The 10 Greatest Soccer Players of All Time According to AI

This article is published by AllBusiness.com, a partner of TIME.

Soccer, known as "the beautiful game," has captivated the hearts of millions for over a century. From its humble beginnings in the streets and fields of Europe and South America to its status as the most popular sport in the world, soccer has produced legends who have left an indelible mark on the game. These players transcended their eras, dazzling fans with their extraordinary talent, vision, and unrelenting passion for the sport.

What makes a soccer player truly great? It’s not just about goals scored or trophies won. It’s about the impact they’ve had on the game, their ability to inspire teammates, and the magic they bring to the pitch. These players have created unforgettable moments, broken records, and embodied the spirit of competition and sportsmanship.

In this article, we explore the ten greatest soccer (aka fútbol or football outside of the U.S.) players of all time, with research assistance from ChatGPT. From pioneers who shaped the early years of the sport to modern stars redefining the game, these legends represent the pinnacle of soccer excellence.

1. Pelé

Widely regarded as the greatest soccer player of all time, Pelé’s skill, vision, and scoring ability revolutionized the game. The Brazilian forward won three World Cups, a feat unmatched in soccer history, and scored over 1,200 goals during his illustrious career.

Full Name: Edson Arantes do Nascimento
Nationality: Brazilian
Era: 1956–1977
Notable Achievements: Three-time FIFA World Cup champion (1958, 1962, 1970)
Famous Clubs: Santos, New York Cosmos
Legacy: Credited with popularizing soccer in the United States during his time with the Cosmos

2. Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi is a magician with the ball at his feet. Known for his incredible dribbling, vision, and goal-scoring prowess, Messi has redefined modern soccer. With seven Ballon d'Or titles and numerous records to his name, he continues to inspire fans worldwide.

Full Name: Lionel Andrés Messi
Nationality: Argentine
Era: 2004–Present
Notable Achievements: 2022 FIFA World Cup champion, seven-time Ballon d'Or winner
Famous Clubs: FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain
Legacy: Widely regarded as the most complete player in history

3. Diego Maradona

Diego Maradona was a larger-than-life figure in soccer, celebrated for his genius on the field and his colorful personality off it. His "Hand of God" goal and solo effort against England in the 1986 World Cup quarterfinals remain some of the most iconic moments in the sport's history.

Full Name: Diego Armando Maradona
Nationality: Argentine
Era: 1976–1997
Notable Achievements: 1986 FIFA World Cup champion
Famous Clubs: Napoli, FC Barcelona
Legacy: Known for his dribbling and creativity, as well as controversies

4. Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo is a physical and technical marvel. Known for his goal-scoring ability, athleticism, and work ethic, Ronaldo has won numerous trophies and shattered records during his career. He is the all-time leading scorer in Champions League history.

Full Name: Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro
Nationality: Portuguese
Era: 2003–Present
Notable Achievements: Five-time Ballon d'Or winner, five-time UEFA Champions League winner
Famous Clubs: Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, Al-Nassr
Legacy: Known for his professionalism and longevity

5. Johan Cruyff

Johan Cruyff was more than a player; he was a visionary who revolutionized soccer. A pioneer of "Total Football," Cruyff’s influence extended beyond his playing career, as he became one of the game’s most innovative managers.

Full Name: Hendrik Johannes Cruijff
Nationality: Dutch
Era: 1964–1984
Notable Achievements: Three-time Ballon d'Or winner, led the Netherlands to the 1974 World Cup final
Famous Clubs: Ajax, FC Barcelona
Legacy: Creator of the “Cruyff Turn” and proponent of modern soccer tactics

6. Zinedine Zidane

Zinedine Zidane was elegance personified on the pitch. Known for his impeccable control, vision, and ability to perform in clutch moments, Zidane’s career was capped with a stunning volley in the 2002 Champions League final and a World Cup win in 1998.

Full Name: Zinedine Yazid Zidane
Nationality: French
Era: 1989–2006
Notable Achievements: 1998 FIFA World Cup champion, UEFA Champions League winner (2002)
Famous Clubs: Juventus, Real Madrid
Legacy: Transitioned into a successful managerial career

7. Alfredo Di Stéfano

Alfredo Di Stéfano was the heartbeat of Real Madrid’s dominance in the 1950s. A complete forward, Di Stéfano could score, create, and dictate the pace of the game, earning him a place among soccer’s all-time greats.

Full Name: Alfredo Stéfano Di Stéfano Laulhé
Nationality: Argentine/Spanish
Era: 1945–1966
Notable Achievements: Five consecutive European Cup titles with Real Madrid
Famous Clubs: Real Madrid, River Plate
Legacy: One of the most versatile players in history

8. George Best

George Best was a dazzling talent with incredible dribbling and goal-scoring abilities. Despite a career marred by off-field struggles, his brilliance on the pitch remains unforgettable.

Full Name: George Best
Nationality: Northern Irish
Era: 1963–1984
Notable Achievements: 1968 European Cup winner
Famous Clubs: Manchester United
Legacy: Often referred to as the first celebrity footballer

9. Franz Beckenbauer

Franz Beckenbauer, known as "The Kaiser," was the architect of modern defensive play. As a sweeper, he brought elegance and control to the backline while leading Germany to World Cup glory.

Full Name: Franz Anton Beckenbauer
Nationality: German
Era: 1964–1983
Notable Achievements: 1974 FIFA World Cup champion
Famous Clubs: Bayern Munich, New York Cosmos
Legacy: Innovated the sweeper position

10. Gerd Müller

Gerd Müller, "The Bomber," was a prolific goal scorer who dominated in front of goal. His uncanny ability to find the net made him one of the most feared forwards of his time.

Full Name: Gerhard Müller
Nationality: German
Era: 1964–1981
Notable Achievements: 1974 FIFA World Cup champion, 1972 European Championship winner
Famous Clubs: Bayern Munich
Legacy: Held the record for most goals in a calendar year until surpassed by Lionel Messi

Conclusion on Top Soccer Players

The ten players on this list represent the pinnacle of soccer excellence, showcasing the best the game has to offer. From Pelé’s artistry to Ronaldo’s unmatched work ethic, these players have inspired generations with their incredible talent and determination. Each brought something unique to the game, leaving a legacy that continues to influence the sport.

Soccer’s greatest legends remind us of the universal power of the game to unite, inspire, and thrill. Their contributions to soccer go beyond goals and trophies—they’ve given us moments of pure magic and helped the beautiful game capture the hearts of fans around the world.

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About the Authors:

Richard D. Harroch is a Senior Advisor to CEOs, management teams, and Boards of Directors. He is an expert on M&A, venture capital, startups, and business contracts. He was the Managing Director and Global Head of M&A at VantagePoint Capital Partners, a venture capital fund in the San Francisco area. His focus is on internet, digital media, AI and technology companies. He was the founder of several Internet companies. His articles have appeared online in Forbes, Fortune, MSN, Yahoo, Fox Business and AllBusiness.com. Richard is the author of several books on startups and entrepreneurship as well as the co-author of Poker for Dummies and a Wall Street Journal-bestselling book on small business. He is the co-author of a 1,500-page book published by Bloomberg on mergers and acquisitions of privately held companies. He was also a corporate and M&A partner at the international law firm of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe. He has been involved in over 200 M&A transactions and 250 startup financings. He can be reached through LinkedIn.

Dominique Harroch is the Chief of Staff at AllBusiness.com. She has acted as a Chief of Staff or Operations Leader for multiple companies where she leveraged her extensive experience in operations management, strategic planning, and team leadership to drive organizational success. With a background that spans over two decades in operations leadership, event planning at her own start-up and marketing at various financial and retail companies. Dominique is known for her ability to optimize processes, manage complex projects and lead high-performing teams. She holds a BA in English and Psychology from U.C. Berkeley and an MBA from the University of San Francisco. She can be reached via LinkedIn.