballer of the century by France Football, World Soccer and IFFHS, respectively, and was voted 4th by UEFA Jubilee poll.

16. Lothar Matthaeus

Individual Achievement

1978 Bravo Award
1990 European Footballer Of The Year
1990 FIFA World Cup Silver Ball
1990 World Soccer Player Of The Year
1990 Onze d’Or
1991 FIFA World Player Of The Year
1991 Silver Ball European Footballer Of The Year
1991 Bronze Ball Onze d’Or
2 Times German Footballer Of The Year (1990, 1999)
1988 European Championship Team Of Tournament

Ability : Physical A-, Defensive C+, Offensive B
Total Ability : A-,Total Skill: A-, Total Performance: A+

“The Superman” Lothar Matthaus is a powerful dynamo midfielder, has played in five World Cups more than any other outfield player, and holds the record for the most World Cup appearances with 25 games. He also played in Euro for four tournaments. He is the most capped German player of all time with 150. The first half of his career was performed as a box-to-box midfielder. Kicker Magazine rated him as a world-class player in World Cup 1986, 1990 and 7.5 international-class seasons as a midfielder in Bundesliga. However, He also reaches 3 world-class years at Inter Milan where he won many big individual awards. Aside from 1990 and 1991, He won 4th in Ballon’ Dor in 1989. Afterwards, He moved down to play as Libero, was rated a half world-class season and 5.5 seasons international-class, noted for his two years injury. He was renowned for his perceptive passing, positional sense, movement, tireless, acceleration and well-timed tackling, as well as his explosive shot. According to German Footballer of the year voting, He also finished second place for three times, was German defender of the year for three times and German midfielder of the year for four times. He played in professional level for 22 seasons. Matthaus was voted 15th World’s player of century in IFFHS’s poll and the same place in UEFA Jubilee’s poll.

15. Bobby Charlton

Individual Achievement

2 Times BBC Sport Personality of The Year Award (1958, 1959)
1966 FIFA World Cup Golden Ball
2 Times FIFA World Cup All Star Team (1966, 1970)
1966 FWA Footballer of The Year
1966 European Footballer of the Year
2 Times Silver Ball European Footballer of The Year (1967, 1968)
1974 PFA Merit Award
1994 FIFA World Cup All-Time Team
2007 PFA Team of The Century
1999 IFFHS England Player of The Century
England All-Time Top Scorer
English Top League Greatest Player Ever
IFFHS England Player of The Century
England All-Time Top Scorer
Manchester United All-Time Top Scorer
Manchester United’s Greatest Player Ever

Ability : Physical B, Offensive B+
Total Ability : B,Total Skill: A-, Total Performance: A+

Bobby Charlton is the greatest British footballer of all-time. Although his talent was not among the best ever but his consistency in effectiveness trough his career was great enough to be ranked from many sources in top 15 greatest footballer of all-time. He had made more appearances for Manchester United than any other player with 758, a record superseded by Ryan Giggs at the Champions League Final in Moscow in 2008. However, Charlton still owns the club record for most league appearances with 606. He was a speedy withdrawn attacking midfielder with excellent close control and he combined those attributes as a devastating dribbler in the open field. He packed considerable power with either foot and use it to score many spectacular goals and even had a high quality in defensive game. Charlton finished 10th, 12th and 14th place in IFFHS, World Soccer and UEFA Jubilee poll, respectively.

14. Ronaldo

Individual Achievement

3 Times Bravo Awards (1995, 1997, 1998)
1 Time Dutch League Top Scorer
2 Times Spanish La Liga Top Scorer
1996 Silver Ball European Footballer of The Year
1997 European Golden Boot
1997 Spanish La Liga Foreign Player of The Year
1997 Copa America Most Valuable Player
1998 UEFA Club Most Valuable Player And Best Forward
1998 Italian Series A Foreign Footballer of The Year
1998 Italian Series A Footballer of The Year
1998 FIFA World Cup Golden Ball
1998 Silver Ball European Footballer of The Year
1998 Silver Ball FIFA World Player of The Year
1998 Bronze Ball World Soccer Player of The Year
2 Times FIFA World Cup All Star Team (1998, 2002)
1999 Copa America Top Scorer
2002 FIFA World Cup Golden Shoe And Silver Ball
2002 FIFA Team of The Year
2002 BBC Sport Oversea Personality of The Year
2003 Bronze Ball FIFA World Player of The Year
2 Times European Footballer of The Year (1997, 2002)
3 Times World Soccer Player of The Year (1996, 1997, 2002)
3 Times FIFA World Player of The Year (1996, 1997, 2002)
France Football All-Time World XI
Brazil Football Museum Hall of Fame
FIFA World Cup All-Time Top Scorer

Ability : Physical A-, Offensive B+
Total Ability : B+,Total Skill: A, Total Performance: A+

“The Phenomenon” Ronaldo Luis Nazario De Lima is regarded as one of the greatest footballers' primes of all-time. He processed great ball control and dribbling skills combined with a powerful physique and could hold off most defenders, and prolific scoring ability. Ronaldo is the youngest player ever to win Ballon d’Or, as he was a world-class player since his 20 year olds. He was famous for his scoring a large number of goals by only his ability as the one-man-show. On the other hand, The repeated big injury led him out of the game for two years. Even he could came back to be a world-class player again particularly in World Cup 2002 that he scored 12 goals, He never reached his prime that he could perform any longer. He also never won UEFA Champion League after his transferring to Real Madrid was after their three time UEFA Champion League Winners. In his lately career, He began being unprofessional behavior, allowed himself to be overweight, his speed gradually slow, and not be the remainder of the great footballer anymore.

13. Gerd Muller

Individual Achievement

7 Times Bundesliga Top Scorer
2 Times German Footballer of The Year (1967, 1969)
2 Times European Golden Shoe (1970, 1972)
2 Time World League Top Scorer (1970, 1972)
2 Times Bronze Ball European Footballer of The Year (1969, 1973)
4 Times European Cup Top Scorer (1973, 1974, 1975, 1977)
1970 FIFA World Cup Golden Shoe And All-Stars Team
1970 European Footballer of The Year
1972 European Championship Top Scoer
1972 European Championship Team of The Tournament
1972 Silver Ball European Footballer of The Year
All-Time Bundesliga Top Scorer
All-Time Germany Top Scorer
2000 World Football's Greatest Goalscorer of All Time

Ability : Physical C+, Offensive B
Total Ability : B-,Total Skill: A-, Total Performance: A+

“Der Bomber” Gerd Muller is the greatest goalscorer in history of the game. He was the predominant center forward of the early 1970s. Deceptively quick and able to shoot with little waste motion. Muller was a nightmare for opposing goalkeepers, was the forerunner, whom given the slightest chance, could often find a way to put the ball in the goal. He was short, squat, awkward-looking and not notably fast; he never fit the conventional idea of a great footballer, but he had lethal acceleration over short distances, a remarkable aerial game, and uncanny goalscoring instincts. His short legs gave him a strangely low center of gravity, so he could turn quickly and with perfect balance in spaces and at speeds that would cause other players to fall over. He also had a knack of scoring in unlikely situations." There are seven seasons Muller could score more than 1.00 goal per game in average. Muller was rated by kicker just 4.5 world-class seasons and 5.5 international-class seasons despite it is clear that he should win more two world-class years according to win top awards. According to German footballer of the year voting, he was German forward of the year for six times. Muller was rated 10th, 13th and 15th place greatest ever in France Football, IFFHS and World Soccer, respectively. He was also voted 5th the best player in history of World Cup by France Football.

12. Jose Manuel Moreno

Individual Achievement

1942 Copa America Top Scorer
1947 Copa America Best Player
River Plate Greatest Player Ever
Argentine League Greatest Player Ever
Copa America Greatest Player Ever

Ability : Physical B+, Offensive A-
Total Ability : A-,Total Skill: A, Total Performance: A+

“El Charro” Jose Manuel Moreno is the greatest footballer in the World in the early 1940s and is one of the most completed footballers of all-time. He has been regarded by Argentinean old-timers to be a better player than Alfredo Di Stefano who ever mentioned by himself that there are many greater footballers than him in Argentina during his era but they was not lucky to get opportunity to play in Europe, A few football fans around the World have ever heard his name because he never participated in World Cup due to the disapperance of tournamebt during the war-time and refusing to enter World Cup 1950 by Argentina football association. Moreno is the most outstanding player in the legendary famous team “ La Maquina”. He played as inside-right but sometimes played as attacking midfielder according to “Total Football” Style of play that La Maquina is the first team to play. Moreno was a superb technical player, was a world-class creator, passer and dribbler. He was selected among the 25 best players in the world in the 20th century by the IFFHS in 1999. He also ranked as the fifth best player in South America, and as the third best in Argentina.

11. Eusebio

Individual Achievement

7 Times Portuguese Liga Top Scorer
2 Times Silver Ball European Footballer of The Year (1962, 1966)
1965 European Footballer of The Year
1966 FIFA World Cup Golden Shoe, Bronze Ball And All-Stars Team
3 Times European Cup Top Scorer (1965, 1966, 1968)
2 Times European Golden Shoe (1968, 1973)
2 Times World League Top Scorer (1968, 1973)
2 Times Portuguese Athletic of The Year (1970, 1973)
Benfica Greatest Player Ever And All-Time Top Scorer
Portuguese League Greatest Player Ever
UEFA Jubilee Award (Portugal)
IFFHS Portugal Player of The Century

Ability : Physical B+, Offensive B
Total Ability : B+,Total Skill: A-, Total Performance: A+

“The Black Tiger of Mozambique” Eusebio Ferreira Da Silva is the greatest footballer ever to born in The Africa Continent and the finest player ever to play for Portugal. He was a striker in the center-forward mold. Eusebio was the possessor of one of the most fearsome shots to have graced the planet, powerful stamina and strength, great in air, and also had sublime dribbling and passing skills. Eusebio was born and played football in Mozambique until 18 year olds before moved to play in Portugal, and decided to transfer his nationality to be Portugal in next year. He played for Benfica in their golden era alongside his famous teammate like Mario Coluna, reached European Cup final for five times, and helped Portugal to win the only medal in their World Cup history. In 1966, He regrettably lost Bobby Charlton just a point to win Ballon d’Or. Aside from years he won medal in this award, He was also voted in top five for three times. He was voted 9th and 10th the greatest footballer of the century BY IFFHS and World Soccer, respectively, and was voted 7th by UEFA Jubilee poll.

10. Zinedine Zidane

Individual Achievement

1994 French League Best Young Player
1996 French League Player of The Year
2 Times French Player of The Year (1998, 2002)
2 Times Series A Foreign Footballer of The Year (1997, 2001)
1997 Bronze Ball European Footballer of The Year
1998 UEFA Champion League Best Midfielder
1998 European Footballer of The Year
1998 World Soccer Player of The Year
2 Times European Championship Team of The Tournament (2000, 2004)
2000 Silver Ball World Soccer Player of The Year
2000 Silver Ball European Footballer of The Year
2001 Series A Footballer of The Year
2002 Spanish La Liga Foreign Player of The year
2002 UEFA Champion League Most Valuable Player
3 Times FIFA World Player of The Year (1998, 2000, 2003)
2 Times Bronze Ball FIFA World Player of The Year (1997, 2002)
2004 UEFA Jubilee Poll Winner
2006 Silver Ball FIFA World Player of The Year
2006 FIFA World Cup Golden Ball
2 Times FIFA World Cup All-Star Team (1998, 2006)
Silver Ball French Player Of The Century
Officer Legion De Honours

Ability : Physical C+, Offensive A-
Total Ability : B+ ,Total Skill : A, Total Performance: A+

"Zizou" Zinedine Zidane is the greatest footballer in the World during the early 2000s. His primitive race is Algerian. Zidane was expected to be an important role of France after they disqualified for World Cup 1994 in the last minute but he could not be the superstar in Euro 96. Then, He moved to Juventus and helped them reach 2 consecutive UEFA Champion league final but lost all. In World Cup 1998, Zidane was renowned for scoring two goals in the final match with heading but he didin't win any ball of the tournament. Oppositely, He won FIFA World player of the year. His prime was started after then in his career at Real Madrid. He was voted in top five FIFA World Player of The Year for 9 times during 10 years between 1997 and 2006. Zidane was almost perfect in his role setting organization of the game, superb ball controlling, precision passing combined with great physical option. In 2004, Zidane was finished as the best European footballer in the last 50 years by UEFA Jubilee Poll.

9. Garrincha

Individual Achievement

1962 FIFA World Cup Golden Ball - Golden Shoe- All-Stars Team
1994 FIFA World Cup All-Time Team
1998 FIFA World Team of The Century
Brazil Footballer Museum Hall Of Fame

Ability : Physical B-, Offensive A+
Total Ability : A- ,Total Skill : A+, Total Performance: AA-

The Little Bird” Garrincha is regarded as the greatest winger and dribbler the World has ever seen. Many eminent football historians in Brazil and around the world refer to him being at least the equal of Pelé, was rated by many as the second greatest Brazilian footballer of all-time. He grew up in poverty with high right leg 6 cm shorter than the left. Rather than shying away from soccer after a childhood illness left his right leg bowing inward while the left bowed outward, he developed a devastating body swerve that mocked his body’s special anatomy. He was known for his remarkable ball control, imagination, acceleration, crossing, dribbling skills and ability to create something from nothing, He also possessed a ferocious shot with either foot and was a gifted dead ball specialist known for free kicks and corners taken with the outside of his foot, Garrincha’s best career highlight was happened in World Cup 1962, is regarded as one of the greatest individual performers in histroy of World Cup. For his all matches in World Cup, Brazil only lost one match with him on the pitch. He was voted 8th and 20th the greatest footballer of the century from IFFHS and World Soccer’s poll, respectively, was voted 6th the best player in world cup history by France Football.

8. Ferenc Puskas

Individual Achievement

4 Times Hungarian league Top Scorer
4 Times Spanish La Liga Top Scorer
3 Times European Cup Top Scorer (1960, 1962, 1964)
1948 European League Top Scorer
1948 World League Top Scorer
1953 Central European International Cup Top Scorer
1954 FIFA World Cup Golden Ball And All Star Team
L’Equipe European Footballer of The Century
20 % 1960 Silver Ball European Footballer of The Year
1994 FIFA World Cup All-Time Team
1999 IFFHS Hungary Player of The Century
Hungarian League Greatest Player Ever
Hungary All-Time Top Scorer
UEFA Jubilee Awards (Hungary)

Ability : Physical C, Offensive A-
Total Ability : B+,Total Skill : A-, Total Performance: AA-

"The Galloping Major" Ferenc Puskas is rated as the greatest Eastern European footballer of all-time and one of the most prolific scorers ever. He had great striking technique and was a deadly goal finisher with his precision left-foot which is regarded as the greatest ever in this skill. Puskas operated his game as an inside-left and always tried to control the ball until reaching the nearly penalty box line and shot by himself or assist to his teammate. He was also known as his professionalism and this led him as one of the most consistency footballers, remained making scores until retirement at 39 year olds. He was both a prominent member and captain of the legendary Hungarian national team, known as the Mighty Magyars. In 1958, two years after the Hungarian Revolution, he emigrated to Spain where he played for the legendary Real Madrid team that also included Di Stéfano, Gento, Kopa, and Santamaría and went on to play for Spain for four games. Puskas was voted 6th the greatest player of the century by IFFHS’s poll and 7th by World Soccer and France Football’s poll.

7. Zico

Individual Achievement

2 Times Brazil Footballer of The Year (1974, 1982)
6 Times Brazil State Championship Top Scorer
2 Times Brazil National Championship Top Scorer
2 Times Silver Ball South American Footballer of the Year (1976, 1980)
3 Times South American Footballer of The Year (1977, 1981, 1982)
1982 FIFA World Cup Bronze Shoe
1982 FIFA World Cup All Star Team
1983 World Soccer Player of The Year
1984 Bronze Ball World Soccer Player of The Year
Flamengo's Greatest Player Ever
Brazil Football Museum Hall of Fame

Ability : Physical C+, Offensive A+
Total Ability : A,Total Skill : A+, Total Performance: AA

"Rooster of Quintinho" Zico is commonly considered as one of the most skilled dribblers and finishers ever and was the world's best player of the early 80's. An excellent organizor and creator, but also the deadly dribbler on the run, Zico was equally proficient finisher. Many of his goals were sudden and unexpected but spectacular efforts. He was also known as one of history's greatest free kick specialists, able to bend the ball with pace and accuracy as well as having an extremely powerful shot. He holds the record all-time Top Scorer in Flamengo's history and won silver ball Brazilian footballer of the year 5 times. He played for Udinese for 2 seasons. The first one was great done with his 24 goals from 33 games but the injury made him had a hard time in the second season. He was voted 5th place best player of the tournament in the 1982 FIFA World Cup. Despite Zico is one of the best players the world has ever seen but he was not ranked in top 10 the greatest footballer ever in many polls due to his unsuccessful in World Cup. But still, He was finished 9th the greatest player ever by France football’s poll.

6. Michel Platini

Individual Achievement

2 Times French Player of The Year (1976, 1977)
2 Times FIFA World Cup All Star Team (1982, 1986)
1984 Guerin Italian Series A Player of The Year
1984 European Championship Top Scorer
1984 European Championship Team of The Tournament
2 Times Bronze Ball European Footballer of The 20Year (1977, 1980)
% 3 Times European Footballer of The Year (1983, 1984, 1985)
1983 Silver Ball World Soccer Player of The Year
2 Times World Soccer Player of The Year (1984, 1985)
Juventus' Greatest Player Ever
1994 FIFA World Cup All-Time Team
1998 FIFA World Team of The Century
1999 IFFHS France Player of The Century
Golden Ball French Player of The Century
French League Greatest Ever
European Championship All-Time Top Scorer
European Championship Greatest Player Ever
Officer Legion De Honours

Ability : Physical C-, Offensive A+
Total Ability : A-,Total Skill: A, Total Performance: AA

“Napolean of Football” Michel Platini is widely considered as the greatest midfielder in history of European football and the finest footballer in the world during the early 1980s. He was famous as a leader of “The Magic Sqaure” alongside Alain Giresse, Luis Fernández and Jean Tigana , the group of midfield players that formed the heart of the French national team throughout the 1980s. He is also widely regarded as the greatest passer in football history as well as one of history's greatest free kick specialists and finishers and also possessed superlative reading the game skill, intelligently movement to score a large number of goals. He holds the record for most goals (9) scored in European Championship final tournaments despite only appearing in one such tournament (1984). Despite being a midfielder, he held the national team top scorer record until striker Thierry Henry surpassed in 2007. He was voted 4th best player of the 1986 FIFA World Cup Tournament. Platini was voted 5th, 5th,7th World’s greatest footballer of all-time by France Football, World Soccer and IFFHS poll, Respectively.

5. Franz Beckenbauer

Individual Achievement

4 Times German Footballer Of The Year
(1966, 1968, 1974, 1976)
2 Times World Soccer Player Of The Year (1972, 1976)
3 Times FIFA World Cup Team Of Tournament
2 Times European Championship Team Of Tournament (1972, 1976)
1966 FIFA World Cup Young Player Of Tournament
1974 FIFA World Cup Silver Ball
1966 Bronze Ball European Footballer of The Year
2 Times Silver Ball European Footballer Of The Year (1974, 1975)
2 Times European Footballer Of The Year (1972, 1976)
Bayern Munich's Greatest Player Ever
Bundesliga Greatest Player Ever
1994 FIFA World Cup All-Time Team
1998 FIFA World Team Of Century
1999 IFFHS Germany Player of The Century
1999 Bronze Ball IFFHS World Player of The Century

Ability : Physical C+, Defensive A, Offensive B+
Total Ability : A,Total Skill : A+, Total Performance: AA

“Der Kaiser” Franz Beckenbauer is regarded as one of the greatest footballers ever in history of the game and the greatest German footballer of all-time. He originally started playing as defensive midfielder before moved to attacking libero which he controlled rhythmic in defensive able to advance on offensive mission with his elegant style of play. Beckenbauer was rated for Kicker magazine in 10.5 world-class seasons and 2.5 international-class seasons, This would be according to his record the most appearances in top five of Ballon D’or with 10 times. According to German Footballer of the year voting, he also finished second place for four times, was German defender of the year for eight times. He was known for his leadership and effectiveness to read the game. Beckenbauer is not the greatest ever as defender but his creativity, passing, long shooting, holding with ball and defensive game led him as one of the most completed footballer the world has ever produced. He scored more than 50 goals for his career in Germany. Beckenbauer was voted 3rd, 4th and 6th World player of century from IFFHS, World Soccer and France football’s poll, respectively, was voted 3rd the best player in history of World Cup by France Football, was finished 2nd in UEFA Jubilee Poll as the best European footballer in last 50 years.

4. Alfredo Di Stefano

Individual Achievement

1 Times Argentinean league Top Scorer
2 Times Colombian League Top Scorer
5 Times Spanish La Liga Top Scorer
2 Times European Cup Top Scorer (1958, 1962)
2 Times South American League Top Scorer
4 Times Spanish Player of The Year (1957, 1959, 1960, 1964)
2 Times European Footballer of The Year (1957, 1959)
1956 Silver Ball European Footballer of The Year
Real Madrid Greatest Player Ever
Spanish La Liga Greatest Player Ever
European Cup All-Time Top Scorer
European Cup Greatest Player Ever
1998 FIFA World Team of The Century
1999 IFFHS Spain Player of The Century
UEFA Jubilee Award (Spain)

Ability : Physical B+, Defensive C-, Offensive A
Total Ability : A,Total Skill: A, Total Performance: AA+

“Blond Arrow” Alfredo Di Stefano is considered by many experts as the greatest club footballer of all-time and one of the most completed footballers of all-time. He is arguably the modern era’s finest “all-rounder” a player who controlled games from all positions and angles in central midfield area. He was normally lined up as forward but he could be found organizing in midfield or even the defense before advancing to assist or score himself. He was a powerful player with great stamina, tactical versatility, and vision. He is most associated with Real Madrid and was instrumental in their domination of the European Cup during the 1950s. He is currently the 4th highest scorer in the history of Spain's top division, and Real Madrid's 2nd highest league goalscorer of all time. He never played any game in World Cup final due to many reasons such as Argentina refused to participate and Spain failed to qualify and also getting injury. Di Stefano was finished 4th the greatest player of the century by IFFHS and France Football’s poll and 6th by World Soccer’s poll. In 2004, Zidane was finished 6th place the best European footballer in the last 50 years by UEFA Jubilee Poll.

3. Johan Cruyff

Individual Achievement

3 Times European Footballer of The Year (1971, 1973, 1974)
1974 FIFA World Cup Golden BallAnd All-Stars Team
1975 Bronze Ball European Footballer of The Year
2 Times Spanish La Liga Foreign Player of The Year (1977, 1978)
1984 Dutch Golden Shoe
1994 FIFA World Cup All-Time Team
1998 FIFA World Team of The Century
1999 IFFHS Netherlands Player of The Century
1999 Silver Ball IFFHS World Player of The Century
1999 IFFHS European Player of The Century
1999 Bronze Ball France Football’s Football Player of The Century
1999 Bronze Ball World Soccer Greatest Player of The Century
Ajax Amsterdam All-Time Top Scorer
Ajax Amsterdam's Greatest Player Ever
Eredivisie Greatest Player Ever
UEFA Jubilee Awards (Netherlands)

Ability : Physical B+, Offensive A+
Total Ability : A,Total Skill: A+, Total Performance: AA+

"Pythagoras in boots" Johan Cruyff is the greatest European footballer of all-time and one of the most completed attacking player to ever play the game. Cruyff was the most famous exponent of the football philosophy known as Total Football, explored by Rinus Michels. He was the key to the execution and refinement of this system. Cruyff played centre forward in this system. But he would drop deep to confuse his markers or suddenly move to the wing with devastating effect. He was known for his technical ability, speed and acceleration, but his greatest quality was vision as an orchestrator of “The Controlled Chaos” of The Orange Machine, based on an acute sense of his team-mates' positions as an attack unfolded. Cruyff also perfected a move now known as the "Cruyff Turn." He retired from international football in 1977, having helped the national team qualify for the upcoming World Cup. Without him, the Netherlands finished runners-up in the World Cup again. Initially the reason given for missing were political reasons given a military dictatorship was in power in Argentina at that time. In 2004, he was finished 3rd the best European footballer in the last 50 years by UEFA Jubilee Poll.

2. Diego Maradona

Individual Achievement

3 Times Argentinean League Top Scorer (1979, 1980, 1981)
1 Time South American League Top Scorer
4 Times Argentina Footballer of The Year (1979, 1980, 1981, 1986)
6 Times El Mundo South American Footballer of The Year (1979,1980,1986,1989,1990,1992)
1985 Guerin Italian Series A Footballer of The Year
1986 FIFA World Cup Golden Ball
1986 Argentine Sports Writers' Sportsman of the Year
2 Times FIFA World Cup All Star Team (1986, 1990)
2 Times Bronze Ball World Soccer Player of The Year (1985, 1990)
1986 World Soccer Player of The Year
1986 United Press International Athletic of The Year
1987 Silver Ball World Soccer Player of The Year
1988 Italian Series A Top Scorer
1990 FIFA World Cup Bronze Ball
Napoli Greatest Player Ever
1999 Argentine Sports Writers' Sportsman of The Century
1998 FIFA World Team of The Century
1999 Silver Ball World Soccer Player of The Century
1999 Silver Ball France Football’s Footballer of The Century
1999 IFFHS Argentina Player of The Century
2000 FIFA Best Football Player of The Century
2002 FIFA World Cup All-Time Team
Italian Series A Greatest Player Ever

Ability : Physical B+, Offensive A+
Total Ability : A+,Total Skill: A+, Total Performance: AAA

Diego Maradona is regarded by many as the greatest footballer of all-time. A Phenomenon footballer, who led a normal-level team in Italy to be Champion with his own abilities, He was a ball wizard who had incredible touch and control of the ball. His genius was as a creator of opportunities assisted by exceptional passing technique. His most famous was a wonderful dribbling, several times could get pass defenders easily. Over the course of his professional club career Maradona played for Argentinos Juniors, Boca Juniors, Barcelona, Newell's Old Boys and Napoli, setting world-record contract fees. In his international career, In the World Cup 1986's quarter-final round he scored two goals in a 2-1 victory over England that entered soccer history, though for two very different reasons. The first goal was an unpenalized handball known as the "Hand of God", while the second goal was a spectacular 60-metre weave through six England players, commonly referred to as "The Goal of the Century". For various reasons, Maradona is considered one of the sport's most controversial and newsworthy figures. He was suspended from football for 15 months in 1991 after failing a doping test for cocaine in Italy, and he was sent home from the 1994 World Cup in the USA for using ephedrine. Maradona is believed to reach World-Class around 8 seasons in domestic club and his 1984 - 1985 individual season at Napoli is considered as one of the best ever. He finished second place in World Soccer Player of The Century and France Football Player of The Century.

1. Pele

Individual Achievement

11 Times Brazil State Championship Top Scorer
3 Times Brazil National Championship Top Scorer
1958 FIFA World Cup Silver Ball And All-Stars Team
1970 FIFA World Cup Golden Ball And All-Stars Team
1970 BBC Sport Oversea Personality of The Year
1973 South American Footballer of The Year
Santos All-Time Top Scorer and Greatest Player Ever
Brazilian National League Greatest Player Ever
Copa Libertadores Cup Greatest Player Ever
Brazil All-Time Top Scorer
Brazil Football Museum Hall of Fame
1981 L’ Equipe Athlete of The Century
1994 France Football World Cup Best Player of All-Time
1994 FIFA World Cup All-Time Team
1998 FIFA World Team of The Century
1999 Olympic Committee Athlete of The Century
1999 Reuters Athlete of The Century
1999 UNICEF Footballer Player of The Century
1999 France Football’s Football Player of The Century
1999 South American Player of The Century
1999 IFFHS Brazil Player of The Century
1999 IFFHS World Player of The Century
1999 World Soccer Greatest Player of The Century
2000 FIFA Player of The Century
2005 BBC Sport Personality Lifetime Achievement Awards

Ability : Physical B+, Offensive A+
Total Ability : A+,Total Skill A+, Total Performance : AAA

“The King of Football” Edson Arantesdo Nascimento “ Pele” is widely regarded as the greatest footballer in history of the game. Pelé began playing for Santos at 15 and his national team at 16, and won his first World Cup at 17. Despite numerous offers from European clubs, the economic conditions and Brazilian football regulations at the time benefited Santos, thus enabling them to keep him for almost two decades. Pelé played as an inside forward, striker, and what later became known as the playmaker position. Pelé's technique and natural athleticism have been universally praised and during his playing years he was renowned for his excellent dribbling and passing, his pace, powerful shot, exceptional heading ability, and prolific goalscoring. His explosive first step and feinting abilities gave defender nightmares, and his football imagination was equal to his impressive finishing skills. He is the all-time leading scorer of Brazil and is the only footballer to be a part of three World Cup-winning teams. In 1962 he was on the Brazilian squad at the start of the World Cup but because of an injury suffered in the second match, he wasn't able to play the remainder of the tournament. In 2007 FIFA announced that he would be awarded the 1962 medal retroactively. Pele is believed to reach World-Class not less than ten seasons in domestic competition, to be the most winners in distintive World Player of the Year. His career goals total of 1,280 in 1,324 games is the third most of all-time.

________________________________________________________

Special Honourable Mention

John Charles

Ability : Physical B-, Defensive B, Offensive B-, Total Ability : B

“The Gentle Giant” John Charles is considered by many to have been one of the most all-round players of all-time. He was world-class in both centre-half and centre-forward position. Charles played as center-half in his early club career prior to switch to forward. Such was his versatility that he managed to break the Leeds United club scoring record with 42 goals in an English top division season at a time when he was appearing at centre-half in internationals for Wales. His accomplishments with Juventus led to him being voted 'the greatest foreign player ever in Serie A in 1997. Charles dominate the aerial game and is one of the best ever in this ability. Charles also finish 4th place Ballon'Dor in 1958. In 2001 he became the first non-Italian inducted to the Azzurri Hall of Fame. On the other hand, Charles mostly played in second division for Leeds and Cardiff City around 10 seasons.

______________________________________________________

Statistics For Top 50

By Nation

Brazil : 11
Italy : 8
Argentina : 6
Germany : 5
Netherlands : 4
England : 3
France : 3
Hungary : 3
Portugal : 2
Uruguay : 1
Austria : 1
Spain : 1
Soviet Union : 1
Yugoslavia : 1
Northern Ireland : 1

By Decade

1930s : 4
1940s : 6
1950s : 7
1960s : 7
1970s : 8
1980s : 7
1990s : 7
2000s to Present : 4

By Position

Goalkeeper : 2
Defender : 6
Central Midfielder : 3
Offensive Lateral : 4
Offensive Midfielder :14
Forward : 14
Striker : 6

_____________________________________________________________

CLASSIFICATION

Class : Crown

Pele, Diego Maradona

Class : King Gold

Johan Cruyff, Franz Beckenbauer, Alfredo Di Stefano

Class : King Silver

Michel Platini, Zico

Class : King Bronze

Ferenc Puskas, Garrincha

Class : Queen Gold

Zinedine Zidane, Eusebio, Jose Manuel Moreno, Gerd Muller, Ronaldo, George Best, Bobby Charlton, Lev Yashin, Marco Van Basten, Romario, Didi, Lothar Matthaeus, Roberto Baggio, Ruud Gullit, Giuseppe Meazza

Class : Queen Silver

Paolo Maldini, Stanley Matthews, Bobby Moore, Adolfo Pedernera, Franco Baresi, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Matthias Sindelar, Gianni Rivera, Lionel Messi, Rivelino, Zizinho

Class : Queen Bronze

Raymond Kopa, Sandor Kocsis, Dino Zoff, Fritz Walter, Leonidas Da Silva, Frank Rijkaard, Giacinto Facchetti, Rivaldo, Daniel Passarella, Valentino Mazzola, Luis Suarez Miramontes, Juan Schiaffino, Cristiano Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Gyorgi Sarosi

The 51st - 100th Greatest Footballers Of All-Time

51. Omar Sivori (Argentina)
52. Uwe Seeler (Germany)
53. Gunnar Nordahl (Sweden)
54. Gaetano Scirea (Italy)
55. Dragan Dzajic (Yugoslavia)
56. John Charles (Wales)
57. Jose Leandro Andrade (Uruguay)
58. Jairzinho (Brazil)
59. Jozsef Boszik (Hungary)
60. Teofilo Cubillas (Peru)
61. Falcao (Brazil)
62. Elias Figueroa (Chile)
63. Gianluigi Buffon (Italy)
64. Nils Liedholm (Sweden)
65. Arsenio Erico (Paraguay)
66. Luis Figo (Portugal)
67. Nilton Santos (Brazil)
68. Hector Scarone (Uruguay)
69. Laszlo Kubala (Hungary)
70. Dixie Dean (England)
71. Thierry Henry (France)
72. Josef Masopust (Czechoslovakia)
73. Josef Bican (Austria)
74. Francisco Gento (Spain)
75. Gabriel Batistuta (Argentina)
76. Ernst Ocwirk (Austria)
77. Michael Laudrup (Denmark)
78. Tom Finney (England)
79. Sandro Mazzola (Italy)
80. Gordon Banks (England)
81. Jimmy Greaves (England)
82. Djalma Santos (Brazil)
83. Ruud Krol (Netherland)
84. Paul Breitner (Germany)
85. Hristo Stoichkov (Bulgaria)
86. Socrates (Brazil)
87. Peter Schmeichel (Denmark)
88. Luis Monti (Argentina)
89. Tostao (Brazil)
90. Florian Albert (Hungary)
91. Enzo Francescoli (Uruguay)
92. Julinho Botelho (Brazil)
93. Gerson (Brazil)
94. Wolfgang Overath (Germany)
95. Willem Van Hanegem (Netherlands)
96. Just Fontaine (France)
97. Dennis Bergkamp (Netherlands)
98. Antonio Sastre (Argentina)
99. Telmo Zarra (Spain)
100. Xavi Hernandez (Spain)

________________________________________________________

The Greatest Latin American Footballers of All-Time

1. Pele
2. Diego Maradona
3. Alfredo Di Stefano
4. Zico
5. Garrincha
6. Jose Manuel Moreno
7. Ronaldo
8. Didi
9. Romario
10. Zizinho
11. Rivelino
12. Lionel Messi
13. Adolfo Pedernera
14. Leonidas Da Silva
15. Rivaldo
16. Juan Schiaffino
17. Ronaldinho
18. Daniel Passarella
19. Omar Sivori
20. Jairzinho
21. Jose Leandro Andrade
22. Teofilo Cubillas
23. Falcao
24. Elias Figueroa
25. Arsenio Erico
26. Nilton Santos
27. Hector Scarone
28. Gabriel Batistuta
29. Djalma Santos
30. Socrates
31. Luis Monti
32. Tostao
33. Enzo Francescoli
34. Gerson
35. Julinho
36. Antonio Sastre
37. Carlos Alberto
38. Raimundo Orsi
39. Angel Labruna
40. Felix Loustau
41. Fernando Redondo
42. Alberto Spencer
43. Ademir De Menezes
44. Jose Nasazzi
45. Obdulio Varela
46. Hugo Sanchez
47. Manuel Seoane
48. Jose Santamaria
49. Pedro Rocha
50. Roberto Carlos

Honourable Mention : Arthur Friedenreich

Substitution List

Ubaldo Fillol
Omar Corbatta
Rinaldo Martino
Juan Roman Riquelme
Hector Chumpitaz

By Nations

Brazil : 21, Argentina : 16, Uruguay : 8, Others : 5

________________________________________________________

The Greatest European Footballers of All-Time

1. Johan Cruyff
2. Franz Beckenbauer
3. Michel Platini
4. Ferenc Puskas
5. Zinedine Zidane
6. Eusebio
7. Gerd Muller
8. Bobby Charlton
9. Lothar Matthaeus
10. Marco Van Basten
11. George Best
12. Lev Yashin
13. Giuseppe Meazza
14. Roberto Baggio
15. Ruud Gullit
16. Paolo Maldini
17. Matthias Sindelar
18. Stanley Matthews
19. Bobby Moore
20. Karl-Heinz Rummenigge
21. Franco Baresi
22. Gianni Rivera
23. Raymond Kopa
24. Sandor Kocsis
25. Dino Zoff
26. Fritz Walter
27. Valentino Mazzola
28. Cristiano Ronaldo
29. Luis Suarez Miramontes
30. Gyorgi Sarosi
31. Frank Rijkaard
32. Giacinto Facchetti
33. Uwe Seeler
34. Gunnar Nordahl
35. Gaetano Scirea
36. Jozsef Boszik
37. Dragan Dzajic
38. John Charles
39. Gianluigi Buffon
40. Nils Liedholm
41. Luis Figo
42. Laszlo Kubala
43. Dixie Dean
44. Theirry Henry
45. Josef Masopust
46. Josef Bican
47. Francisco Gento
48. Ernst Ocwirk
49. Michael Laudrup
50. Tom Finney

Honourable Mention : Duncan Edwards

Substitution List

Gordon Banks
Jimmy Greaves
Sandro Mazzola
Ruud Krol
Paul Breitner

By Nations

Italy : 10, Germany : 6, Hungary : 5, England 5, Netherlands : 4, France : 4

______________________________________________________

The Greatest Club Footballers of All-time

1. Alfredo Di Stefano
2. Pele
3. Johan Cruyff
4. Diego Maradona
5. Zico
6. Franz Beckenbauer
7. Michel Platini
8. Ferenc Puskas
9. Lionel Messi
10. Garrincha

The Greatest International Footballers of All-Time

1. Pele
2. Diego Maradona
3. Ferenc Puskas
4. Garrincha
5. Franz Beckenbauer
6. Johan Cruyff
7. Ronaldo
8. Michel Platini
9. Zinedine Zidane
10. Lothar Matthaeus

_____________________________________________________________

Eras World Ranking

________________________________________________________

Offensive Abilities Ranking

Dribbling

1. Garrincha
2. Diego Maradona
3. George Best
4. Matthias Sindelar
5. Omar Sivori
6. Johan Cruyff
7. Ronaldo
8. Pele
9. Zinedine Zidane
10. Nicolae Dobrin

Technique

1. Diego Maradona
2. Garrincha
3. Pele
4. Ronaldinho
5. Rivelino
6. Ronaldo
7. Zico
8. Zinedine Zidane
9. Lionel Messi
10. Johan Cruyff

Creativity

1. Diego Maradona
2. Johan Cruyff
3. Michel Platini
4. Adolfo Pedernera
5. Pele
6. Franz Beckenbauer
7. Alfredo Di Stefano
8. Xavi Hernandez
9. Zinedine Zidane
10. Didi

Passing

1. Michel Platini
2. Gianni Rivera
3. Didi
4. Nils Liedholm
5. Diego Maradona
6. Johnny Haynes
7. Luis Suarez Miramontes
8. Gerson
9. Gunther Netzer
10. Michael Laudrup

Crossing

1. David Beckham
2. Stanley Matthews
3. Dragan Dzajic
4. Garrincha
5. Andreas Brehme

Basic Shooting

1. Ferenc Puskas
2. Eusebio
3. Gabriel Batistuta
4. Pele
5. Jimmy Greaves

Finishing

1. Gerd Muller
2. Romario
3. Pele
4. Zico
5. Just Fontaine

Aerial Scoring

1. Marco Van Basten
2. Uwe Seeler
3. Pele
4. Dixie Dean
5. Sandor Kocsis

Heading

1. Sandor Kocsis
2. Alberto Spencer
3. Dixie Dean
4. Oliver Bierhoff
5. John Charles

By-Cycle Kicking

1. Hugo Sanchez
2. Pele
3. Marco Van Basten
4. Uwe Seeler
5. Klaus Fischer

Speed With The Ball

1. Ronaldo
2. Mark Overmars
3. Josef Bican
4. Francisco Gento
5. Theo Walcott

Strong

1. Duncan Edwards
2. Marcel Desailly
3. Frank Rijkaard
4. Dave Mackay
5. Mauro Silva

Free-Kick Specialist

1. Sinisa Mihajlovic
2. Zico
3. Ronald Koeman
4. Michel Platini
5. Juninho Pernambucano

____________________________________________________________

The Most Completed Footballers of All-Time

1. Ruud Gullit
2. Gyorgi Sarosi
3. Alfredo Di Stefano
4. John Charles
5. Valentino Mazzola
6. Jose Manuel Moreno
7. Johan Cruyff
8. Franz Beckenbauer
9. Lothar Matthaeus
10. Branko Zebec

__________________________________________________________

The Greatest Players' Ability of All-Time

1. Pele
2. Diego Maradona
3. Johan Cruyff
4. Alfredo Di Stefano
5. Lionel Messi
6. Franz Beckenbauer
7. Zico
8. Valentino Mazzola
9. Ruud Gullit
10. Garrincha

__________________________________________________________

The Greatest Consistency-Longevity Footballers Of All-Time

1. Pele
2. Alfredo Di Stefano
3. Ferenc Puskas
4. Franz Beckenbauer
5. Lothar Matthaeus
6. Stanley Matthews
7. Romario
8. Bobby Charlton
9. Paolo Maldini
10. Zinedine Zidane

_________________________________________________________

The Greatest Footballers' Prime Of All-Time

1. Diego Maradona
2. Pele
3. Johan Cruyff
4. Ronaldo
5. Garrincha
6. Zico
7. Lionel Messi
8. George Best
9. Alfredo Di Stefano
10. Michel Platini

Dagoods · Dec 20, 2009

Zidane, Platini, Yashin, Beckenbauer, Zico ahead of RONALDO?

COME ONNNNNNNNNN!

1. PELE
2. MARADONA
3. RONALDO

4. DI STEFANO
5. CRUYFF

Andy Christ · Dec 20, 2009

stop posting

Dagoods · Dec 20, 2009

Socrates, TOP 50? WTF!

CUETO/CUBILLAS/EVEN MOI >>> SOCRATES, for sure!!!

Kubala??? He doesn't belong in this list!

I think RONALINDHO and MESSI deserve to be in this list.
DInho was the player of this past decade and Messi has won more than some of the names listed above already!!!

Kajoo · Dec 20, 2009

the best Barca player ever belong on that list.

Free-Kick Specialist: Roberto Carlos deserves a mention

Andy Christ · Dec 20, 2009

Kajoo said:
Free-Kick Specialist: Roberto Carlos deserves a mention

he wasn't that good really. He scored some memorable ones from long range but really isn't comparable with the best of the era like Beckham, Marcus Assuncao, Mihajlovic or Juninho.

Kajoo · Dec 20, 2009

Juninho was great free-kicker too, good call. Mihalovič hands down, once scored hattrick from 3 free kicks.

Koeman had incredible long-rage shots, keepers were in panic when crossed the center line with ball on feet. Roberto Carlos was taking long-range free kicks, like Mihajlovič or Koeman.

Platini, Maradona and Zico were great from closer range, near the box area.

All fantastic free-kick takers, can´t decide between them, really.

Interesting is that all 3 long-range free-kicker used different shooting technique. Roberto Carlos had great outside rotation shot, Mihajlovič inside rotation and Koeman used straight kicks.

HOMESMOINA! · May 4, 2011

where is Rogerio Ceni that guy has more than 50fk goals.

Grinch · Dec 21, 2009

Regarding the list - great list, Dearman. I agree with almost everything. The two things I really question are Garrincha being behind Puskas and Platini, and Falcão not being in it while Socrates is.

Seriously: Falcão was better than Socrates and Garrincha was far better than Platini.

Dae · Dec 21, 2009

I'm a huge Garrincha fan but it is very reasonable to place Puskas and Platini ahead of him. Te opposite would also be reasonable. Fact is all three were awesome players and Puskas and Platini had arguably a more rounded game.

Dearman · Dec 21, 2009

Regarding Socrates, I think he was one of the best midfielder in ability but I finally have to admit his longevity is too short for being ranked. So, I have named him off and player was named instead is Gaetano Scirea in 50th. He was so close to Baresi but his greatness is incredibly unknown by majority of football fan around the World.

Garrincha was so great in only tournament, His consistency was inferior than Platini because of his alcoholism. Even Garrincha was winger, I believe he should score for Brazil more than he did if he should be ranked higher. Don't get me wrong, Scoring states was just a factor led player to be more advantage but this factor, Garrincha lost Platini by far. Platini was also better than him in passing and creativity. Garrrincha is just better in dribbling ability.

Dagoods, I don't understand how you mentioned Kubala didn't good enough for this list. He is Barcelona's greatest ever and one of the all-round midfielders, great is dribbling, passing and scoring.

Dagoods · Dec 21, 2009

Dearman said:
Dagoods, I don't understand how you mentioned Kubala didn't good enough for this list. He is Barcelona's greatest ever and one of the all-round midfielders, great is dribbling, passing and scoring.

The cules had a poll last year/or was it this year and guess what? Kubala wasn't a starter in their all-time team

What Kubala did for this club Messi, ROnaldinho, and Rivaldo have done the same and perhaps more!

Dearman · Dec 21, 2009

Kubala played for Barcelona in thier famous era as well although he didn't won European cup. Even he was attacking midfielder to second striker, He scored very much goals as the players in the same position could make it. He was very technical player. I don't think there is any way he could be ranked lower Rummenigge and I also could not rank Rummenigge lower than 32th anymore.

Dagoods · Dec 21, 2009

You give these European guys way too much credit mate!
Guys like Cubillas and Cueto (definitely Cueto) deserve a spot in the TOP 50 somewhere

. Cueto himself was more talented than Sivori, Jairzinho, Tostao, Kubala, etc.

Dagoods · Dec 21, 2009

PS - No Passarella? a 2-time WC winner?

Dearman · Dec 21, 2009

Passarella didn't do anything in WC 1986. There is enough defenders in this list as well.

It will never be possible to include Ceuto in the list. You have to know that the greatest player of all-time have many level to prove thier greatness not just outstanding talent in national level but it must be world level.

Cubillas is one of the great midfielders as well but he was not all-round player enough. He was so great as scorer bit not much in creativity and passing.

Dagoods · Dec 21, 2009

He made the team in 86, was the leader in 78! Played in Europe and he did a great job as well! In addition, he's the best S. American defender, EVER!

Dagoods · Dec 21, 2009

Can someone please answer Dagoods this:

WHY in the world do we overrate Stanley Matthews? huh huh huh?
Did he win anything at International Level? NOPE
How many championships did he win? NOT MANY

It's not fair to have guys like Matthews and Meazza (at least he won things) up in this list without including Nasazzi, Monti, Andrade, and where is Schiaffino?

Seriously, I wouldn't include any of the names I mentioned either

but I don't see why the European "oldies" make the cut!

RONALDINHO and MESSI are by far more talented than these guys
heck even Cueto and Cubillas deserve a mention!

Dearman · Dec 25, 2009

You are too much in focusing of Champions achievement. This factor might be an important one. On the other hand, That could be his pure credit of Matthews that he was regarded so high even he didn't won many trophies. His passion in the game, consistency and abilities were build up to be his greatness.

All names you mentioned was the big names but they have thier own disadvantge as well. Jose Nasazzi is so famous for his leadership, and influenced Uruguay to be the best team of the World during the 20's, but he was not that great in ability, just knwon for his great personality.

Luis Monti is defensive player and it is noted that this kind of players during the first era of football history was so limited to compare with the recent era even they should be credited for thier own era. The same reason as Jose Leandro Andrade.

Juan Schiaffino is one of the most overrated players of mine. He was the great player from WC 1950. Although he was best as assister and technical player than scorer but his scoring state was just average even his era was easier to score many goals.

Dae · Dec 21, 2009

Garrincha's alcoholism did not stunt his career. His ****ed up legs/knees are what finally did him in. He was never the same after the surgeries.

Dearman · Dec 21, 2009

Falcao's longevity in club and national level was too short.

Dagoods · Dec 21, 2009

I agree! He was just another Brazilian star of the 80's who didn't win jack

Cueto > Falcao for sure!

The Green One · Dec 21, 2009

Dagoods said:
Kubala??? He doesn't belong in this list!

I think RONALINDHO and MESSI deserve to be in this list.
DInho was the player of this past decade and Messi has won more than some of the names listed above already!!!

You're an idiot if you think Ronaldinho and Messi were better than Kubala

Dagoods · Dec 21, 2009

Was he more skillful? Nope
Was he a better dribbler? Nope
Did he win more titles? Nope
Did he face tougher opposition? Nope
How many World Cups/international trophies did he win? Exactly…

Therefore: Ronalinho and Messi were light years ahead, for sure!

He was good "for his time" if he was to play today he would be fccccuking Corradi at best

brasileiro · Dec 22, 2009

Great Job, Dearman! In the end, we all have our preferences. Lists like this are made for fun and it's also a great thing to remember all those heroes who have made football the great sport we love.

babaorum · Dec 22, 2009

Great work, as usual.

However I don't really agree with the way you rank Zidane. I can't see how he can be above Zico (he was equal to Platini), Eusebio, Müller and Romario (I think he's a bit too low... he should definitely be above Van Basten I think). I would also rank Ronaldo above him. Additionally there can't be such a gap between him and Rivaldo - both were very close at their prime (Rivaldo having a greater peak and Zidane a greater longevity). I would rank them around the 20th spot, approximately at the same level as Van Basten and Charlton.

Dearman · Dec 23, 2009

Grinch, I don't think garrincha was that credited Brazil won two WC because there are many great players in his team. Change looking for Platini, His great teammates were just Giresse and Tigana could not compare with Pele, Didi, Vava at all. None of famous polls ranked Garrincha over 8th.

Babaorum, Zidane was rated lower than Zico in AM thread but this thread he was ranked higher because his greatness. His performance in WC was totally better than Zico, and I don't think Zidane can be ranked higher any more. He was limited in abilities if compare with above ranking.

Grinch · Dec 23, 2009

Dearman said:
Grinch, I don't think garrincha was that credited Brazil won two WC because there are many great players in his team. Change looking for Platini, His great teammates were just Giresse and Tigana could compare with Pele, Didi, Vava at all. None of famous polls ranked Garrincha over 8th.

Babaorum, Zidane was rated lower than Zico in AM thread but this thread he was ranked higher because his greatness. His performance in WC was totally better than Zico, and I don't think Zidane can be ranked higher any more. He was limited in abilities if compare with above ranking.

If Zidane's WC history places him ahead of Zico, how can Garrincha's WC history not place him ahead of Puskas? Puskas had excellent teammates in the Hungarian NT, so the argument you offered for ranking Platini ahead of Garrincha doesn't apply to Puskas.

Romancini · Dec 24, 2009

Great Job !!!

Fangio · Dec 25, 2009

I was talking in general about the scoring rate in the old days, not everyone scored a lot...anyway, as a side note, Sivori was he shit and Dagoods is right that we tend to overlook nowadays players

Dagoods · Dec 25, 2009

Finally, we agree on something :happy:

LionMessi · Dec 25, 2009

overrated zidane cant be ahead of rivaldo and rolando

Dagoods · Dec 25, 2009

Rivaldo:

- Co-Topscorer + MVP of CopaAmerica 99
- WC98 team starting XI
- WC02 QUAL (SA) topscorer
- WC02 silverboot and once again in WC team starting XI

More than Jairzinho, Rivelino, Tostao ever managed to accomplish
and that's more than the 80's generation as well.

For some reason Zagallo left him out of the 1997 Copa America edition. He would inherit the mythical # 10 jersey in 98 - 03 (sure not as long as Rivelino and or Zico) but he did manage to win titles.
I'm not saying he was better than ZICO, but I don't see why not he cannot be compared with the likes of Rivelino and Rivera etc.?

babaorum · Dec 26, 2009

You're correct about Rivaldo. He would be around the 20th-25th spot in my own top 100.

Railroad · Dec 25, 2009

I miss Dixie Dean in that list. In the whole history of English league only Jimmy Greaves came close in terms of scoring goals. And well, scoring 60 goals in a top flight league in a single season looked unthinkable even back in the 1920's and 1930's, but Dixie did that.

mali · Dec 26, 2009

i would rank zidane over platini.

Firdaus · Dec 26, 2009

Quoted for truth.

roud:

Firdaus · Dec 26, 2009

The truth can be funny sometimes, Grinch.

roud:

Grinch · Dec 26, 2009

Yes it can, but what you and Mali said was funny in a slapstick comedy kinda way.

Dagoods · Dec 26, 2009

Cesar Cueto >< Zidane for sure....

Dearman · Dec 27, 2009

I have replaced Pedernera of Sivori according to his greater player in forward thread.

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