Epl Clubs
Who Truly Belongs Among the Top Ten Greatest Soccer Players of All Time?
The debate over the ten greatest soccer players of all time is one that never truly ends—and frankly, that’s what makes it so compelling. Every generation, every fan, every pundit seems to have their own list, shaped by nostalgia, statistics, or sheer admiration for moments of magic on the pitch. I’ve spent years watching, analyzing, and even playing the game at a semi-professional level, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that greatness isn’t just about individual brilliance—it’s also about how a player elevates those around them. That idea reminds me of a phrase I once heard from a former teammate, spoken in Tagalog: “Parang minsan, nagagawa ko na pala ’yung mga hindi ko kayang gawin before dahil na rin sa tulong ng team sa’kin.” Loosely translated, it means, “Sometimes, I realize I’m already doing things I couldn’t do before, thanks to the help of my team.” In many ways, the players who belong in the top ten aren’t just the ones with the most goals or trophies—they’re the ones who made their teams better, who turned the impossible into the achievable.
When I think about crafting my own list, certain names feel non-negotiable. Pelé, with his 1,281 career goals—a number often debated but impossible to ignore—embodied the joy and flair of Brazilian soccer. Then there’s Diego Maradona, whose 1986 World Cup performance wasn’t just legendary; it was almost supernatural. I still get chills rewatching that solo run against England, a moment that blended sheer individual will with a kind of chaotic genius. But here’s where it gets tricky: how do you compare eras? Modern players like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have redefined excellence with their consistency and longevity. Messi, for instance, has netted over 790 senior career goals and delivered 350-plus assists—numbers that feel almost fictional. And Ronaldo? He’s scored in five different World Cups, a feat that speaks to his relentless adaptability. Yet, for me, Messi edges slightly ahead because of his ability to make everyone around him better, much like that phrase I mentioned earlier. His vision and unselfish play transform good teams into great ones.
But let’s not forget the architects of the game—players like Johan Cruyff, who didn’t just play soccer; he philosophized it. His influence on Barcelona’s “tiki-taka” and modern possession-based systems is immeasurable. Then there’s Franz Beckenbauer, the Kaiser, who revolutionized the sweeper role and led West Germany to World Cup glory as both player and manager. These are the figures who shaped how soccer is played today, and omitting them from any top ten list would feel like ignoring the foundations of the sport itself. On the other hand, I’ve always had a soft spot for Zinedine Zidane. That 2002 Champions League final volley? Pure artistry. But was he consistent enough to crack the top five? Maybe not, and that’s the kind of nuance that makes these debates so personal.
Of course, any discussion of greatness has to include the goalkeepers and defenders, because soccer isn’t just about scoring—it’s about preventing goals, too. Lev Yashin, the “Black Spider,” saved over 150 penalties in his career and remains the only keeper to ever win the Ballon d’Or. And what about Paolo Maldini? The man defined defensive elegance, spending 25 seasons at AC Milan and winning 26 major trophies. In my view, he’s the greatest defender of all time, and anyone who argues otherwise probably hasn’t watched enough of his tackles. But again, it’s not just about stats. It’s about presence. I remember watching Maldini marshal Milan’s backline; he made the difficult look effortless, much like how a great team elevates its members to achieve what once seemed out of reach.
Then there are the modern contenders. Cristiano Ronaldo’s 140-plus international goals are a testament to his durability, while players like Luka Modrić break the mold of what a midfielder can achieve—winning the Ballon d’Or in 2018 at the age of 33, a rarity in today’s youth-obsessed sport. But if I’m being honest, I’m not sure Modrić makes my top ten. He’s brilliant, no doubt, but does he have the same transformative impact as a Maradona or a Cruyff? I’m not convinced. And that’s the beauty of this exercise—it forces us to weigh different kinds of greatness against one another.
In the end, my personal top ten would include Pelé, Maradona, Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Cruyff, Beckenbauer, Maldini, Yashin, Alfredo Di Stéfano, and Michel Platini. Di Stéfano, for instance, won 8 league titles in 10 seasons with Real Madrid and was the engine of one of the most dominant club sides ever. Platini, though his legacy is complicated, scored 72 goals in 147 games for Juventus and carried France to European glory. But even as I write this, I’m second-guessing. What about Ronaldo Nazário? The original R9, whose 352 career goals were scored with a blend of power and grace I’ve rarely seen since. Or George Best, who might have achieved even more had he not battled personal demons? The truth is, any list is subjective, shaped by our biases and the moments that resonate with us personally.
So, who truly belongs among the top ten? There’s no definitive answer, and maybe that’s the point. Greatness in soccer, as in life, is often a collective effort—a blend of individual talent and the support of a team that helps you achieve what you couldn’t do alone. As that old phrase goes, sometimes we surprise ourselves with what we’re capable of, thanks to those around us. And perhaps the players who belong in the pantheon of legends are the ones who not only reached incredible heights themselves but lifted everyone else along with them.