Who is The Best Soccer Player in The World: Best 30 Elite Players

Choosing the GOAT(Greatest of All Time) in any sport is an impossible task, especially in soccer where fans all around the globe are ready to go to war with each other to determine who is the best soccer player in the world. 

There are a lot of factors that we need to determine before choosing the players for the elite top 10 soccer players of all time list. No doubt players like Ronaldo, Messi, Maradona, and Pelé are among them, but choosing other players might be a tough call. First, let’s start with the top 30 best soccer players, then we’ll get to the best soccer player in the world.

We have prepared this list considering those who have scored a higher number of goals, high achievements, most appearances, and better skills. So without keeping you waiting let’s begin.

Stats of 30 Famous Players in Soccer

Below we have made the list of 30 popular and best soccer players, their total goals, and appearances in their careers.

Ranking	Name	Goals	Appearances
	Cristiano Ronaldo	876	1207
	Lionel Messi	827	1048
	Pelé	683	739
	Maradona	194	435
	Johan Cruyff	339	602
	Ferenc Puskás	292	330
	Franz Beckenbauer	177	724
	Ronaldo	360	554
	Zinedine Zidane	233	798
	Alfredo Di Stéfano	322	458
	Michel Platini	338	622
	Gerd Müller	636	673
	Paolo Maldini	40	1027
	Zlatan Ibrahimović	558	949
	Franco Baresi	34	797
	Kaká	214	651
	Mané  Garrincha	12	52
	Marco van Basten	301	431
	Zico	115	184
	Lev Yashin	(Goal Keeper)	432
	Ronaldinho	230	643
	Xavi	123	1061
	Andrés Iniesta	104	998
	Gareth Bale	226	665
	Ruud Gullit	236	642
	Sir Bobby Charlton	280	782
	Eusébio	100	143
	David Beckham	144	839
	Roberto Baggio	304	660
	Cafu	21	573

Data Source: Transfermarkt

These stats have been aggregated from Transfermarkt as it was difficult to obtain data on 80s and 90s players. We haven’t included the data of the junior country team. 

Also Read: 10 Best Openers in the World: The Opening Champions

Top 30 Soccer Players in The World

30. Cafu

Kicking off with who is the best soccer player in the world at rank 30 we have Cafu, one of the greatest defenders Brazil has ever seen. He is the most capped Brazil player who represented his country in 4 FIFA World Cups and won 2 out of them. Known for his pace and energy in the field he has contributed a lot to his country. Prior to winning the World Cup he also contributed to winning the Copa America.

Teams	Timeline	Appearances	Goals	Assists
AS Roma	1997-2003	218	8	35
AC Milan	2003-2008	166	4	22
São Paulo	1991-1994	31	2	1
Real Zaragoza	1994-1995	13	–	–
Palmeiras	1996-1997	2	2	–
Brazil	1990-2006	143	5	17

Achievements:

• 2 times World Cup winner
• 2 times Copa America winner
• 1 time Champion League winner 
• 1 time FIFA World Cup winner
• 2 times Italian and UEFA Super Cup winner

29. Roberto Baggio

Infamous for his ponytail who took Italy to the 1994 World Cup final, Robert Baggio was Italy’s greatest player at the time. He became the first Italian to score goals in three World Cups. After he retired in 2004 he dedicated his life to charity and worked for several organizations.

Teams	Timeline	Appearances	Goals	Assists
Juventus	1990-1995	452	205	118
Fiorentina	1985-1990	136	55	24
Brescia	2000-2004	101	46	29
AC Milan	1995-1997	67	19	23
Inter Milan	1998-1999	59	17	18
Bologna	1997-1998	33	23	10
Vicenza	1984	8	2	–
All-Stars		1	1	–
Italy	1988-2004	56	27	14

Achievements:

• 1 time Ballon d’Or
• 1 time FIFA Best Player
• 1 time Top Scorer
• 1 time UEFA and Italian Cup winner
• 2 times Italian Champion

28. David Beckham

Well choosing who is the best soccer player in the world might be tough but choosing the most handsome soccer player this guy is at the top. The most underrated talent David Beckham was rising when he was with Manchester United where he attained huge success. Beckham proudly served the England national team during his brilliant career becoming one of the country’s most popular sporting stars. His long reputation as a football great is defined by his skill, professionalism, and worldwide effect, cementing his place as one of the sport’s biggest individuals.

Teams	Timeline	Appearances	Goals	Assists
Manchester United	1992-2003	395	85	120
Real Madrid	2003-2007	159	20	52
LA Galaxy	2007-2008 and 2010-2012	124	20	42
AC Milan	2009	33	2	9
Paris SG	2012-2013	14	–	2
England	1996-2009	115	17	42

Achievements:

• 1 time UEFA Best Player
• 1 time UEFA Champions League winner
• 6 times English Champion
• 1 time French and Spanish Champion
• 2 times English FA winner

27. Eusébio

He dominated through the period with Portugal and Benfica. Eusébio did not claim to have scored over 1,000 career goals, although he got close. He would have been regarded as the finest Portuguese talent the game has ever seen. Nobody could match his contribution to Portugal for a very long time and ultimately got overshadowed by another greatest player who is ranked 1 on this list. Eusébio remains one of football’s best finishes.

Teams	Timeline	Appearances	Goals	Assists
Benfica	1961 – 1975	301	317	Unknown
Portugal	1961 – 1973	64	41	Unknown

Achievements:

• 1 time Ballon d’Or winner
• 12 times Top Goal Scorer
• 11 times Portuguese Champion
• 1 time European Champion Club

26. Sir Bobby Charlton

One of the 4 Englishmen who has won the Ballon d’Or and the most legendary footballer ever produced by England. Sir Bobby Charlton’s playing style thrilled viewers all over the world, because of his powerful thunderous shots and incredible vision on the pitch. Beyond his playing career, he remained an influential figure in football as a renowned guide to future generations.

Teams	Timeline	Appearances	Goals	Assists
Manchester United	1956 – 1973	686	231	10
England	1958 – 1970	106	49	1

Achievements:

• 1 time Ballon d’Or
• 1 time World Cup winner
• 1 time Footballer of the Year and Top Goal Scorer
• 1 time European Champion
• 3 times English Champion

25. Ruud  Gullit

Gullit’s extraordinary talent and athleticism made him one of Europe’s most in-demand players. In the late 1980s, Gullit was the unstoppable force that led an unstoppable AC Milan force that dominated European football. While the big Dutchman is most renowned for his famous haircut and mustache, but there is no way we could ignore Gullit’s talent on the field.

Teams	Timeline	Appearances	Goals	Assists
Haarlem	1979 – 1982	100	36	13
Feyenoord	1982 – 1985	103	41	13
PSV Eindhoven	1985 – 1987	75	53	29
AC Milan	1987 – 1994	171	56	40
Sampdoria	1994 – 1995	63	26	5
Chelsea	1995 – 1998	64	7	0
Netherlands	1981 – 1994	66	17	7

Achievements:

• 1 time Ballon d’Or
• 2 times Footballer of the Year
• 1 time Top Goal Scorer
• 2 times European Champion Club Winner and UEFA Super Cup winner
• 3 times Italian Champion

24. Gareth Bale

Moving further with the list of who is the best soccer player in the world Gareth Bale might surprise you but he totally deserves to be here. Well, you should remember his hat-trick against Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League proved why he is among the emerging players. During his tenure with The Whites (Real Madrid), he scored many memorable goals and he was one of the most expensive transfers at that time. 

Teams	Timeline	Appearances	Goals	Assists
Southampton	2006-2007	45	5	12
Tottenham	2007-2013	202	55	55
Real Madrid	2013-2020	258	106	67
Tottenham	2020-2021	34	16	3
LA FC	2022-2023	14	3	0
Wales	2006-2022	111	40	22

Achievements:

• 7 times Footballer of the Year
• 2 times Top Goal Scorer
• 1 time Player of the Year
• 5 times Champions League winner
• 3 times FIFA Club World Cup Champion
• 3 times UEFA Super Cup
• 3 times Spanish Champion
• 1 time Spanish Cup winner

23. Andrés Iniesta

Andrés Iniesta played a pivotal role during Barcelona’s dominant era. His contribution mostly gets overshadowed due to rank 2 of the list,  but he had his moment when he scored a goal during extra time at the 2010 FIFA World Cup final. Renowned for his outstanding ball control, elegant passing, and extraordinary vision, as well as his ability to execute under pressure he earned international respect.

Teams	Timeline	Appearances	Goals	Assists
Barcelona	2002-2018	674	57	136
Vissel Kobe	2018-2023	134	26	25
Emirates	2023 – present	10	2	1
Spain	2006-2018	134	14	Unknown

Achievements:

• 1 time World Cup Winner
• 1 time UEFA Player in Europe
• 1 time Footballer of the Year and Player of the Year
• 4 times Champion League
• 9 times Spanish Champion
• 3 times FIFA Club World Cup winner

22. Xavi

A player who has filled his closet with every trophy except Ballon d’Or. Xavi Hernandez was amazing at his peak but got overshadowed by the rank 1 and rank 2 on this list dominance. He and Iniesta were just like brothers of destruction, they were the perfect combination on the field of soccer which dominated the entire European football with Barcelona and Spain. 

Teams	Timeline	Appearances	Goals	Assists
Barcelona	1998-2015	767	85	185
Al-Sadd	2015-2019	99	23	30
Spain	2000-2014	133	12	25

Achievements:

• 1 time Footballer of the Year
• 1 time World Cup winner
• 2 times European Champion
• 4 times Champions League Winner
• 8 times Spanish Champion
• 2 times UEFA Super Cup Winner
• 1 time Qatari Champion 

21. Ronaldinho

The world witnessed the special player who actually enjoyed the game and always carried a smile whenever he was on the field. The way he used to glide across the opponents was flawless and you could watch that several times. Although having a great career in between but his final year as a professional footballer was quite sad as his name just flourished. 

Teams	Timeline	Appearances	Goals	Assists
Grêmio	1998-2001	10	1	1
PSG	2001–2003	77	25	17
Barcelona	2003–2008	207	94	70
AC Milan	2008-2011	95	26	29
Flamengo	2011–2012	44	19	13
Atletico Mineiro	2012-2014	73	24	28
Queretaro	2014-2015	30	8	8
Fluminense	2015	9	0	0
Brazil	1999-2013	97	33	Unknown

Achievements: 

• 2 times Best FIFA Player
• 1 time Ballon d’Or
• 1 time World Cup winner
• 1 time Copa America winner
• 1 time Champions League winner
• 2 time Spanish Cup and Spanish Super Cup Champion

20. Lev Yashin

Well moving on with the list of who is the best soccer player in the world the only goalkeeper we have is the legend, Lev Yashin. You can imagine how good he was as he is the only goalkeeper to win the Ballon d’Or and whenever the name of best keeper comes in his name is always on top. 

Teams	Timeline	Appearances	Goals	Assists
Dynamo Moscow	1950-1970	358
Soviet Union	1954-1970	74

Achievements:

• 1 time Ballon d’Or
• 1 time European Champion
• 5 times Soviet Champion

19. Zico

Zico, also known as white Pelé, his dribbling skills and passing abilities always left the viewers in awe. He had that amazing accuracy that whenever he used to reach near the goal post he would score. Talking about his brilliance he wowed spectators with his innovation and class. Despite never winning a World Cup, his influence on the game went beyond trophies, gaining him worldwide appreciation and respect.

Teams	Timeline	Appearances	Goals	Assists
Brazil	1976-1986	71	48	21
Udinese Calcio	1983-1985	54	30	5
Kashima Antler	1991-1994	37	21	1
Flamengo	1967-1983 and 1985-1989	22	16	6

Achievements:

• 3 times Top Goal Scorer
• 4 times Brazilian Champion
• 1 time Japanese Champion

18. Marco van Basten

He would’ve had a different career if he wouldn’t have gotten injured. Marco Van Basten was the rising superstar for the Netherlands until he took early retirement due to his ankle injury. Marco van Basten’s three Ballons d’Or wins are evidence of his talent, but it remained a ‘what could’ve been’ narrative. That’s how talented Marco van Basten was and his emerging all-time career went short.

Teams	Timeline	Appearances	Goals	Assists
Ajax	1981 – 1987	172	152	34
AC Milan	1987 – 1995	201	125	49
Netherlands	1983 – 1992	58	24	9

Achievements:

• 1 time FIFA Best Player
• 3 times Ballon d’Or
• 9 times Top Goal Scorer
• 1 time Footballer of the Year
• 1 time European Champion
• 2 times European Champion Club and UEFA Super Cup winner
• 3 Times Italian Champion

17. Mané  Garrincha

Till now we have mentioned the best and famous soccer players who worked really hard but this guy was just unorthodox. Despite having one leg 6 cm shorter than the other and his right leg bent inward and left leg outward doctor certified him as a cripple. Despite never training instead preferring to go to the beach and play football with his friends, and despite having ‘bent legs’ and absolutely nothing to showcase in his trophy cabinet, Mané  Garrincha is one of the finest players of all time.

Teams	Timeline	Appearances	Goals	Assists
Botafogo	1953-1965	238	84	Unknown
Brazil	1955-1966	50	12	Unknown

Achievements: 

• 2 times World Cup winner
• 1 time Top Goal Scorer

16. Kaká

Kaká probably won’t be the best soccer player in the world but no one can forget his peak. From the period of 2000-2009, he won every prestigious trophy such as best FIFA men player in 2007, World Cup in 2002, Ballon d’Or in 2007, and so on. Kaká possessed a unique combination of physical power and amazing technical skill. The former Brazil star was the most complete attacking midfielder of the 2000s.

Teams	Timeline	Appearances	Goals	Assists
AC Milan	2003-2009 and 2013-2014	307	84	81
São Paulo	2000–2003	46	19	8
Real Madrid	2009–2013	120	29	39
Orlando City	2014–2017	78	25	19
Brazil	2002-2016	92	29	Unknown

Achievements: 

• 1 time Ballon d’Or and UEFA Best Player in Europe 
• 1 time FIFA Best Player and Top Goal Scorer
• 3 times Player of the Year
• 1 time Word Cup winner
• 1 time FIFA Club World Cup winner
• 1 time Champions League winner

15. Franco Baresi

Now we have come halfway to a comprehensive list of who is the best soccer player in the world. Baresi is among the greatest defenders Italy has ever produced. Despite being the second-highest-ranked Italian center-back on the list, his defensive knowledge was nearly unrivaled. Baresi came extremely close to winning the Ballon d’Or when he placed second in 1989. Baresi was a real one-club man, rising through the junior ranks at AC Milan and spending the entirety of his professional career with the Rossoneri. Italian players are renowned for defending, and Baresi was no exception.

Teams	Timeline	Appearances	Goals	Assists
AC Milan	1977 – 1997	716	33	24
Italy	1982 – 1994	81	1	Unknown

Achievements:

• 1 time Top Goal Scorer
• 1 time World Cup winner
• 3 times UEFA Super Cup Champion
• 6 times Italian Champion
• 1 time champion League winner
• 2 times European Champion Club winner

14. Zlatan Ibrahimović

Zlatan is the most underrated striker. Although his list of trophies may not be filled with prestigious titles. He has been awarded Footballer of the Year 15 times and oldest player to receive it at the age of 39. His infamous overhead kick during Sweden vs England in 2012 is still arguably the greatest goal of the decade. Zlatan scored the most goals for Milan in his final run, helping finish runners-up in Serie A and return to the Champions League. He became the oldest non-Italian scorer in Serie A in 123-year history, helping his club win the title for the first time in 11 years with serious ligament injury.

Teams	Timeline	Appearances	Goals	Assists
Sweden	2001-2023	122	62	25
AC Milan	2010-2012 and 2019-2023	163	93	35
Paris SG	2012-2016	180	156	62
Inter Milan	2006-2009	117	66	30
Ajax	2001-2005	110	48	17
Juventus	2004-2006	92	26	19
Los Angeles	2018-2019	58	53	15
Manchester United	2016-2018	53	29	10
Barcelona	2009-2010	46	22	13
Malmö FF	1999-2001	8	3	3

Achievements:

• 1 time Puskás Award winner
• 15 times Footballer of the Year
• 6 times Top Goal Scorer
• 1 time FIFA Club World Cup winner
• 5 times Italian Champion
• 1 time UEFA Super Cup winner

13. Paolo Maldini

It has been said that Paolo Maldini’s real age is younger than his actual age. The way he used to perform at the age of 36 was just like a professional soccer player if he was in his early 30s. He made the art of defending look effortless and has incredible in-game tactics. Having a lustrous career his only disappointment was when Italy came runner ups in the 1994 World Cup and Euro Cup in 2000.

Teams	Timeline	Appearances	Goals	Assists
AC Milan	1984 – 2009	647	29	28
Italy	1988 – 2002	138	12	Unknown

Achievements: 

• 3 times Champion League winner
• 2 times European Champion Club winner
• 7 times Italian Champion
• 1 time FIFA Club World Cup winner
• 4 times UEFA Super Cup winner

12. Gerd Müller

Müller is the Bundesliga’s all-time highest goalscorer, with 365 goals. In a single season, he scored 67 goals in only 49 games. He looked faster than anyone in the field even though he wasn’t fast, it was his ability to react faster than anyone else. He had the remarkable skill of being present at the right time at the right place which made him the greatest German footballer the world has ever seen.

Teams	Timeline	Appearances	Goals	Assists
Bayern Munich	1964 -1979	611	568	102
Germany	1966 – 1974	63	69	Unknown

Achievements:

• 1 time Ballon d’Or
• 1 time World Cup winner
• 2 times Footballer of the Year
• 17 times Top Goal Scorer of the Year
• 1 time European Champion
• 3 Times European Champion Clubs
• 4 times German Champion and German cup winner

11. Michel Platini

All credit for making France as a powerful football nation goes to Michel Platini. He was just so mesmerizing to watch him on the field that even Pelé couldn’t resist complimenting him. He guided France to win the major title league and retired at his peak and inspired many latter to take France to newer heights. Later, Michel was appointed as UEFA president.

Teams	Timeline	Appearances	Goals	Assists
AS Nancy	1972 – 1979	182	110	Unknown
Saint-Étienne	1979 – 1982	145	83	Unknown
Juventus	1982 – 1987	223	104	49
France	1976 – 1987	72	41	17

Achievements:

• 3 times Ballon d’Or
• 2 times Footballer of the Year
• 4 times Top Goal Scorer
• 1 time European Champion
• 2 times Italian Champion

10. Alfredo Di Stéfano

Now we have officially started with the top 10 elite list of the best soccer players of all time. And no wonder Alfredo deserves to be in the top 10. He is the 4th highest goal scorer for Real Madrid, he was the most complete footballer of his generation, and no one could even match him during his peak. Playing with the attacking striker Puskás and Gento for Real Madrid destroyed every other team during that era. Unfortunately, he never got any chance to play in the World Cup but that doesn’t define his career.

Teams	Timeline	Appearances	Goals	Assists
Millionarios	1949 – 1953	1	2	Unknown
Real Madrid	1953 – 1964	360	276	2
Espanyol	1964 – 1966	56	13	Unknown
Argentina	1947	6	6	Unknown
Spain	1957 – 1961	31	23	Unknown

Achievements:

• 2 times Ballon d’Or
• 10 times Top Goal Scorer
• 1 time Copa America winner
• 5 times European Champion
• 8 times Spanish Champion 

9. Zinedine Zidane

Zidane is widely recognized as the finest complete midfielder. His control over the ball was phenomenal. His ability to change through the gears and drive through the field has rarely been matched. He scored 3 world cup final goals and one of the best goals of a decade in the UEFA 2002 final helping Real Madrid to win against Bayer Leverkusen 2-1.

Teams	Timeline	Appearances	Goals	Assists
Cannes	1989 – 1992	71	6	Unknown
Bordeaux	1992 – 1996	179	39	23
Juventus	1996 – 2001	212	31	50
Real Madrid	2001 – 2006	227	49	68
France	1994 – 2006	108	31	30

Achievements:

• 3 times best FIFA Player and Footballer of the Year
• 1 time Ballon d’Or 
• 1 time World Cup winner
• 1 time European League Champion
• 1 time Champions League and Spanish Champion
• 3 times Intercontinental Cup winner

8. Ronaldo

Ronaldo’s career has been overlooked a lot of times just because of his name. Ronaldo (R9) was a generational icon, the ultimate all-rounder, and a player who surpassed brilliance. The Brazilian great had it all, physical dominance, technical talent, and his deadly runs when he needed to be at all times.

Teams	Timeline	Appearances	Goals	Assists
Cruzeiro	1993 – 1994	10	2	Unknown
PSV Eindhoven	1994 – 1996	57	54	7
Barcelona	1996 – 1997	49	47	13
Inter Milan	1997 – 2002	99	59	10
Real Madrid	2002 – 2007	177	103	35
AC Milan	2007 – 2008	20	9	5
Corinthians	2009 – 2011	42	24	6
Brazil	1994 – 2011	99	62	32

Achievements: 

• 3 times Best FIFA Men’s Player
• 2 times World Cup winner
• 1 time UEFA Best Player
• 1 time Footballer of the Year
• 6 times Top Goal Scorer
• 2 times COPA America winner
• 2 times UEFA Super Cup and Spanish Champion winner

7. Franz Beckenbauer

One of the two defenders to win the Ballon d’Or as a defender and also twice is something that would be written with golden words in his book. The only defender on the top 10 best soccer players of all time is due to the fact that not only he was a brilliant defender but scored goals and his trophy cabinet is filled with prestigious titles.

Teams	Timeline	Appearances	Goals	Assists
Bayern Munich	1964 – 1977	582	74	75
Hamburger SV	1980 – 1982	38	0	0
West Germany	1965 – 1977	103	14	10

Achievements:

• 1 time World Cup winner
• 4 times Footballer of the Year
• 2 times Ballon d’Or
• 1 time European Champion
• 3 times European Champion Club
• 4 times German Cup winner

6. Ferenc Puskás

You are simply a legend if you have an award named after you. Till now only a few strikers are compared with the striking ability of Puskás. His peak form came during the 1950s when he helped Real Madrid win 5 La Liga titles, he gave us the match of the century between England and Hungary in which Hungary defeated England by 6-3 in which Puskás scored 2 spectacular goals.

Teams	Timeline	Appearances	Goals	Assists
Honvéd SE	1943 – 1956	6	4	Unknown
Real Madrid	1958 – 1966	231	201	Unknown
Hungary	1945 – 1956	93	88	Unknown

Achievements: 

• 8 times Top Goal Scorer
• 3 times European Champion
• 5 times Spanish Champion
• 1 time Spanish Cup winner

5. Johan Cruyff

Famous for his tactical designs Dutch player Cruyff may not have world cup in his trophy. But his skills and technical aspects were entertaining to watch for fans. Very few people have ever shown the exceptional game sense that the Dutch attacker possessed. At Barcelona, he was allowed to play in his own style, which he did magnificently.

Teams	Timeline	Appearances	Goals	Assists
Ajax	1964 – 1973 and 1981 – 1983	325	227	180
Barcelona	1973 – 1978	180	60	8
Feyenoord	1983 – 1984	44	13	3
Netherlands	1966 – 1977	48	33	30

Achievements:

• 3 times Ballon d’Or and European Champion
• 7 times Top Goal Scorer
• 6 times Dutch Cup winner
• 1 time Spanish Champion 
• 1 time Spanish Cup winner 
• 1 time UEFA Super Cup winner

4. Maradona

Rarely is a player idolized to the level that Maradona has become. Maradona’s cabinet may not be filled with lustrous trophies for a guy who is often regarded as the greatest footballer of all time. But that doesn’t define his career alone. Maradona’s famous dribbling skills, aims, marksman-like passing ability, and unwavering passion to win changed Napoli and Argentine football.

Teams	Timeline	Appearances	Goals	Assists
Barcelona	1982 – 1984	58	38	23
Napoli	1984 – 1991	257	115	71
Sevilla	1992 – 1993	29	7	10
Argentina	1977 – 1994	84	32	20

Achievements:

• 1 times World Cup winner
• 4 times Footballer of the Year
• 5 times Top Goal Scorer
• 1 time UEFA Champion
• 2 times Italian Champion

3. Pelé

Pelé left behind a legacy that nobody could ever match, his status as king of Brazil will never be taken and his contribution will never die. The number of goals scored by Pelé is still unsure by officials as Guinness World Record credits him with 1,279 goals but FIFA has recorded over 1,281 goals.

But the below stats show less than 200 goals which is due to lack of credibility. Pelé is the only famous soccer player who has won 3 World Cups, arguable he could be the greatest of all time.

Teams	Timeline	Appearances	Goals	Assists
Santos	1956 – 1974	583	569	unknown
New York Cosmos	1975-1877	64	37	unknown
Brazil	1957 – 1971	92	77	unknown

Source: Wikipedia

Achievements:

• 3 times World Cup winner
• 6 times Top Goal Scorer
• 6 times Brazilian Champion
• 2 times Copa Libertadores Champion

2. Messi

Well it would be sad for Messi fans that they didn’t get to see Messi on top of the list. The 2022 World Cup-winning captain has broken most of the records which is the most goals in La Liga and Copa de Espana. Messi also holds 41 Guinness world records. Also, Messi holds the most number of Ballon d’Or which is eight.  

Teams	Timeline	Appearances	Goals	Assists
Barcelona	2004 – 2021	778	672	303
PSG	2021 – 2023	75	32	35
Inter Miami	2023 – Present	14	11	5
Argentina	2005 – Present	180	106	56

Achievements:

• 8 times Best FIFA Player and Ballon D’Or
• 23 times Top Scorer
• 3 times UEFA Best Player
• 1 time World Cup winner 
• 1 time Copa America winner
• 4 times Champions League winner 
• 10 times Spanish Champion
• 8 times Spanish Super Cup winner
• 3 times UEFA Super Cup winner

1. Cristiano Ronaldo

Well Cristiano Ronaldo doesn’t only deserve to be in the top 10 best soccer players of all time but also an easy pick for us to place him as the 1. Even at the age of 39 his hard work and dedication can be seen on the field and his most aesthetic physique says it all.

Although, Ronaldo doesn’t have any World Cup on his list of achievements he positively looking forward to playing in the 2026 World Cup. Ronaldo has 5 Ballon d’Ors and 5 Champion Leagues and is the highest goal scorer for Real Madrid and has surpassed all the records in soccer history.

Teams	Timeline	Appearances	Goals	Assists
Sporting CP	2002 – 2003	31	5	6
Manchester United	2003 – 2009 and 2021 – 2022	346	145	64
Real Madrid	2009 – 2018	438	450	131
Juventus	2018 – 2021	134	101	22
Al-Nassr	2023 – Present	53	47	13
Portugal	2002 – Present	205	128	46

Achievements:

• 1-time Portuguese Super Cup, Italian Cup winner
• 2 times English Super Sup, Italian Super Cup, Spanish Super Cup, Spanish Cup, and English League Cup winner
• 14 times Footballer of the Year
• 5 times BALLON D’OR
• 3 times Best FIFA Player
• 4 times Best UEFA Player
• 1 time FIFA Puskás AWARD
• 5 time Champions League winner

Final Thoughts

These were the list of top soccer player contenders to help you determine who is the best soccer player in the world. But at the end of the day, everyone has different opinions and we may have missed some of the legends in the list that you think belong here.

Read Next: Top 10 Fastest Century in ODI Cricket History

FAQs