100 Greatest Footballers of All Time
The definitive ranking of the 100 best football players in history.
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The definitive ranking of the 100 best football players in history.
Lionel Messi
The greatest footballer who ever lived — eight Ballon d'Or awards, a World Cup, four Champions Leagues and 800+ career goals at Barcelona, P
838 career goals · Champions League 4x (2006, 2009, 2011, 2015) (Barcelona)
Cristiano Ronaldo
The most prolific goalscorer in football history — 900+ career goals across Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and now Al Nassr, with
900 career goals · UEFA Champions League 5x (2008, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018)
Pelé
Three-time World Cup winner widely considered the greatest footballer of all time. Scored 757 career goals for Santos and Brazil.
757 career goals · FIFA World Cup 1958, 1962, 1970
Diego Maradona
Diego Armando Maradona was born in Villa Fiorito, a shantytown on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, in 1960, and rose through sheer talent and
345 career goals · FIFA World Cup 1986
Johan Cruyff
Johan Cruyff was born in Amsterdam in 1947 and grew up near Ajax's De Meer stadium.
402 career goals · European Cup 1971, 1972, 1973 (Ajax)
Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Zidane was born in Marseille in 1972 to Algerian immigrant parents and grew up in the La Castellane housing project.
125 career goals · Champions League 2002
Ronaldo Nazário
R9 — two World Cups, two Ballon d'Or and the most naturally gifted striker in football history.
352 career goals · Champions League (1998)
Franz Beckenbauer
Der Kaiser — German footballer and manager who won the World Cup both as player (1974) and manager (1990), and defined the libero role.
109 career goals · European Cup 1974, 1975, 1976 (Bayern)
Michel Platini
Three-time European Footballer of the Year and France's greatest player of his generation — a playmaker of rare elegance and lethal scoring
353 career goals · European Cup 1985 (Juventus)
George Best
Manchester United's mercurial genius — European Footballer of the Year 1968 and arguably the most naturally gifted British player of all tim
201 career goals · European Cup 1968 (Man United)
Garrincha
Brazil's right winger who never lost a match in which he and Pelé played together — a dribbler of supernatural ability.
232 career goals · FIFA World Cup 1958, 1962
Ronaldinho
The most joyful footballer who ever played — two Ballon d'Or, a World Cup and the Barcelona performance that made Real Madrid fans applaud.
233 career goals · Champions League (2006)
Eusébio
The Black Panther — Benfica's greatest ever player and the first truly global African football star. Born in Mozambique, he scored 733 goals
733 career goals · European Cup 1962 (Benfica)
Thierry Henry
Thierry Daniel Henry was born in Les Ulis, France in 1977 and began his professional career as a winger at Monaco before an unsuccessful spe
360 career goals · Champions League 2009 (Barcelona)
Gerd Müller
Der Bomber — Germany's World Cup winner and Bayern Munich legend whose 365 Bundesliga goals were a record that stood for 49 years.
735 career goals · European Cup 1974, 1975, 1976 (Bayern)
Bobby Charlton
Manchester United and England legend, Munich air disaster survivor, World Cup winner and one of the greatest players in the history of the g
249 career goals · European Cup 1968
Paolo Maldini
Paolo Cesare Maldini was born in Milan in 1968, the son of AC Milan captain Cesare Maldini, and joined the club's youth academy at ten.
33 career goals · Champions League 1989, 1990, 1994, 2003, 2007
Roberto Baggio
The Divine Ponytail — Italy's 1994 World Cup Golden Boot winner whose missed penalty in the final defined and haunted his career.
318 career goals · World Cup finalist 1994
Andrés Iniesta
Andrés Iniesta Luján was born in Fuentealbilla in 1984 and joined Barcelona's La Masia academy at 12.
91 career goals · Champions League 2006, 2009, 2011, 2015
Xavi Hernández
Xavier Hernández Creus was born in Terrassa in 1980 and joined Barcelona's La Masia academy at 11.
133 career goals · Champions League 2006, 2009, 2011, 2015
Iker Casillas
Spain's World Cup-winning captain and the most capped Spanish player ever — a penalty-saving colossus at Real Madrid and international level
0 career goals · Champions League 2000, 2002, 2014 (Real Madrid)
Lev Yashin
The Black Spider — the only goalkeeper to win the Ballon d'Or, and the greatest goalkeeper in football history.
0 career goals · Ballon d'Or 1963
Neymar Jr.
Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior was born in Mogi das Cruzes, São Paulo in 1992 and became Brazil's record international goalscorer, surpassing
443 career goals · Champions League 2015 (Barcelona)
Nwankwo Kanu
The gentle giant — Nwankwo Kanu's quiet dignity and extraordinary natural ability made him one of the most beloved figures of West African f
Champions League 1995 (Ajax)
Richarlison
The bicycle kick in Qatar — Brazil's most passionate forward and Everton's greatest modern striker.
113 career goals · Champions League squad
Megan Rapinoe
Two-time FIFA World Player of the Year and the most decorated American in women's football history — a two-time World Cup winner whose Golde
FIFA World Cup Winner 2015, 2019
Tobin Heath
America's most creative and technically gifted winger — two-time Women's World Cup champion whose dribbling, creativity and ability to produ
FIFA Women's World Cup 2015, 2019
Alex Morgan
America's most recognisable female footballer — a two-time World Cup winner whose combination of pace, technique and finishing made her the
FIFA World Cup Winner 2015, 2019
Carli Lloyd
Two-time FIFA World Player of the Year and the hero of two Women's World Cup finals — her hat-trick in the 2015 final within 16 minutes is t
FIFA Women's World Cup 2015, 2019
Abby Wambach
The most capped international footballer in history at the time of her retirement — 184 goals for the USA and a header in the 122nd minute a
FIFA World Cup Winner 2015
Pablo Aimar
Visionary Argentine playmaker dubbed 'The New Maradona' by Diego Maradona himself, whose exquisite technique made him a global star at Valen
La Liga 2002, 2004
Javier Saviola
Explosive and nimble Argentine forward nicknamed 'El Conejo' (The Rabbit) who was one of Europe's most coveted strikers in the early 2000s.
Olympic Gold 2004
Iván Zamorano
Prolific and combative Chilean striker nicknamed 'Bam Bam' who was among the most feared forwards in South America and Spain during the 1990
La Liga 1995
Mia Hamm
The player who built women's football globally — Mia Hamm was the first women's player to become a global superstar, holding the internation
FIFA World Cup Winner 1991, 1999
Kylian Mbappé
The fastest and most lethal striker of his generation — World Cup winner at 19, Champions League winner at 25, and the heir apparent to Mess
376 career goals · UEFA Champions League 2024 (Real Madrid)
Olivier Giroud
The World Cup winner who scored the most elaborate goal in Puskas Award history.
353 career goals · Champions League (2021)
Robert Lewandowski
One of football's most prolific strikers of the modern era — winner of two Bundesliga top scorer records and Poland's greatest footballer.
692 career goals · Champions League 2020 (Bayern)
Alexia Putellas
Two-time Ballon d'Or Féminin winner and the architect of Barcelona's era of dominance — Putellas' vision, passing range and goals made her t
UEFA Women's Champions League 2021, 2023 · FIFA Women's World Cup Winner 2023
Rodri
The 2024 Ballon d'Or winner — Manchester City's defensive midfielder and the best in the world at his position.
41 career goals · Champions League (2023)
Olivier Giroud II
World Cup winner and Champions League champion — scored the most technically elaborate goal in Premier League history.
353 career goals · Champions League (2021)
Achraf Hakimi
The most dynamic attacking full-back of his generation — Morocco's World Cup hero and PSG's most exciting player.
60 career goals · Champions League (2022 finalist)
Vinícius Jr.
Real Madrid's Brazilian winger — Champions League winner, Copa América winner and one of the most electric players of his generation.
159 career goals · Champions League 2022 (scorer in final), 2024
Julian Alvarez
Versatile and hardworking Argentine forward who won everything at Manchester City before a record move to Atlético Madrid.
Champions League 2023 · World Cup 2022
Julián Álvarez
Dynamic young Argentine striker whose goals, work rate and big-match brilliance have established him as one of the world's most exciting for
Champions League 2023 · World Cup 2022
Thiago Silva
One of the finest defenders of his generation, whose reading of the game and leadership defied age during a remarkable spell at Chelsea.
Champions League 2021 · Club World Cup 2022
Erling Haaland
The most prolific striker in the history of the Premier League — whose 36-goal season in 2022-23 smashed every existing record and whose phy
332 career goals · UEFA Champions League 2023 (Manchester City)
César Azpilicueta
Mr. Reliable — Chelsea's versatile captain who played across the entire back line with unwavering consistency for over a decade.
Champions League 2021 · Club World Cup 2022
Raphinha
Explosive and direct Brazilian winger whose dribbling brilliance and clinical finishing have made him a Champions League winner and one of t
Champions League 2025
Riyad Mahrez
Leicester City's PFA Player of the Year during his miraculous 5000-1 title win and Manchester City's Champions League winner.
222 career goals · Champions League 2023 (Manchester City)
Jude Bellingham
The complete modern midfielder — Champions League winner at 20 whose goals, leadership and maturity at Real Madrid have already placed him a
60 career goals · UEFA Champions League 2024 (Real Madrid)
Ben Chilwell
Attack-minded English left-back whose overlapping runs and delivery made him a key part of Chelsea's Champions League-winning side.
11 career goals · Champions League 2021
Kai Havertz
Elegant German forward who scored the winning goal in the Champions League final for Chelsea before becoming a key player at Arsenal.
Champions League 2021 · Club World Cup 2022
Emre Can
Liverpool's powerful German midfielder who rose through the academy to become a key figure in Klopp's early rebuilding years at Anfield. Kno
400 career goals · Champions League (2021 finalist)
Phil Foden
Manchester City's homegrown genius — the most decorated English player of his generation and the creative heartbeat of Pep Guardiola's trebl
117 career goals · UEFA Champions League 2023 (Manchester City)
Romelu Lukaku
Belgium's all-time leading scorer and one of the most physically powerful strikers of his generation — Romelu Lukaku's combination of pace,
368 career goals · Champions League (2021)
İlkay Gündoğan
Manchester City's captain in the Treble season — scored both goals in the cup final that completed the treble.
143 career goals · Champions League (2023)
Kevin De Bruyne
Kevin De Bruyne was born in Ghent in 1991 and spent a difficult spell at Chelsea — making only three Premier League appearances — before spe
116 career goals · Champions League 2023
Leroy Sané
PFA Young Player of the Year at City — Germany's electric winger of a new generation.
132 career goals · Champions League (2023)
Raheem Sterling
One of England's most effective attackers of the modern era, Premier League champion five times with City and FWA Footballer of the Year.
230 career goals · Champions League 2023 (Chelsea – squad)
Bernardo Silva
Manchester City's heartbeat — the most versatile and relentless pressing midfielder in Guardiola's system.
110 career goals · Champions League (2023)
Eden Hazard
Chelsea's most gifted player of the modern era and Belgium's greatest footballer — dribbler of exceptional quality.
213 career goals · Champions League 2022 (Real Madrid – squad)
Roberto Firmino
The pressing pioneer who made Salah and Mané world-class — Liverpool's selfless false nine and the creative soul of Klopp's dominant side.
152 career goals · UEFA Champions League 2019 (Liverpool)
John Stones
The ball-playing centre-back who grew into a Champions League winner under Pep Guardiola.
17 career goals · Champions League (2023)
Joshua Kimmich
Supremely versatile German star equally at home at right-back or in midfield, whose intelligence and intensity drive Bayern Munich's system.
Champions League 2020 · Club World Cup 2020
Leon Goretzka
Powerful German box-to-box midfielder whose physical transformation and all-round ability have been central to Bayern Munich's dominance.
45 career goals · Champions League 2020
Serge Gnabry
Explosive German winger who overcame a difficult spell at Arsenal to become one of Bayern Munich's most dangerous attackers.
Champions League 2020 · Club World Cup 2020
Virgil van Dijk
Virgil van Dijk was born in Breda in 1991 and developed at Groningen and Celtic before Southampton signed him in 2015.
52 career goals · Champions League 2019 (Liverpool)
Mason Mount
Chelsea's academy graduate who became one of England's most important midfielders of the 2020s — technical, industrious and capable of momen
283 career goals · Champions League (2021)
Ruben Dias
Commanding Portuguese centre-back whose arrival at Manchester City transformed their defence and led to immediate title success.
Champions League 2023
Ederson
The most accurate passer in Premier League history — a goalkeeper who functions as an outfield player.
Champions League (2023)
Jack Grealish
Dazzling English winger whose close control, creativity and flair make him one of the most entertaining players in the Premier League.
Champions League 2023
João Cancelo
Technically exceptional Portuguese full-back whose ability to invert into midfield redefined the modern defender role under Pep Guardiola.
9 career goals · Champions League 2023
Luka Modrić
Luka Modrić was born in Zadar, Croatia in 1985, the son of a factory worker who was killed in the Croatian War of Independence when Luka was
116 career goals · Champions League 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022, 2024 (Real Madrid)
Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah Ghaly was born in Nagrig, Gharbia Governorate, Egypt in 1992. He developed at El Mokawloon before Basel and then Chelsea, wher
363 career goals · Champions League 2019 (Liverpool)
Alphonso Davies
Refugee from Liberia to Bayern Munich star — Canada's most important footballer and a Champions League winner.
21 career goals · Champions League (2020)
Thibaut Courtois
The tallest and most dominating goalkeeper of his generation — Champions League winner and Yashin Award.
Champions League (2022) · World Cup runner-up (Belgium 2018)
Karim Benzema
Real Madrid's Ballon d'Or winner in 2022 and the club's all-time Champions League scorer — a complete centre-forward of exceptional quality.
521 career goals · Champions League 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022 (Real Madrid)
Sadio Mané
Liverpool forward who lit up the Premier League and won the Champions League, league title and AFCON with Senegal.
294 career goals · Champions League 2019 (Liverpool)
Aurélien Tchouaméni
Real Madrid's youngest Champions League Final starter — France's most promising defensive midfielder.
15 career goals · Champions League (2022)
Emiliano Martínez
The World Cup-winning goalkeeper whose celebration provoked controversy — and whose saves won it.
Champions League (2021 finalist) · World Cup (2022)
Tammy Abraham
Roma's record-breaking striker — scored the goal that won the Europa Conference League.
135 career goals · Champions League (2021)
Miroslav Klose
The FIFA World Cup's all-time leading scorer with 16 goals — Germany's World Cup winner in 2014 and one of international football's most pro
267 career goals · Champions League 2013 (Bayern Munich)
Marcos Alonso
Attack-minded Spanish wing-back who thrived under Antonio Conte's system at Chelsea and contributed vital goals.
29 career goals · Champions League 2021
N'Golo Kanté
The most loved player of his generation — two league titles in two consecutive seasons, Champions League winner.
30 career goals · Champions League (2021)
Reece James
Chelsea's captain and England's finest right-back — persistent injury frustration of a truly special talent.
22 career goals · Champions League (2021)
Sadio Mané II
From a village without electricity to Champions League winner — Africa's Player of the Year and a champion with Senegal.
296 career goals · Champions League (2019)
Cole Palmer
Chelsea's match-winner — named Premier League Player of the Season at 21, the breakout story of 2023-24.
47 career goals · Champions League (2021 squad)
Kingsley Coman
Scored the Champions League Final winner for Bayern — the former PSG player who scored against his old club.
111 career goals · Champions League (2020)
Marc Cucurella
Euro 2024 winner — the handball that wasn't, and a left-back whose redemption arc at Chelsea was complete.
10 career goals · Champions League (2021 squad)
Thiago Alcântara
Magically elegant Spanish midfielder whose vision, passing and ball control were among the finest the game has ever seen.
Champions League 2020
Luis Suárez
Luis Alberto Suárez Díaz was born in Salto, Uruguay in 1987 and became one of the most prolific and controversial strikers in Premier League
577 career goals · Champions League 2015 (Barcelona)
Timo Werner
Rapid German forward whose pace and movement caused havoc, though his finishing was often scrutinised during a challenging spell at Chelsea.
Champions League 2021
Thomas Müller
Bayern Munich's legendary "Raumdeuter" (space interpreter) — World Cup winner and one of football's most intelligent attackers.
255 career goals · Champions League 2013, 2020 (Bayern)
Diogo Jota
Liverpool's most clinical substitute-turned-starter — hat-trick against Atalanta on debut, FA Cup and League Cup winner.
120 career goals · Champions League (2019 squad)
James Milner
The ultimate professional — a versatile, tireless midfielder who excelled across two decades and three of England's biggest clubs.
Champions League 2019
Ada Hegerberg
The first ever women's Ballon d'Or winner — Ada Hegerberg's goals record at Lyon is without comparison in the women's game. She boycotted th
UEFA Women's Champions League 2016,2017,2018,2019,2020,2022 · Women's Ballon d'Or 2018
Dayot Upamecano
Bayern Munich's French defender — built in the Red Bull system and bought for the highest German transfer fee.
11 career goals · Champions League (2020)
Jamal Musiala
Bambi — the most naturally gifted German since Özil, balancing English and German identity.
77 career goals · Champions League (2020 squad, 2023)
Ousmane Dembélé
The fastest dribbler in football — two Champions League finals, consistent brilliance and persistent injury.
131 career goals · Champions League (2015 squad, 2020 finalist)
Philippe Coutinho
Gifted and creative Brazilian midfielder whose skill, vision and goalscoring made him one of the Premier League's most beloved players durin
Champions League 2020 (Bayern)