The debate over who the best soccer player in the world is has been raging for decades now. Now and then, soccer fans from around the world discuss and debate who is the goat of male football.
However, there are lots of players considered to be the best football players in the world. But in this post, I will list my top 10 and you would also learn about the best player in the world right now.
Plus, I will discuss why they are considered to be the best. With that said, these are the 10 best soccer players in the world and could also pass for the best soccer players of all time.
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- Lionel Messi
- Cristiano Ronaldo
- Pele
- Diego Maradona
- Ronaldo De Lima
- Marko Van Basten
- Micheal Platini
- Alfredo Di Stefano
- Johan Cruyff
- Zinedine Zidane
My apology if your favorite is not on my list as my favorite is not included as well. But then, let’s get to know why they are considered my top 10 best soccer players in the world.
1. Lionel Messi
Arguably the best soccer player in the world right now is Lionel Messi, and he is regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of football.
The former Barcelona star has been playing professionally since 2004 and has since become one of the most loved footballers in the game. I wept after seeing him finally lift the most prestigious trophy in football, the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
However, he is currently enjoying his game in France with Paris Saint-Germain, and so far he has recorded over 596 appearances for his previous clubs and his current team scoring 501 goals.
He has won a record seven Ballon d’Or awards, and six European Golden Shoes, and has also broken numerous records for goals scored and assists Including lots of honors.
He has the most goals in La Liga, the most hat-tricks in La Liga, the most assists in La Liga plus the most goals scored by a South American player.
Messi’s remarkable talent and skill have earned him admiration from fans and players alike, cementing his place as one of the greatest soccer players in the world today.
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2. Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo is certainly one player next after Messi, and his rivalry with him has been one of the most talked about in football.
Since his breakthrough at Sporting CP, the Portuguese star has been tearing up the pitch. He has won five Ballon d’Or awards, and four European Shoes to mention a few of his awards.
He has scored over 620 career goals, including 140 goals in the Champions League and over 300 goals for his former club team Real Madrid.
He has also led his country, Portugal, to success, with two European Championships and a Nations League trophy.
For, I love Ronaldo for his passion, skill, and determination, he is one goat every player should always be worried about.
And he is still showing this quality at the age of 38 in his current team Al Nassr recording 3 appearances and scoring 5 goals so far.
It’s no wonder why Ronaldo is regarded as one of the best players in the world, and one of the greatest players of all time.
3. Pele
Pele is undoubtedly one of the best soccer players ever. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time and has been labeled “the greatest” by FIFA.
However, Pele was the first player to reach 1,000 goals in his career and is the only player to have won three World Cup titles.
He was also a prolific scorer and is renowned for his excellent dribbling, accurate shooting, and ability to score from any angle. Though he is late, will forever be among the greatest player to ever play them
His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of soccer stars and he remains an iconic figure in the sport.
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4. Diego Maradona
Diego Maradona is widely regarded as one of the greatest soccer players of all time and is one of the two joint winners of the FIFA Player of the 20th Century award.
Maradona was an Argentine footballer who enjoyed immense success at both club and international levels. With over 590 appearances recording over 300 goals fo4 clubs career and international career.
He made 91 appearances for Argentina and scored 34 goals, leading them to World Cup glory in 1986. He also enjoyed successful spells at Barcelona and Napoli, winning two Serie A titles with the Italian side.
However, as of today, you wouldn’t want to skip his name from the best football players to ever play the game. Maradona’s influence and skill still live on through the current generation of superstars.
5. Ronaldo De Lima
Ronaldo de Lima, commonly known as ‘O Fenômeno’, is by far the deadliest striker in his generation.
He was one of the most dominant players in the world during his career, and his accolades include being named FIFA World Player of the Year three times and winning two Ballon d’Or awards.
Ronaldo began his professional career with Cruzeiro in 1993 before moving to PSV Eindhoven two years later.
He then went on to become one of Europe’s most feared strikers with Barcelona, Inter Milan, and Real Madrid, before finishing his career at Corinthians.
For clubs, he made a total of 584 appearances recording 280 goals. Plus, he made 113 appearances at the international level scoring 73 goals.
Throughout his time at the clubs, Ronaldo won multiple domestic and international titles, including the UEFA Champions League, La Liga, Serie A, Copa America, and World Cup.
At the international level, Ronaldo’s performance in the 2002 World Cup is often regarded as one of the greatest displays in football history where he scored 8 goals and led Brazil to their fifth World Cup title in an impressive fashion.
In all, Ronaldo De Lima is one of the best soccer players to ever play the game. His sheer skill and tremendous individual talent have made him one of the greatest players of all time.
6. Marko Van Basten
I consider Marko Van Basten one of the best and greatest soccer players of all time. During his career, he was named FIFA World Player of the Year in 1992 and won the Ballon d’Or three times, in 1988, 1989, and 1992.
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His notable achievements include being the top goal scorer for Ajax in 1987 and winning the European Cup with AC Milan in 1989.
He was renowned for his exceptional technical ability, power, and accuracy with both feet. Unfortunately, he was forced to retire at the age of 28 due to injury.
7. Michel Platini
Michel Platini is considered one of the greatest footballers of all time after he won the Ballon d’Or three times in a row, from 1983 to 1985 including numerous honors.
He was a French footballer and coach, who played for clubs such as AS Nancy, Saint-Étienne, and Juventus recording 432 appearances and scoring 224 goals.
He was known for his passing accuracy and vision, as well as his powerful shot, which allowed him to score several impressive goals. He also had a knack for penalty kicks and free kicks, making him an important set-piece specialist.
8. Alfredo Di Stefano
Alfredo Di Stefano is a legend in the football game, and he is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time. In some fans’ opinion, he is one of the most complete footballers ever to play the game.
However, Di Stéfano was awarded the Ballon d’Or for the European Footballer of the Year in 1957 and 1959.
And he is currently the sixth-highest scorer in the history of Spain’s top division, and Real Madrid’s third-highest league goalscorer of all time.
While many believe that Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo is the best soccer player in the world, it is impossible to deny that Alfredo Di Stefano is one of the greatest of all time.
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9. Johan Cruyff
Aside from being one of the best soccer players ever, I think Johan Cruyff is an important figure in modern football due to his football idea.
However, he is a Dutch forward, and he is most remembered for his stellar career with Ajax and Barcelona, as well as the Dutch national team.
During his playing days, Johan won the Ballon d’Or three times, in 1971, 1973, and 1974.
Although Johan retired in 1984, he remains a great influence on soccer today, inspiring generations of players who try to emulate his style.
Unpopular opinion, I believe Johan Cruyff is the true king of soccer as he understands the game so much. What we enjoy in the game today was practically introduced by him.
10. Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Zidane is a legendary former French footballer and manager who is considered by many to be the greatest soccer player of all time.
He was known for his remarkable technique, his flair, and his finesse, as well as his ability to score goals from midfield. He was awarded the FIFA World Player of the Year in 1998, 2000, and 2003, and won the 1998 Ballon d’Or.
Zidane had an incredible career at both club and international levels, winning two La Liga titles with Real Madrid and a UEFA Champions League title in 2002.
He also led France to a FIFA World Cup title in 1998, scoring two goals in the final. If you agree with me, when asked who is the best soccer player ever, many will point to Zidane.
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His impact on the game is still felt to this day and his legacy continues to be a source of inspiration for many aspiring players. He is a master, and his qualities, charisma, and controlling the games or receiving the ball are too easy.
Conclusion
There are lots of great players who have proven to be the best in the world on their day, and my list included great players who many fans co considered to be the best and greatest of all time.
So, if you ask me; who is the best soccer player right now? It’s certainly Lionel Messi. Or who do you think is the best in the world right now?
Kenneth is a an avid soccer follower, fan and writer. He is a consistent follower of the sport and is a fan of Chelsea FC.