Football Kings

Best football players ever

Football has known many great players, this list is about the best football players ever. They are the players who mastered the game the best, became legends at their clubs, countries and all over the world.

Diego Maradona

Born: October 30, 1960 (age 53), Lanús, Argentina
Height: 1.65 m
Spouse: Claudia Villafañe (m. 1984–2004)
Position: Midfielder
Nicknames: El Diez, Dieguito, Barrilete Cósmico, Maradona, Diegote, D10S, El Pibe de Oro, El 10, Pelusa, Barrilete, CósmicoDiego Maradona winner of the 1986 World Cup and two Italian Championships with Napoli is the number one on our list of best football players ever. Maradona almost single handedly won the World Cup with Argentina in 1986. He became most famous for his two goals against England in the quarter finals. The first goal was made with his hands and would be called "The Hand of God". The second was a goal of outstanding class and would be voted "Goal of the Century" in 2002. Thanks to Maradona Napoli won their only two Serie A Championships so far and won the UEFA Cup in 1989. At his time with Napoli Maradona looked like somebody from another planet, he was just unstoppable. Maradona was a great dribbler but could also give great passes to his teammates. He is the number 1 on our list because he could win with a team that would normally not even have a change of winning.

Pelé

Born: October 23, 1940 (age 73), Três Corações, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Full name: Edison Arantes do Nascimento
Number: 10
Movies: Escape to Victory, Hot Shot, Os Trapalhões e o Rei do Futebol
Spouse: Assíria Lemos Seixas (m. 1994–2008), Rosemeri dos Reis Cholbi (m. 1966–1982)
Awards: BBC Overseas Sports Personality of the Year, more

"The king of football" Pelé was a Brazilian football player who scored more than 1000 goals in his career and became 3 times winner of the World Cup with Brazil. He played most of his career at Santos where he won the Copa libertadores and Intercontinental Cup twice. Pele was known to be great in all aspects of the game, he was great in shooting, heading, dribbling, passing and even defending although he was an attacker. He´s greatness in football makes him the number 2 on our list.

Johan Cruyff

Born: April 25, 1947 (age 66), Amsterdam, Netherlands
Height: 1.78 m
Spouse: Danny Coster (m. 1968)
Children: Jordi Cruyff, Susila Cruijff, Chantal Cruijff
Position: Forward, Midfielder
Awards: Ballon d'Or, European Golden Shoe, Onze d'Or, more

Johan Cruyff, player of the 1974 Dutch 'Total Football' team is the number 3 on our list. Cruyff was well known for his insight of the game which gave him the ability to give great passes to his teammates. Cruyff had the ability of a great technique he could dribble very well and had a very fast acceleration, he could suddenly change direction and pass a defender. Cruyff was a total footballer, he could play on any position but he often played as centre forward however he could suddenly change position during a game by going to the wing or drop deep. Cruyff won the European Cup thrice with Ajax and was nine times champion of The Netherlands, he won La Liga with Barcelona once and was voted European Player of the Century in 1999.

Franz Beckenbauer

Born: September 11, 1945 (age 68), Munich, Germany
Height: 1.81 m
Children: Stephan Beckenbauer, Michael Beckenbauer, Thomas Beckenbauer, Noel Beckenbauer, Francessca Beckenbauer.
Spouse: Heidi Burmester (m. 2006), Sybille Beckenbauer (m. 1990–2004), Brigitte Beckenbauer (m. 1966–1990)
Position: Defender, Sweeper
Books: Franz Beckenbauer's Soccer power

The number 4 on our list is a defender, Beckenbauer. "Der Kaiser" introduced a new style of playing as an attacking sweeper. He would often make a rush from his own penalty area to the penalty area of the opponent by dribbling and making short combinations with his teammates. Despite being a defender he scored 60 goals in 427 appearances for Bayern Munich. He won the World Cup in 1974 in his homeland as a captain of Germany. In 1999 he was voted second place behind Cruyff as European Footballer of the Century.

Alfredo Di Stéfano

Born: July 4, 1926 (age 87), Barracas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Position: Forward
Spouse: Sara Freites (m. 1950–2005)
Awards: Ballon d'Or, Pichichi Trophy
Nationality: Argentine, Colombian, Spanish
Parents: Alfredo Di Stéfano, Eulalia Laulhé Gilmont

Alfredo Di Stéfano played at Real Madrid during the 1950s and 1960s which at that time was the most successful club in the world. He led his team to five consecutive European Cup victories during the period of 1956-1960, scoring in each final. He became eight times Spanish Championship winner and received the Ballon d'Or twice. Di Stéfano was a forward but could play almost anywhere on the pitch, he could help defending and later setting up an attack or scoring goals. He had a great stamina, tactical sense and vision. Di Stéfano was born in Argentina but played also games for Colombia and Spain. Despite being one of the greatest players of all time he never played at a World Cup due to various political reasons.

Ferenc Puskás

Born: April 1, 1927, Kispest, Hungary
Died: November 17, 2006, Budapest, Hungary
Height: 1.72 m
Position: Forward
Movies: Az elvarázsolt dollár
Nicknames: Öcsi, Buddy, Miklós Kovács, The Galloping Major

Ferenc Puskás played alongside Di Stéfano in the great Real Madrid team of the 1950s and 1960s. He won three European Cups and scored four goals in the 1960 final against Eintracht Frankfurt. Puskás was also a player of the famous Hungarian team that became second in the 1954 World Cup. He had a great left foot and would score 9 out of 10 times if he had the ball in the penalty area. His statistics say enough, 84 goals in 85 appearances for Hungary and 324 goals in 372 appearances for Madrid.

Garrincha

Born: October 28, 1933, Magé, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Died: January 20, 1983, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Number: 7
Height: 1.69 m
Weight: 72 kg
Spouse: Elza Soares (m. 1968–1982), Nair Marques (m. 1952–1965)

Garrincha "little bird" born in Brazil played most of his career at Botafogo and won two World Cups with Brazil. He was well-known for his great dribbling move where he threatened inside but then suddenly go outside with a fast acceleration. He mastered this skill so good thanks to the fact his left leg was six centimeters shorter than his right. He led Brazil to the 1962 World Cup victory without the injured Pelé. He may be one of the most underrated players of all time because of the fact he was in the shadow of Pelé but he is definitely one of the greatest players of all time.

Zinedine Zidane

Born: June 23, 1972 (age 41), Marseille, France
Spouse: Véronique Zidane (m. 1994)
Position: Midfielder
Siblings: Lila Zidane, Nourredine Zidane, Farid Zidane, Djamel Zidane
Children: Enzo Fernández, Théo Zidane, Luca Zinedine Zidane Fernández, Elyaz Zidane Fernández

Three times FIFA World Player of the Year and World Cup winner of 1998, Zinedine Zidane was one of the greatest players of the last decade. Zidane most famous of his short first touch of the ball, his ball control and 360 roulette move was a real playmaker . His tactical vision made it possible to organize a team and give brilliant passes to his teammates. Zidane was successful with the French Team (World Cup 1998 winner, 2006 runner-up, European Champion 2000) and with his club team by winning the UEFA Champions League twice with Juventus and once with Real Madrid.

Ronaldo

Full name     Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima
Date of birth     18 September 1976 (age 37)
Place of birth     Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Height     1.82 metres (6 ft 0 in)
Playing position     Striker

After Zidane we can't forget about the other brilliant player of the late 90s and early 21st century, Ronaldo Luis Nazário de Lima "O Fenômeno" was on his way to win the 1998 World Cup when an convulsive fit hindered him to win the final. Four years later he took revenge by scoring twice in the final against Germany and winning the tournament. Ronaldo a striker, always did where he was best at, scoring goals. At the 2006 World Cup Ronaldo scored his 15th World Cup goal and became record holder of scoring the most goals at World Cups.

Eusébio

Born: January 25, 1942, Maputo, Mozambique
Died: January 5, 2014, Lisbon, Portugal
Height: 1.75 m
Position: Forward
Nationality: Mozambican, Portuguese
Parents: Laurindo António da Silva Ferreira, Elisa Anissabeni

Eusebio was a Portugese striker who was born in Mozambique. He played most of his career at Benfica with which he won the European Cup in 1962. Eusebio scored two goals in the 5-3 final against Madrid. He scored a total of 733 goals in 745 games in his career. Eusebio was known for his great dribbles, powerful shots and fast acceleration. At the World Cup in 1966 Eusebio helped his team to become third. In the quarter-final match against North Korea, Portugal was behind 3-0 after 25 minutes. Then Eusebio did the impossible and scored four goals. Portugal had won with 5-3 and Portugal went through to the semi-final in which they lost with 2-1 from England, Eusebio scoring the goal for Portugal. Portugal finished third by winning from Russia with 2-1 and Eusebio scoring another goal.

Best Soccer Players in the World

1. Lionel Messi (Argentina & Barcelona)

Born: June 24, 1987 (age 26), Rosario, Argentina
Height: 1.69 m
Partner: Antonella Roccuzzo
Salary: 16 million EUR (2012)
Current teams: FC Barcelona (#10 / Forward), Argentina national football team (#10 / Forward)
Awards: Ballon d'Or, FIFA World Player of the Year, more

Four times World Player of the Year, Messi is by some distance the best player on the planet. His ability to mesmerize defenders with a mix of skill and pace is unmatched and it often appears as though the ball is glued to his feet. The Barcelona star is versatile enough to play anywhere across the frontline, but his country Argentina have so far failed to find a way to get the maximum out of this extraordinary talent. Already one of the best soccer players of all time.

2. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal & Real Madrid)

Born: February 5, 1985 (age 28), Santo António, Portugal
Height: 1.86 m
Salary: 21 million EUR (2013)
Current teams: Real Madrid C.F. (#7 / Forward), Portugal national football team (#7 / Forward)
Awards: Ballon d'Or, FIFA World Player of the Year, more
Children: Cristiano Ronaldo Jr.

Ronaldo may have less of an influence on games than Messi, but he is stronger and taller than the Argentine, and his goals-to-games ratio similar. Since joining Real Madrid from Manchester United in 2009, Ronaldo has been a revelation, making the world record outlay of US$131 look less outrageous with every hat-trick. His famous stepover is imitated in parks right across the world.

3. Xavi Hernandez (Spain & Barcelona)

Born: January 25, 1980 (age 33), Terrassa, Spain
Height: 1.70 m
Full name: Xavier Hernández i Creus
Spouse: Núria Cunillera (m. 2013)
Salary: 9.225 million USD (2012)
Current teams: FC Barcelona (#6 / Midfielder), more

Barcelona’s midfield metronome dictates the tempo of a match with his phenomenal pass completion rate. He works superbly with partner-in-crime Andres Iniesta, the pair undoubtedly responsible for enhancing Messi’s game further with the steady stream of passes with which they provide in the final third. Xavi is now into his 30s, and a chronic Achilles injury notwithstanding, has the potential to continue for several years yet.

4. Andres Iniesta (Spain & Barcelona)

Born: May 11, 1984 (age 29), Fuentealbilla, Spain
Height: 1.70 m
Salary: 5 million EUR (2012)
Spouse: Anna Ortiz (m. 2012)
Current teams: FC Barcelona (#8 / Midfielder), Spain national football team (#6 / Midfielder)
Awards: UEFA Best Player in Europe Award

Iniesta's understanding with club-mate Xavi Hernandez borders on the telepathic at times. The short, eye of the needle passing the pair produce can pierce holes in the most stubborn of rearguards. Iniesta is also very modest, never creating problems for the coaches he works under. Scored the winner in the World Cup final against the Netherlands.

5. Robin van Persie (Netherlands & Manchester United)

Born: August 6, 1983 (age 30), Rotterdam, Netherlands
Height: 1.88 m
Spouse: Bouchra van Persie (m. 2004)
Salary: 12.2 million GBP (2013)
Current teams: Netherlands national football team (Forward), Manchester United F.C. (#20 / Forward)
Having put the injury problems that blighted Van Persie throughout his mid-20s behind him, the Dutchman is now one of the most feared strikers in world soccer. Manchester United procured the player from Arsenal in 2012 and it proved a masterful signing as he picked up where he had left off at the Emirates Stadium with goals galore to fire United to the 2012-13 Premier League title. A player of immaculate technique, with a left foot to die for.

6. Gareth Bale (Wales & Real Madrid)

Born: July 16, 1989 (age 24), Cardiff, United Kingdom
Nationality: Welsh
Height: 1.83 m
Partner: Emma Rhys-Jones
Current team: Real Madrid C.F. (#11 / Midfielder)
Salary: 15.6 million GBP (2013)

The Welsh attacker completed his long-awaited move to Real Madrid on September 1, 2013 after a summer of protracted negotiations with Tottenham Hotspur. Bale is a supreme dribbler who boasts the pace and skill to beat multiple opponents. He is also a great finisher and capable of scoring consistently from long range.

7. Wayne Rooney (England & Manchester United)

Born: October 24, 1985 (age 28), Croxteth, United Kingdom
Height: 1.76 m
Spouse: Coleen Rooney (m. 2008)
Salary: 15.61 million GBP (2012)
Current teams: England national football team (Forward), Manchester United F.C. (#10 / Forward)
Children: Kai Wayne Rooney, Klay Anthony Rooney

If there were question marks over Rooney's goalscoring abilities, they were well and truly answered in the 2009/10 season. Now that he has added more goals to his game, Rooney is the all-round player. Superb awareness, long-range passing, hold-up play and a never-say-die spirit combine to make a precious asset for club and country.

8. Yaya Toure (Ivory Coast & Manchester City)

Born: May 13, 1983 (age 30), Bouaké, Côte d’Ivoire
Height: 1.88 m
Spouse: Gineba Touré
Salary: 15 million USD (2012)
Siblings: Kolo Touré, Ibrahim Touré
Current teams: Manchester City F.C. (#42 / Midfielder), Ivory Coast national football team (Midfielder)

The all-round midfielder. The emergence of Sergio Busquets at Barcelona proved a blessing for Manchester City because it meant that the Catalans were willing to offload the Ivorian to the Etihad Stadium in 2011. Toure was one of the linchpins as City won their first league title since 1968. Few players are capable of switching through the gears so effortlessly and watching Toure rampage through Premier League midfields is one of the most spectacular sights in world soccer.

9. Radamel Falcao (Colombia & Monaco)

Born: February 10, 1986 (age 27), Santa Marta, Colombia
Nationality: Colombian
Height: 1.78 m
Weight: 72 kg
Current teams: AS Monaco FC (#9 / Forward), Colombia national football team (#9 / Forward)
Parents: Radamel García, Carmenza Zárate

The Colombian has been a goalscoring phenomenon since moving to Europe in 2009. A serial Europa League scorer when at Porto and Atletico Madrid, Falcao also features at the top of the domestic goalscoring charts on a regular basis and it was little surprise that cash rich Monaco chose the striker as their marquee signing in 2013 at over 50 million euros.

10. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden & Paris Saint-Germain)

Born: October 3, 1981 (age 32), Malmö Municipality, Sweden
Height: 1.95 m
Nationality: Swedish
Partner: Helena Seger
Salary: 15 million EUR (2014)
Current teams: Paris Saint-Germain F.C. (#10 / Forward), Sweden national football team (#10 / Forward)

Expect the unexpected with the mercurial Swede. Ibrahimovic is the moodiest player in world soccer, but completely unplayable when on his game. Just witness his stunning overhead kick against England in 2012. Ibra has won league titles in Holland, Italy, Spain and France with six different clubs and is something of a lucky charm for those willing to invest in his considerable talents.

11. Naymer

Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior, commonly known as Neymar, is a Brazilian footballer who plays for La Liga club FC Barcelona and the Brazilian national team, as a forward or winger.
Born: February 5, 1992 (age 21), Mogi das Cruzes, São Paulo, Brazil
Weight: 64 kg
Salary: 7 million EUR (2013)
Current teams: FC Barcelona (#11 / Forward), Brazil national football team (#10 / Forward)
Children: David Lucca da Silva Santos
Parents: Nadine Santos, Neymar da Silva Sr