The debate over who is the best soccer player in history sparks endless conversations among fans, experts, and players alike. Soccer, being the world’s most popular sport, has seen countless legends grace the pitch, each bringing a unique style, skill, and flair that has left an indelible mark on the game. Trying to crown one player as the absolute best is tough because the game has evolved, and each era has produced stars who defined their times.
One name that often tops any list is Pelé. The Brazilian forward dazzled the world from the late 1950s through the 1970s, winning three FIFA World Cups – a feat no other player has matched. Pele combined phenomenal goal-scoring ability with incredible creativity and athleticism, making him the face of soccer’s global rise.
Then there’s Diego Maradona, whose dribbling mastery and passion captivated fans in the 1980s and early 1990s. Maradona’s “Hand of God” moment and his breathtaking solo goal against England in the 1986 World Cup remain iconic. His impact on Argentina’s World Cup victory that year cemented his place in soccer folklore.
Fast forward to the modern era, and Lionel Messi has redefined excellence with his extraordinary dribbling, vision, and scoring prowess. Messi joined the Barcelona Soccer Academy at the age of 13 and rapidly integrated into the team, becoming a key member of Barcelona. Messi’s long-term dominance at Barcelona and his key role in Argentina’s international successes – including winning the 2021 Copa América and the 2022 World Cup – have many calling him the greatest ever.
Cristiano Ronaldo stands alongside Messi as a global superstar, known for his extraordinary athleticism, impressive goal-scoring records, and success in various European leagues. Ronaldo’s dedication and consistency at the highest level make him a strong contender for the title of the best Soccer player in history. Ronaldo and Messi are both the best Soccer player in history with the highest goals on the international stage.
Legends like Johan Cruyff, Zinedine Zidane, and Franz Beckenbauer deserve recognition for their remarkable contributions to soccer tactics and style. They played a pivotal role in shaping the game’s evolution and inspiring countless generations of players.
In the end, the “best soccer player” depends on what qualities you value most—raw talent, impact on the game, achievements, or personal style. The best Soccer player in history is rich with greatness, and the debate will continue for generations to come. But one thing’s for sure: these players have transcended sport to become legends around the world.
Top 10 Best Soccer Player in History
This includes legends like Lionel Messi, Pelé, Diego Maradona, Cristiano Ronaldo, Johan Cruyff, Ronaldo (Brazil), Zinedine Zidane, Franz Beckenbauer, Alfredo Di Stéfano, and Ronaldinho.
Pele
Pelé is widely regarded as one of the greatest soccer players of all time, having won three FIFA World Cups with Brazil and scored over 1,200 career goals. His incredible skill, athleticism, and impact helped popularize soccer worldwide and set a standard for future generations.
| Achievement | Record |
|---|---|
| FIFA World Cups Won | 3 (1958, 1962, 1970) – Only player to win three World Cups |
| International Goals | 77 goals in 92 matches for Brazil |
Diego Maradona
Diego Maradona is regarded as one of the most skillful and passionate footballers in history, famous for his mesmerizing dribbling and creativity. He famously led Argentina to victory in the 1986 FIFA World Cup, producing iconic moments like the “Hand of God” goal and the “Goal of the Century.
| Achievement | Record |
|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup Won | 1986 with Argentina |
| International Goals | 34 goals in 91 appearances for Argentina |
Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers ever, known for his unparalleled dribbling, vision, and goal-scoring ability. He won the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina and holds the record for 8 Ballon d’Or awards, the most by any player.
| Achievement | Record |
|---|---|
| Ballon d’Or Wins | 8 (Most in history) |
| FIFA World Cup Won | 2022 with Argentina |
| Career Goals | Over 800 senior career goals |
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo is known for his incredible athleticism, goal-scoring consistency, and versatility across multiple top European leagues. He has won 5 Ballon d’Or awards and is the all-time leading scorer in international matches and UEFA Champions League history.
Ronaldo is one of the Best Soccer players in the history of Portugal and is known of the greatest men’s soccer players of the 21st century.
| Achievement | Record |
|---|---|
| Ballon d’Or Wins | 5 |
| UEFA Champions League | All-time leading scorer |
| Career Goals | Over 930 senior career goals |
Johan Cruyff
Johan Cruyff was a revolutionary player and coach who popularized the “Total Football” philosophy, transforming modern soccer tactics. He won 3 Ballon d’Or awards and was instrumental in the success of both Ajax and FC Barcelona in the 1970s.
| Achievement | Record |
|---|---|
| Ballon d’Or Wins | 3 (1971, 1973, 1974) |
| Clubs Impacted | Ajax, FC Barcelona |
Here is a list of the 10 Greatest Soccer Players of All Time according to Key Achievements and people’s choice –
| Rank | Player Name | Country | Key Achievements / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pele | Brazil | 3× FIFA World Cup Winner (1958, 1962, 1970), Over 1,281 career goals, Named FIFA Ballon d’Or Prix d’Honneur in 2014 |
| 2 | Diego Maradona | Argentina | 1986 FIFA World Cup Winner, Known for legendary dribbling and creativity, Iconic “Hand of God” moment |
| 3 | Lionel Messi | Argentina | 8× Ballon d’Or Winner, 2022 FIFA World Cup Champion, Record goals for Barcelona, Currently at Inter Miami, Named All Time Men’s World Best Player by IFFHS in 2025 |
| 4 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Portugal | 5× Ballon d’Or Winner, UEFA Nations League Winner 2023 & 2025, All-time leading scorer in UEFA competitions, Over 900 career goals |
| 5 | Johan Cruyff | Netherlands | 3× Ballon d’Or Winner, Pioneer of “Total Football” philosophy |
| 6 | Zinedine Zidane | France | 1998 FIFA World Cup Winner, Multiple UEFA Champions League titles as player and coach, Expected to coach France national team |
| 7 | Mohamed Salah | Egypt | 3× PFA Players’ Player of the Year (including 2025), Premier League Player of the Season 2024-25, Over 34 goals and 23 assists in 2024-25 |
| 8 | Kylian Mbappe | France | 2022 FIFA World Cup Winner, 2025 European Golden Boot Winner (31 league goals), Key player for Real Madrid |
| 9 | Vinícius Júnior | Brazil | Breakout star at Real Madrid, Known for skill and pace, an Important part of club’s recent successes |
| 10 | Robert Lewandowski | Poland | Multiple Golden Boot winner, Consistent elite goal scorer, over 27 goals in La Liga 2024-25 |