It’s the biggest sport in the world and those at the top of the game are household names across continents, playing in matches on today, tomorrow and continuing to bless the sport and fans with their skills.
Historically, the beautiful game has had some momentous characters both on and off the pitch and this trend looks set to continue long into the future. We are going to have a look at the biggest names in football.
The Greatest Players to Have Graced The Sport
Football’s Best Players
Let’s delve into past, present and future superstars who have changed this game for the better.
It would be rude to jump into future or present stars without acknowledging some of the older lads who set the bar and changed the game completely during their time on the field.
Pele
Who better to start with than the godfather of football himself, Pele. The most prolific striker ever, his goal record of 1279 goals in 1363 games is outrageously good.
He set the precedent for future stars goal tallies and off the pitch had an outspoken representation of those in a lower social class. He was voted the best player of the 20th century and is revered by everyone in football.
Johan Cruyff
Johan Cruyff is another important name. Known as the inventor of ‘total football’ and the skill ‘Cruyff turn’ this man had a huge impact on the modern game. His playing and coaching style led him to many successes during his time on the pitch and he is widely regarded as one of the top players ever.
His ‘total football’ mentality has led to Ajax and Barcelona focusing their coaching round his style and has influenced great football minds since, including Alex Ferguson, Pep Guardiola and Arsene Wenger.
Diego Maradona
Perhaps the biggest name of past footballers is none other than Diego Maradona. A truly special character who was known as a little man who would fight the system, he was a born winner and excelled in football.
Known as ‘the golden boy’ he would be voted joint best player of the 20th century, score not only the ‘hand of God’ (one of the most iconic goals ever) but also the best goal of the 20th century against England in the world cup quarter-final.
He would break the world-record transfer fee twice and become an enigma both on the pitch and off it. He was a huge advocate for social equality and his dribbling was nothing short of magical.
The Modern Game
In such a massive game it’s hard to set yourself apart from others. But that’s exactly what 3 of the current best players in the world have done. These three players have gone above and beyond the precedent set by the legends, we have mentioned prior.
Lionel Messi
He is widely regarded as the best player ever and has set the world alight with his scintillating football skills. Lionel Messi is easily the biggest name in world football and will be remembered for years to come.
Winning an astounding six Ballon d’Ors this magician is special. His goal record and individual prowess in big games have rightfully led him to the fame he deserves.
Cristiano Ronaldo
But would Messi be where he is without the extremely competitive rivalry that he has been part of with the great Cristiano Ronaldo? The Portuguese attacker made his name at Man United before becoming the best in the world at Real Madrid.
Depicted as great rivals, Ronaldo has been challenging Messi throughout both their careers. With almost the same goal tally as Messi, Cristiano has proved his worth as one of the best footballers ever.
A clinical finisher and serial winner his attitude is remarkable and one which inspires many around the world. He is a born winner and a huge name in the game. This has led him to success with over 30 major trophies won and became the first footballer to make over $1 billion.
Neymar
Neymar is widely considered to be the best player behind these two great rivals. The Brazilian forward became the world’s most expensive player ever following his move from Barcelona to PSG.
He is regarded as a super talent on the field but also a hugely big name off the field. He has been widely adopted as a brand and has been called the most marketable player in the world numerous times.
His silky style and outlandish attitude bring many to watch him frequently for both club and country.
The Future’s Best Players
Whilst these stars are still at the top of their game, they are eventually going to have to pave the way for future generations to come through. There are numerous top players to look out for at the moment who will no doubt become the biggest names in the game for years to come.
In fact, a good football betting man would be putting their money on these players to push both themselves and their respective teams right to the top.
The biggest name making waves is Neymar’s current PSG teammate, Kylian Mbappe. The French striker has won the World Cup already and at the age of just 21 looks set to become a true superstar.
Despite, perhaps not raking up the goals in the same way the others on this list may, Alphonso Davies is certainly a player to watch out for. Sporting a truly sensational background story the Ghanian refugee made his name in Canada before being signed by Bayern Munich and winning the Champions League. He is lightning quick and fulfils his defensive duties at left-back whilst also supporting attacking players as he moves forward. A real success story.
It comes as no surprise that one of the other biggest rising stars is playing in the influential Bundesliga. Jadon Sancho is an English born winger who has been making waves for Dortmund. He looks set to become a world superstar with his goals and assist tally rising by the game. It is rumoured he may be moving back to play in England which will surely increase his reputation.
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