Top 5 Best Soccer Players of All Time
By the way, today, not only can you watch soccer matches and admire your favourite players but you can also place sports bets or play themed slot machines which you can choose from real money pokies selection from Smart Pokies team. That’s how popular soccer is.
However, for now, we want to talk about the top 5 best soccer players and their achievements. Take a look!
1. Pelé - Impressive Goal Scoring
First of all, Pelé, the Brazilian forward, is often regarded as the best soccer player in the world. And here’s why - he scored almost 1,280 goals throughout his career, demonstrating his consistency and skill. Just imagine this!
Pelé made his international debut at the age of 17 in 1958, helping Brazil win the FIFA World Cup. Over the next three tournaments, he guided Brazil to two more World Cup victories (1962 and 1970), making him the only player to win three times.
Fun fact: It was in 1969 when Pelé made his career total of 1,000 goals, one of the most symbolic moments in the history of the sport. The important and historic milestone, known as "O Milésimo" ("The Thousandth") came at Rio de Janeiro's Maracanã Stadium, where the match was temporarily stopped, with spectators on the field celebrating with him.
2. Lionel Messi - Top-Notch Playmaking Vision
There are few players in the world who could play at a higher level than Lionel Messi. He has multiple Ballon d'Or awards and plenty of championships with Barcelona. Lots of experts and football fans highlight Messi’s dribbling, agility, and incredible playing capabilities.
After his moves to Paris Saint-Germain and then back to FC Barcelona, Messi continued to show his skills, which finally led to the long-wanted victory of Argentina in the World Cup in 2022. His incredible consistency and performance under pressure made him one of the best soccer players on Earth.
3. Cristiano Ronaldo - Excellent Physicality
We guess that everybody knows Cristiano Ronaldo! Fans and experts say that Cristiano is good at heading the ball, taking strong shots, and is REALLY working hard. By the way, now he holds the record with over 642 million followers on Instagram. It makes Cristiano the most followed person on the platform, which explains his incredible popularity and influence.
He has set many records while playing for teams like Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus. Cristiano has also helped the Portuguese national team win their first big trophy in 2016. Many fans admire him for his talent and determination, which has made him one of the most famous athletes in the world.
4. Johan Cruyff - Founder of the "Cruyff Turn"
Johan Cruyff is a Dutch forward/midfielder who is remembered as a great player and a changer of the game with his theory of play called "Total Football." Being an attacking midfielder, he gained much fame and respect with a tactical awareness and flexible playing style. But that’s not all!
Johan played an important role in the popularisation of an aggressive style of play. The difference-maker at Ajax, Barcelona, and international levels for the Netherlands was vision and creativity by Cruyff. Yes, never a World Cup winner, but his contribution to the game was to change soccer for the forthcoming generations.
5. Diego Maradona - Legendary Dribbling Skills
And last but not least - Diego Maradona who is the Argentine forward who has a career marked by genius and controversy. As one of the most famous soccer players, Maradona stands out with his remarkable dribbling, vision, and ingenuity on the pitch.
We want to particularly highlight his "Hand of God" goal in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final against England, as well as his second goal in the same game. Maradona led Argentina to a World Cup triumph in 1986 - it cements his legacy as one of the greatest soccer players of all time. His enthusiasm and skill inspired millions, especially in Argentina, where he is still revered as a national hero.
BONUS: Other Notable Soccer Players
There are also a couple of athletes who definitely must be included on any list of the greats. Franz Beckenbauer, Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldinho, and George Best also rank in the top because of their contribution to the game, and of course, talent. All these soccer players have brought something unique into the game, and maybe, helping elevate the sport into a global phenomenon.
Final Thoughts
To conclude, we want to say that all these top soccer players of all time have shown skill, leadership, and a love for the game that surpasses time and era. From Pelé's greatest achievements to Messi and Ronaldo's so-called rivalry in the modern era these athletes represent the best of soccer. These guys have inspired millions, contributed to the global popularity of the sport, and set records that may stand for generations.