
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.
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
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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
Ans: Miroslav Klose from Germany has the highest goals in the FIFA World Cup. He has scored a total of 16 goals and played 24 matches.
Ans: Cristiano Ronaldo nowadays plays his role as a Striker. Earlier he used to play Midfielder.
Ans: Cristiano Ronaldo has more social media followers. He has over 622 Million followers on Instagram.
Ans: Faiq Bolkiah, with an over $20 Billion net worth, is just after Lionel Messi with a $600 Million net worth.
Ans: Pelé has more than one World Cup trophy as a player. He has won on separate occasions, the first time in 1958 and 1962, and then 1970. But as a captain, no player has won more than one trophy.
Ans: Lionel Messi has more trophies than anyone. He has over 44 trophies in his career.