The 14 Best Latin American Playmakers in World Cup History

From mustachioed 70s artists to modern Golden Boot winners, these number 10s bent World Cups to their will with vision and flair. Who pulled the strings best?

1

Lionel Messi

Argentina's record-breaking maestro who orchestrated the 2022 World Cup triumph and won the Golden Ball twice.

1000pts

BE

2

Diego Maradona

Argentina's genius number 10 who almost single-handedly won the 1986 World Cup with iconic goals and assists.

631pts

3

Socrates

Brazil's elegant, philosophical midfield captain whose backheels and vision graced the 1982 World Cup.

546pts

4

Zico

Brazil's White Pele, a free-kick and playmaking artist who masterminded the beloved 1982 World Cup team.

546pts

5

James Rodriguez

Colombia's playmaker who won the 2014 World Cup Golden Boot with six goals, including a stunning volley against Uruguay.

473pts

6

Enzo Francescoli

Uruguay's elegant Prince, a graceful creator who captained his country at the 1986 and 1990 World Cups.

387pts

7

Pele

Brazil's three-time World Cup winner whose creative brilliance and assists at 1958 and 1970 redefined the game.

387pts

8

Ronaldinho

Brazil's joyful magician whose audacious skills inspired the 2002 World Cup-winning campaign.

387pts

9

Teofilo Cubillas

Peru's greatest ever player, a stylish playmaker who scored five goals at both the 1970 and 1978 World Cups.

387pts

10

Juan Roman Riquelme

Argentina's classic enganche whose languid elegance and pinpoint passing defined the 2006 World Cup side.

387pts

11

Kaka

Brazil's surging attacking midfielder who carried the creative burden across the 2006 and 2010 World Cups.

387pts

12

Carlos Valderrama

Colombia's flamboyant, big-haired playmaker whose vision and passing lit up three World Cups in the 1990s.

284pts

13

Rivellino

Brazil's mustachioed creator whose thunderous left foot and trickery starred at the 1970 World Cup.

158pts

14

Cuauhtemoc Blanco

Mexico's charismatic playmaker, famous for the Cuauhteminha hop, who starred across three World Cups.

158pts