Who is the greatest football player of all time?

From pre-war pioneers and black-and-white legends to the superstars of the modern game, this ranking pits football's most celebrated talents against each other across the generations — attacking geniuses, dribbling magicians, midfield maestros and all-conquering winners. There's no neutral answer here, so cast your vote and settle the eternal argument.

1

Lionel Messi

Argentine maestro, all-time top Ballon d'Or winner and 2022 World Cup champion.

2

Cristiano Ronaldo

Portuguese goal machine and record international scorer across four leagues.

3

Pelé

Brazilian icon and three-time World Cup winner, football's first global superstar.

4

Diego Maradona

Argentine genius who almost single-handedly won the 1986 World Cup.

5

Johan Cruyff

Dutch visionary of Total Football and a three-time Ballon d'Or winner.

6

Zinedine Zidane

Elegant French playmaker, 1998 World Cup winner and Champions League hero.

7

Ronaldo Nazário

Brazil's 'O Fenômeno', a devastating striker and 2002 World Cup winner.

8

Franz Beckenbauer

German libero who redefined defending and lifted the World Cup as player and manager.

9

Alfredo Di Stéfano

Complete forward who powered Real Madrid's early European dominance.

10

Ronaldinho

Brazilian magician whose joyful skill defined an era at Barcelona.

11

Michel Platini

French playmaker and three-time Ballon d'Or winner, Euro 1984's star.

12

George Best

Mercurial Northern Irish winger and Manchester United great.

13

Garrincha

Brazilian dribbling wizard and joy of the 1962 World Cup.