Not long ago, the renowned sports magazine FourFourTwo published a list titled "The Most Influential Soccer Players of the 21st Century." Immediately, divergent opinions emerged, sparking debate. Indeed, many fans argued that the rankings should be revised. However, according to Wintips' admin, the list is entirely accurate. Nevertheless, the admin also wishes to present a perspective on the Top 15 most influential soccer players. Let's see if it aligns with your thoughts.
The top 15 most influential soccer players
1. Pelé
Born Edson Arantes do Nascimento and famously known as the "King of Football," Pelé undoubtedly stands as one of the greatest soccer players of all time. Hailing from Brazil, Pelé achieved feats that are nothing short of remarkable.
He secured three FIFA World Cup titles (1958, 1962, and 1970), an unparalleled feat that no player has been able to replicate. Pelé's unique blend of speed, skill, and goal-scoring prowess sets him apart. He netted a staggering 1,281 goals in 1,363 official matches across club and international competitions, a record that still stands as a testament to his greatness.
In 2000, he was voted Player of the Century by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics and jointly recognized as FIFA’s Player of the Century. Even after retiring from a successful football career, Pelé showed no signs of slowing down. He served as Brazil’s Minister of Sports from 1995 to 1998 and went on to become a global ambassador for football.
2. Diego Maradona - One of the most influential soccer players
Despite a controversial personal life, Diego Maradona remains a football legend whose influence spans generations. He is an iconic figure in Argentine football, renowned for both his inspirational dribbling skills and creativity.
The legendary "Hand of God" goal in the 1986 World Cup showcased his audacity. But it was the "Goal of the Century" against England in the same tournament that perfectly encapsulated his brilliance. Maradona's mesmerizing dribbles past the entire English team are deeply etched into football history. His personality and on-field exploits have earned him a revered status as one of football’s greatest icons.
3. Andrea Pirlo - Among the most influential soccer players
The 5-a-side game in England has been significantly influenced by Andrea Pirlo’s masterclass against England at Euro 2012. Since then, even amateur Sunday League players have attempted to emulate his calm and composed style of play.
But at the highest level, Pirlo redefined Italy’s traditional deep-lying playmaker role, making it more relevant and essential in modern football.
This stylish maestro began his career long before making a resurgence as a deep-lying playmaker. Pirlo saw himself as both a midfielder and a leader. His vision and composure in possession often made traditional ball-winners and defensive midfielders seem secondary in comparison.
Every Italian midfielder since Pirlo has embodied the traits of both the Flero-born playmaker and his teammate, Rino Gattuso. Pirlo himself proved that midfielders can embody both intelligence and physicality, combining brains with brawn. He remains—and will always be—a style icon.
4. Antonin Panenka
No other player has had a penalty-taking style named after him—consider how unique that is. Panenka’s penalty technique has not only been emulated by countless players over the decades but is also considered one of the most beautiful moments in football history. The pressure of taking a Panenka penalty is comparable to answering the million-dollar question on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?
However, consider the influence these moments have had on football, particularly in penalty saves. Jorginho's chip and the art of calmly placing the ball into the net—whether from a dead ball or open play—have been inspired by these moments.
5. Lionel Messi - One of the most influential soccer players
Lionel Messi is a phenomenal player; his performance in the 2022 World Cup proved it beyond doubt. He led Argentina to victory in the 2022 World Cup and later secured his eighth Ballon d'Or. Messi is widely regarded for his unparalleled dribbling skills, precise ball control, and clinical finishing.
Messi spent the majority of his career at Barcelona. As of June 2023, he has won 43 titles, including multiple Ballon d'Or awards. In addition to being a prolific goal scorer, Messi is an outstanding leader. His teammates praise him for helping them improve as players.
6. David Beckham - Among the most influential soccer players
He is an icon for anyone born in or after the mid-1980s, embodying the classic English rise from obscurity to stardom, but with an unparalleled flair. Beckham went on to become one of England's most famous footballers, a Galactico at Real Madrid and later played a key role in raising the profile of MLS globally.
Amidst all this, it's easy to forget just how skilled a footballer David Beckham truly was (even if he mostly featured on this list for what he achieved in the US). He staked his claim in a very specific area of the game, becoming a set-piece specialist. His trademark crossing from the right wing led to countless assists for his teammates, a skill later emulated by Kevin De Bruyne.
7. Cristiano Ronaldo
We cannot compile this list without mentioning Cristiano Ronaldo, a powerhouse forward synonymous with athleticism and goal-scoring prowess. He has won 35 major titles and holds the record for the most goals in men's football history.
Ronaldo's rivalry with Messi for the title of world's best player has propelled both to unprecedented heights. Currently playing for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo has raised the standards of football, and we can expect even more from him.
8. Claude Makelele - One of the most influential soccer players
Purists might argue that Claude Makelele is nothing special. Despite his reputation, he did not invent the role; he once told Marca, "One day, I hope I can play like Aaron Mokoena of Ajax." Some critics might have a point.
However, not just anyone could fulfill the role of Makelele. The French midfielder wasn't the most technically gifted player on the ball. Nor did he possess exceptional physical strength or imposing defensive attributes. He was simply always in the right place at the right time. It was extraordinary to see him holding his own among the Galacticos in midfield, seamlessly covering for them.
9. Philipp Lahm - One of the most influential soccer players
Fame, they say, is the mother of invention. However, in the case of Pep Guardiola, innovation often comes from having all the necessary pieces and assembling them in a way never seen before. One such innovation was inverting full-backs. During his time at Bayern Munich, Guardiola realized that one of his most intelligent players was a full-back—Philipp Lahm—who could seamlessly operate on either flank and even in midfield.
Philipp Lahm could read the game better on the pitch than an analyst in the stands. By allowing Lahm and David Alaba to tuck inside, Bayern maintained wide attacking play while naturally shifting ball-winners into midfield. With support from Pep Guardiola, Lahm blurred the line between defender and midfielder. Lahm's success inspired other full-backs to play with confidence and push forward.
10. Franco Baresi
Franco Baresi was unfairly defined by comparisons to players he wasn’t. Initially dubbed "Little One" as his older brother had been a footballer, he later took on the nickname "Kaiser Franz," a reference to Franz Beckenbauer. Any AC Milan fan will tell you he was just one part of a legendary backline quartet, alongside Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Costacurta, and Mauro Tassotti.
But Baresi might just be the most important. Sure, he was rugged, resilient, and sturdy, but it was his exceptional distribution that truly set him apart as a visionary. He was a playmaker from the last line of defense. Baresi inspired countless defenders to emulate his style, as coaches drew inspiration from Arrigo Sacchi's well-structured and disciplined defensive line.
11. Andres Iniesta
When Andres Iniesta left Barcelona, the Spanish newspaper AS simply headlined, "Don't go!" For a player with relatively few goals, assists, or standout moments easily recognized by the untrained eye, it might seem strange that he was so beloved by a club accustomed to worshipping winners. Indeed, Iniesta redefined what it meant to be a midfielder.
The man who Pep Guardiola declared "will retire us all" had tight ball control and the dribbling skills of a winger, famously possessing "La Pausa," the ability to draw defenders into his orbit and display such selflessness that he could never be called selfish. So artful in and out of possession, one might be forgiven for thinking he was an android that Pep had specially crafted for tiki-taka.
12. Ronaldinho - One of the most influential soccer players
The first thing English fans remember about Ronaldinho is his audacious celebration after lobbing David Seaman from 40 meters. At that moment, they might have been incredulous, but they gradually grew to adore his daring nature.
Ronaldinho brought flamboyance back to football in spectacular fashion. As the ultimate entertainer of the 21st century, he dazzled with his skills. There are countless stories of him scoring all 23 goals in a youth team match and refining his extraordinary abilities on the streets as a child, often playing with his pet dog. He remains one of the most enigmatic and charismatic figures in football history.
13. Francesco Totti
When presented with the phrase "carpe diem," Francesco Totti famously quipped that he couldn't speak English. It's hard to believe that this man would come to embody a Latin phrase. Totti was a key pioneer of the modern false nine system and a crucial reference point for second strikers in the 2000s.
The Roma legend might never receive the respect he rightfully deserves—Italian football tends to look down on legends who stray from Northern clubs—but his influence is more cultural than one might assume based on his lack of Latin knowledge.
14. Ian Wright - Among the most influential soccer players
Ian Wright was 29 when the Premier League began. His rise as one of the greatest strikers ever is nothing short of remarkable. Wrighty epitomizes the journey from nothing, working at Greenwich Borough at 22 while earning £30 a week. He is a prime example of perseverance.
Perhaps the man who shattered Arsenal’s all-time goal-scoring record played and celebrated with such passion due to his turbulent start in football. Wright endured a brief stint in prison, grew up in an underprivileged household, and triumphed against all odds. If you had overcome the hardships he faced, you’d be smiling too.
15. Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Zidane was handsomely rewarded for his ability to score decisive goals in the Champions League finals. Real Madrid broke the transfer record, spending £45 million to bring him to the club. As a true Galactico, he was the elegant playmaker around whom Los Blancos built their dynasty.
As a result, Zizou was the prototypical number 10 of an entire generation and, at times, even wore the number 5 jersey. His performances at Euro 2000 are legendary, as was his crowning moment in 2006 against Brazil. His time at Marseille defined his style; his movements were imitated by aspiring players. His first touch remains unrivaled.
Conclusion
Soccer has been shaped by numerous remarkable talents. A select few have left an indelible mark on the sport, earning recognition as the most influential soccer players. From Pelé to Messi, these icons have transcended generations, reshaping the game with their unparalleled skill, vision, and dedication. Their impact extends far beyond the pitch, inspiring millions worldwide and solidifying their place in football history as true legends of the beautiful game. Visit the homepage of the bookmaker website to update more news.
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