Some debates would forever remain open-ended, and one of such is the question – who is the greatest footballer of all time? There are a lot of footballers who have graced the pitch and have strived for a place in history; however, history has selected just a few as it is known to remember only the greatest of them all.
Within the circle those we can regard as the greatest, there is an internal argument as to who is better than who. For instance, Pele vs. Maradona, Zidane or Figo, Ronaldo or Messi? The truth is that, as it has always been, so would it remain.
We have come up with 8 of the greatest footballers of all time. Let’s take a look
1. Pele
Pele is regarded internationally as the best to ever play the game. Some millennials did not witness him play the game, but you definitely must have watched some clips of his amazing football. Out of over a hundred games for Brazil, Pele is said to have scored 92 goals. He spent a significant part of his football career playing for Santos and recorded an overriding 1000 plus goals. He was instrumental in winning the world cup 3 times for Brazil.
2.Maradona
He is a beast on the pitch and has also been argued to be the greatest footballer of all time. You might not agree to that, but in Argentina, he is a God who is worship. On a lighter mood, a husband might not have his wife pictures, but he would have Maradona’s 1986 world cup picture as he was instrumental in winning the world cup for Argentina. He played at Boca Juniors before leaving for Barcelona then to Sevilla. He won a lot of trophies and competition.
3. De Lima Ronaldo
Ronaldo is also known as FENOMENO. Till today, nobody has scored as much as he has in the world cup. He helped Brazil win the world cup in 2002 against their opposition Germany, scoring the two goals. He had a successful club career, playing for top clubs like Real Madrid, Inter Milan, and the likes. He also has a lot of trophies to his name.
4. Zinedine Zidane
He is said to be the best footballer of the 21st century which is subject to query. Notwithstanding, he is like no other as he helped France win the world cup in 1998 against Brazil by scoring the two deciding goals with his head. 2006 would have been a greater one for him if he had exercised a bit of self-control. He helped France into the finals against Italy but was sent out. He played good football with Juventus and Real Madrid.
5. Luis Figo
He is just compared to Zinedine Zidane; however, his loyal fans describe him as the greatest. He was a magician on the field of play with outstanding skills as dribbling, passing and crossing. He was a playmaker as he led his team to every competition. He did not have the best of international football, but he did enjoy club football as he played in the best clubs at his time. He was popular for changing clubs also from Barcelona to Real Madrid then to Inter Milan.
6. Messi
The 21st-century folks have tagged Messi the great of all time (G.O.A.T). He is still in his early 30s and trusts me, by the time he hangs his boots, he might be the best player ever. He has remained consistent since he joined Barcelona at age 17, helping to win every competition there is. Some experts believe that without Messi, there is no Barcelona. He is almost totaling a thousand goals, makes good passes and crosses, fantastic dribbles, he is the greatest of all time. Although he has enjoyed club success, his best at the international scene is getting to the finals of the world cup.
7. Ronaldo
The conqueror of European football. Ronaldo deserves to be called the greatest of all time. The greatest argument in football history remains, ‘who is greater between Messi and Ronaldo. Ronaldo has played in Portugal, England, Spain and currently in Juventus. He is a competitor and has shown his worth countless times. He is a five times ballon d’or winner alongside many other awards. He has won the champions league a couple of times and has made a profound impact in international football as he led his team to win EURO 2016.
8. Xavi
This might be a surprise to you, but Xavi is one of the best players in history. So many people call him names like, ‘the best player never to win the ballon d’or. Some others said he was so unfortunate to have come in the time of Messi and Ronaldo; however, he has enjoyed success both at international and club level, leading Barcelona and Spain to win countless trophies. He is the best central midfielder ever.
