FIFA, the world's largest football organization, has witnessed many generations of talented players who have made remarkable achievements in the sports world. The players not only bring exciting matches but also contribute to changing and developing the beautiful game. Over the decades, many names have become synonymous with football history, creating legends and leaving a lasting impression on fans' hearts. In this article, Win Tips Bet reviews the list of top 10 FIFA greatest players of all time, stars whose talents and achievements have gone beyond the borders of this sport.
FIFA greatest player of all time top 10
Here is a list of the 10 greatest players of all time according to FIFA, evaluated by their skills, achievements, and influence on football:
1. Pele (Brazil)
Pele is considered an immortal symbol of world football. Born in 1940, Pele made his debut for Brazil at the age of 16 and quickly won the hearts of fans with his outstanding talent.
With the Brazilian national team, Pele won three World Cups (1958, 1962, 1970), a record that remains unbeaten to this day. In addition to his success at the national level, Pele also left a deep mark in his club career, especially with Santos and the New York Cosmos.
With over 1,000 goals in his career, Pele was not only a great player but also a man who changed the way football is loved and celebrated around the world.
In addition to his remarkable achievements, Pele is also renowned for his dynamic football career, both on and off the field. He was a pioneer in player image commercialization and actively participated in sports promotion activities, helping establish football as the world's most popular sport. Though long since retired, Pele's name remains synonymous with the values of football and is cherished worldwide.
2. Diego Maradona (Argentina)
Diego Maradona ranks among the most talented and influential players in football history. Born in Argentina, Maradona displayed his exceptional talent early on, becoming a living symbol of Argentine football. What cemented his legendary status was not just his natural talent but also his impressive combination of skillful technique, sharp game intelligence, and leadership qualities. To Maradona, football transcended being merely a sport; it was an art form.
Notably, at the 1986 World Cup, Maradona led Argentina to victory, creating legendary moments like the "Hand of God" goal and the "Goal of the Century" against England. These feats cemented his place in football history and left an indelible mark on fans worldwide.
Although Maradona's international career was associated with great success, his life off the field was also full of turmoil and scandal. Maradona encountered many problems related to health and lifestyle; however, no one can deny that he was one of the best players in football history.
The legacy that Maradona left for this sport is invaluable, and his influence will forever remain in the hearts of fans.
3. Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Lionel Messi is one of the best players the world of football has ever produced. Messi began his football journey as a child in Barcelona, where he quickly rose to become the brightest star of the Catalan team.
With his perfect ball control, speed, and superb technique, Messi is not only one of the most versatile forwards but also one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. He has claimed an unprecedented 7 Ballons d'Or, more than any player in history, along with a multitude of other individual accolades.
In addition, Messi helped Argentina secure the 2021 Copa America, a monumental success after many years of waiting.
Throughout his career, Messi has not only achieved remarkable success with Barcelona—winning 4 Champions Leagues and 10 La Liga titles—but also left a lasting impact on the Argentine national team. With his intelligent playing style and extraordinary ability to craft mesmerizing plays, Messi has become an ideal role model for generations of young players. Although he has joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Messi's talent continues to shine, profoundly influencing global football. Messi is more than a player; he is an enduring icon of modern football.
4. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
Cristiano Ronaldo is one of football's greatest players, embodying relentless effort and an insatiable desire to win. Beginning his career at Sporting Lisbon, Ronaldo joined Manchester United in 2003, where he thrived and won major titles, including the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League. Ronaldo later joined Real Madrid, where he was instrumental in securing four Champions League titles. With five Ballon d'Ors and countless records, Ronaldo is both a club legend and a star of the Portuguese national team, leading them to victory in Euro 2016 and the 2019 UEFA Nations League.
Ronaldo stands out not only for his impressive achievements but also for his playing style, great physique, and incredible goalscoring ability. He is known as one of the most hardworking and professional players in history, constantly striving to maintain his peak form. Even though he is 38 years old, Ronaldo continues to play at a high level and maintains his image as one of the greatest players in world football.
His ability to reinvent himself and his relentless dedication have helped Ronaldo maintain his position during the peak years of his career.
5. Zinedine Zidane (France)
Zinedine Zidane is one of the best players France has ever produced. Zidane was responsible for creating legendary moments at the 1998 World Cup when he led the French team to their first world championship.
With his skillful handling of the ball and excellent coordination of the game, Zidane has not only excelled at the national team level but also in his club career. He has won many titles with Juventus and Real Madrid, including two Champions Leagues and La Liga.
Zidane has always been known for his composure, ability to play in crucial moments, and his exquisite passing, making him one of the greatest figures in football history.
Zidane not only stood out as a player, but he also built a successful coaching career. After retiring, Zidane became the coach of Real Madrid, winning three consecutive Champions Leagues and affirming his talent and exceptional leadership ability. From being a talented player to becoming a successful coach, Zidane has proven himself to be one of the most influential figures in football history.
6. Johan Cruyff (Netherlands)
Johan Cruyff was not only an exceptional player but also the creator of a revolutionary football philosophy, leaving an indelible mark on modern football. Cruyff pioneered "Tiki-Taka"—a style of play centered on ball control and off-the-ball movement—that has since become a hallmark of Spanish football. Cruyff’s career at Barcelona and Ajax established him as one of the most influential figures in football history. At Ajax, Cruyff won numerous domestic and international trophies. Meanwhile, at Barcelona, he not only helped the team win but also completely transformed the club’s style of play, creating a footballing empire in Catalonia.
Cruyff was known for his exquisite footballing ability, superb technique, and excellent tactical vision. As the first to promote the use of intelligence and teamwork, Cruyff changed the way the world of football viewed tactics. His creativity changed the way big clubs played and their footballing philosophies. Cruyff's influence on world football is still felt today.
7. Michel Platini (France)
Michel Platini was one of the most prominent players in French football and was instrumental in the success of the national team in the 1980s. Platini was not only a talented player but also a major influence on the style of football played. He was one of the best midfielders of all time, known for his ability to pass, shoot, and score from free kicks. Platini was a key player in France's Euro 1984 victory and won three consecutive Ballon d'Or awards from 1983 to 1985.
Platini played for prestigious clubs such as Juventus and AS Nancy, where he won numerous titles. However, Platini’s international career was defined by leading the French team to victory at Euro 1984. With exquisite dribbling and exceptional technique, Platini contributed to shaping modern football and became one of the sport’s great legends.
8. Alfredo Di Stefano (Argentina/Colombia/Spain)
Alfredo Di Stefano is considered a living legend of Real Madrid and one of the greatest versatile players in football history. Di Stéfano was renowned for his ability to play in various positions on the pitch, from striker to midfielder to defender, dominating the game in each role. With his outstanding talent, Di Stéfano helped Real Madrid win five consecutive European Cups and numerous domestic titles. He laid the foundations for Real Madrid's dominance in the 1950s and 1960s, creating a footballing empire for the club.
Di Stefano was not only skilled in technique but also possessed great tactical vision and leadership. His exquisite handling of the ball and creative play made him an ideal role model for future generations of players. Di Stéfano was also a major influence in international football and helped Real Madrid establish its dominance on the European stage.
9. Ronaldinho (Brazil)
Ronaldinho is one of the most technically gifted and creative players football has ever seen. With his spectacular dribbling and stunning passes, Ronaldinho has won the admiration of fans all over the world. At Barcelona, he won every major title, including La Liga, the Champions League, and many international cups, while helping the Catalan club reach the top of their game. Ronaldinho is known for his ability to bring joy to fans whenever he is on the pitch.
In addition to his success at the club level, Ronaldinho left a significant impact on the Brazilian national team, helping them win the 2002 World Cup alongside Ronaldo, Rivaldo, and Cafu. His unique blend of technical flair and creativity made Ronaldinho one of the most beloved players in football history. His image continues to symbolize freedom and creativity in football.
10. Franz Beckenbauer (Germany)
Franz Beckenbauer is widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders in football history, but his contributions extended far beyond his defensive prowess. Beckenbauer pioneered the "sweeper" role, a key tactic in modern football. With his all-around skills and ability to organize play from the back, Beckenbauer helped Germany win the 1974 World Cup and played a key role in making Bayern Munich the dominant club in Europe during the 1970s.
Beckenbauer was not only a player but also a successful coach, having won the 1990 World Cup with Germany. With a distinguished career as both a player and a coach, Beckenbauer has proven himself to be one of the most influential figures in world football. His legacy in German and international football history will live on forever.
Conclusion
The list of the top 10 greatest players of all time according to FIFA is not just a ranking but a recognition of the talents who have made extraordinary contributions to football. Each player on this list has their own story and achievement, but they all have one thing in common: greatness in the world of football. These legends have created unforgettable moments and will forever be an inspiration to generations of players and fans worldwide. Thank you for following our article!
