Among the talents that have graced the game throughout its history, there has always been a majority that has a right-footed bias. Whether it was the pioneering exploits of Johan Cruyff, or the relentless goalscoring exploits of Pele, or the most complete skill sets of Zinedine Zidane and Michel Platini, these right-footed players have graced the sport in many ways, leaving their mark as legends of the game. Here is a ranking of the 10 most right footed goals players in football history that Wintips has compiled. And the names that follow make it clear that the players who qualify for this list are also some of the greatest footballers of all time.
Top 10 most right footed goals all time
10. Lev Yashin
Career span: 1950–1970
Lev Yashin, thủ môn huyền thoại của bóng đá thế giới, không cần dựa quá nhiều vào chân phải để đạt được những thành công vang dội trong sự nghiệp. Với vai trò chính là người bảo vệ khung thành, phần lớn kỹ năng của ông tập trung vào việc cản phá những cú sút hiểm hóc và chỉ huy hàng phòng ngự, hơn là sử dụng đôi chân để tạo ra những tình huống ghi bàn. Tuy nhiên, khi nói đến các cầu thủ thuận chân phải, Yashin xứng đáng có mặt trong danh sách này. Đôi chân của ông, đặc biệt là chân phải, đôi lúc lại trở thành vũ khí bất ngờ, tung ra những pha cản phá xuất thần, ngăn chặn các cú dứt điểm tưởng như chắc chắn thành bàn.
Yashin không chỉ được biết đến như thủ môn xuất sắc nhất trong lịch sử bóng đá, mà còn là người duy nhất ở vị trí này từng nhận được giải thưởng Quả bóng Vàng danh giá. Sự nghiệp kéo dài hai thập kỷ của ông đã để lại một di sản vĩ đại, củng cố hình ảnh của Yashin như một huyền thoại không thể thiếu trong bất kỳ cuộc thảo luận nào về những cầu thủ xuất sắc nhất mọi thời đại.
9. Marco Van Basten
Career duration: 1982–1992
When Arnold Muhren sent in a long pass from the left, the ball appeared to be too high and wide for his target in the penalty area. However, Marco Van Basten turned the impossible into a moment of magic. With astonishing finesse and precision, the Dutchman unleashed a perfect right-footed volley from an almost impossibly tight angle, leaving the keeper helpless.
To score such a spectacular goal is an achievement in itself, but to do so in a Euro final is nothing short of iconic. The goal ended any hopes of the Soviet Union, as the Netherlands won 2-0 in the Euro 1988 final, bringing their country their first continental title. Hailed as one of the greatest goals in the history of the tournament, it cemented the class of Van Basten, a three-time Ballon d'Or winner and a shining symbol of Dutch football.
8. Michel Platini
Career Period: 1972–1987
Michel Platini, one of the greatest players in football history, had everything a star could ask for: spectacular goals, pinpoint assists, mesmerizing dribbles, and the ability to execute set-pieces with laser precision. It is no surprise that Platini was named World Player of the Year three times in a row, a testament to his exceptional class.
Although right-footed, the French legend was not afraid to use his left, demonstrating his all-round ability. Coupled with his incredible leadership skills and unwavering discipline, Platini became an icon for both Juventus and the French national team. Affectionately known as “Le Roi” (The King) by his fans, he not only left a mark on the audience but also etched his name in football history with countless titles and illustrious records. Platini's legacy, both for club and country, remains a shining beacon of world football.
7. Ronaldo
Career Period: 1993–2011
Ronaldo Nazario, also known as “O Fenomenon”, was a pure magician with his right foot, and was adored by the football world for his brilliance. Constant injury fears could only do so much to this man, who would miraculously come back from even the most unlikely of situations.
Most notably, Ronaldo barely played in the build-up to the 2002 World Cup, after suffering a serious knee injury in 2000. However, the former Real Madrid legend returned unfazed for Brazil, at the peak of his powers, delivering one of the greatest performances by a player the world has ever seen at the tournament.
He led his country to a fifth World Cup title with an impressive eight goals, two in the final, and won numerous individual awards in the process, including a famous second Ballon d'Or. Best of all, his heroics were symbolically represented by his attractive hairstyle.
6. Franz Beckenbauer
Career: 1964–1983
Franz Beckenbauer, nicknamed "Der Kaiser" (The Emperor), was a defender by role but a one-man army on the pitch. He seemed to be able to do everything the ball asked of him, regardless of the time or position on the pitch. Beckenbauer was not only excellent at tackling and stopping opposition attacks, but also excelled at passing with incredible accuracy from any distance. In particular, he often dribbled across the pitch with speed and confidence that left opponents in awe.
Beckenbauer was not just a defender but the embodiment of football perfection, a player who could change the course of a match with a single move. His all-round ability has been a constant source of inspiration for generations of modern defenders. In addition to his extraordinary talent, Beckenbauer also has a huge collection of titles: three European Cups, many national championships and countless individual awards. His legacy has affirmed his position as one of the greatest players in football history.
5. Alfredo Di Stefano
Career: 1945–1966
Alfredo Di Stéfano may not be a name that is always mentioned in the final chapters of football history books, but his place in world football is undeniable. The Argentinean man possessed extraordinary characteristics, to the point that he is considered one of the greatest players of all time. Di Stéfano is the only player in history to be awarded the Super Ballon d'Or – a special award that celebrates excellence beyond time.
During his peak years at Real Madrid, Di Stéfano contributed to one of the greatest dynasties in football history. He helped the team win five consecutive European Cups, an unprecedented feat. More importantly, Di Stéfano scored in each final, proving that he was the decisive factor in Real Madrid's total domination of the continent. However, goalscoring was only one aspect of his greatness. His peers and contemporaries hailed Di Stéfano as "the most complete player" ever, due to his ability to excel in every aspect of the game.
4. Johan Cruyff
Career span: 1964–1984
Johan Cruyff is one of the greatest icons of world football, who shaped and revolutionized the game with his philosophy of “Total Football.” The creative style he pioneered was not only entertaining, but also laid the foundations for the modern style of play that still thrives today. Cruyff was not only a brilliant strategist but also a true artist on the pitch, with a talent that captivated audiences. It was his outstanding talent that made him the centerpiece of teams that played free-flowing, emotional football.
However, Cruyff was never caught up in showiness or attention-seeking tricks. He always harmoniously combined art and efficiency, demonstrating the spirit of an elite technician. His football philosophy is encapsulated in the famous quote: "Technique is not the ability to juggle the ball 1,000 times. Anyone can do that with practice, but that's for the circus. Technique is passing the ball with one touch, at the right speed, to the right foot of a teammate." These words not only reflect his sharp thinking but also show his timeless vision, an eternal legacy in the hearts of fans.
3. Zinedine Zidane
Career: 1989–2006
Although Zinedine Zidane was right-footed, that did not limit his finishing ability. On the contrary, the Frenchman could boast a diverse catalogue of exquisite goals with both feet, demonstrating his all-round ability. One of the greatest moments in Champions League history was the stunning volley he scored with his left foot in the 2002 final against Bayer Leverkusen from the edge of the penalty area, a move that was beyond reproach.
Zidane’s right foot was no slouch when it mattered, though. His light touch, technique and flair allowed him to fool defenders with ease. Given just a little space, Zidane could unleash a powerful shot on goal or deliver a precise pass to a teammate. With an elegant yet tough and efficient style, Zidane was the embodiment of perfection, bringing mesmerizing and inspiring moves to the pitch.
2. Pele
Career: 1956–1977
For many football historians, Pele is a name that comes up earlier than usual. Having mastered the international stage in the 1950s and 1960s, the Brazilian marked an era of his own with his goalscoring exploits. With an incredible record of three World Cups and another world record of 1,279 goals in 1,363 matches (including friendlies), the Brazilian is undoubtedly one of the greatest players of all time.
The only trophy he missed out on was the Ballon d'Or, which at the time was only awarded to those who worked in Europe. However, the history of the award was re-imagined in 2016, with a series of "real" winners labelled for each year that continental restrictions were in place, and Pele would be the recipient of seven awards throughout his illustrious career.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo
Career duration: 2002–present
The long-running rivalry between two titans, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, has become a cornerstone of modern football, and in such debates, the Argentine may hold the edge thanks to his Ballon d'Or record, but don't let that detract from the Portuguese's prominence.
While Pele has led the way in history for his unbeaten goalscoring record, it is Ronaldo who tops the list for the most senior official goals. Likewise, the Madeira-born player holds some more notable records, including most international goals and most goals in Champions League history.
Having demonstrated utter dominance in English, Spanish and Italian football, while still displaying admirable levels of hard work and inspiration - Ronaldo is truly a legend in his own right, and perhaps the greatest right-footed player to ever play the game.
Conclusion
In the history of football, right-footed players have made a lasting impression. From the brilliance of Johan Cruyff, Pele, to the exquisite moves of Zinedine Zidane, they have shaped the golden eras of the king sport. Cristiano Ronaldo, with the record for most right-footed goals, tops the list thanks to his persistence and superb scoring ability. He has not only overcome the age barrier but also set many impressive records, affirming his position as one of the greatest players of all time.
See more: 10 players most left footed goals in football history
