Home The Top 5 greatest players in football
News

The Top 5 greatest players in football

AFP

soccer footballFootball is undoubtedly the most popular and most-watched sport in the world and one that is played in the widest number of countries. And its popularity must be accredited to the marvellous players, some even legends, who have been a part of this game’s journey to make it the most-watched game in the world over the decades.

Their awe-striking performances have been unforgettable for more reasons than just one, and their excellence shines through in every game.

These players have not only inspired budding footballers around the world but also contributed to increasing the fanfare across the globe. Their names will be forever remembered whenever a conversation about football is started. And if you are into online gaming and betting with a Sands casino bonus code, you sure do need to know about them all.

The 5 Footballers You Can’t Forget About

Even though it may be a tough task to pick just 5 of the footballers who have had a massive global impact on their fans, football-lovers, and the history of football, their unrivalled brilliance gives them recognition beyond everything.

  1. Franz Beckenbauer (Germany)

You may know Beckenbauer more popularly as “Der Kaiser” which translates to “the Emperor” in German. Arguably the greatest defender in the history of the game, he is known for popularising the ‘libero,’ also known as a sweeper, through his performance on the field. History will remember the 966 World Cup when Beckenbauer made his mark on the field as a 21-year old playing for West Germany.

  1. Johan Cruyff (The Netherlands)

It can’t be that a football fan hasn’t heard of John Cruyff who has been a major and significant personality in football of all time. He is said to be the greatest European footballer of all time. Cruyff implemented the football philosophy of ‘total football’ of which he was the center, as devised by Dutch coach Rinus Michels, to FC Barcelona and the club continues to reap its benefits.

  1. Lionel Messi A9rgentina)

The greatest club footballer in the history of the game who style of dribbling, passing, and shooting are all ingenious has, in his 14 years with Barcelona’s senior team, won 9 La Liga and 4 UEFA Champion league Titles. He has also won the Ballon d’Or as many as five times for his 552 goals in 636 games.

  1. Diego Maradona (Argentina)

The “EL Diego’ of Argentina is known for his best-left boot in football and arguably the dribbler to have played the game. He was the name behind single-handedly winning the 1986 World Cup for Argentina. Well, almost.

  1. Pele (Brazil)

Not only one of the popular footballers but one of the most popular humans in the world, Pele is also known as “O Rei” or “The King.” Life wasn’t the same for him after he, at the age of 17, helped Brazil become the World Champions in 1958. He is the only footballer in the world to have had three world cups to his credit.

We are sure you have your own personal favourite among these. Who do you think is the greatest footballer of all times?

Featured Video

 




AFP

AFP

Have a guest column, letter to the editor, story idea or a news tip? Email editor Chris Graham at [email protected]. Subscribe to AFP podcasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora and YouTube. Support AFP by signing up for our newsletter and/or powering our work with a one-time or monthly contribution.

Latest News

uva football uva strong entrance
Football, Go 'Hoos

UVA Football: News and notes from UVA Strong Day win over Delaware

uva football tony elliott uva strong
Football, Go 'Hoos

UVA Strong: ‘Hoos get win on a day honoring our 1-15-41 fallen heroes

The Virginia-Delaware game came to a brief halt at the first half two-minute timeout, for a special in-game moment for the families of Lavel Davis Jr., Devin Chandler and D’Sean Perry, the three UVA Football players who were killed in a mass shooting on Grounds in 2022.

Dr. Kelvin J. Washington
Local

Kelvin Washington wanted another story: Probably shouldn’t have asked

The local political activist whose since-deleted Facebook video led to the unraveling of a Waynesboro School Board campaign was back with another video that he posted on Saturday in which he absolved Kelvin Washington.

uva football kam courtney second td alt
Football, Go 'Hoos

UVA Football: ‘Hoos get back on track with 42-3 blowout of Delaware

jim wood facebook
Local

Jim Wood defends Pete Buttplug slur: ‘My best friend growing up is a lesbian in Atlanta’

Creative Works Farm
Local

Grants will help Creative Works Farm expand programs for people with disabilities

richmond map
Region/State

Virginia State Police: One dead in late-night hit-and-run in Richmond