In shortNumber 1 in our ranking is Lionel Messi, followed by Pelé and Diego Armando Maradona.
Who is the greatest footballer of all time? It is football’s most repeated question. We have ranked the 10 players who always come up in the conversation.
Is Puskás missing? Xavi? Does Lamine Yamal already deserve a place? Vote below or suggest your player.
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1. Lionel Messi
Argentina
Record number of Ballon d'Or awards, world champion in 2022 and Barcelona's all-time top scorer. The most astonishing consistency football has ever seen.
2. Pelé
Brazil
The only player with three World Cups (1958, 1962 and 1970). Football's first great global idol.
3. Diego Armando Maradona
Argentina
He practically won the 1986 World Cup on his own and led Napoli to their first league titles. Pure talent.
4. Cristiano Ronaldo
Portugal
The all-time top scorer in official football and in the Champions League. A work ethic and ambition beyond compare.
5. Johan Cruyff
Netherlands
Three Ballon d'Or awards as a player and the father of a style of play that transformed Barcelona and modern football.
6. Alfredo Di Stéfano
Argentina / Spain
Leader of the Real Madrid side that won the first five European Cups. He played all over the pitch before that was a thing.
7. Zinedine Zidane
France
World champion in 1998 with two goals in the final, and scorer of the Glasgow volley. Elegance in every touch.
8. Ronaldo Nazário
Brazil
Two World Cups, two Ballon d'Or awards and unprecedented power. For many, the most unstoppable striker in history.
9. Franz Beckenbauer
Germany
World champion as a player and as a manager. He invented the modern sweeper role.
10. Andrés Iniesta
Spain
Scorer of the goal that gave Spain its first World Cup and the brain of Barcelona's greatest team. For many, the best Spanish player ever.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the greatest footballer of all time?
The eternal debate is between Messi, Pelé and Maradona. In our ranking, Messi is number 1 for his trophies and record number of Ballon d'Or awards.
Would you change the order?
Tell us what's missing, what shouldn't be here or what you'd put at number 1.