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Soccer, or football as it’s known in Europe, has seen countless legends leave their mark on the sport. Determining the all-time best soccer players is always subjective, with every fan having their own personal favorites, often aligned with the clubs and nations they support. As a result, you might find some legendary soccer players mentioned here who are different and higher or lower ranked than those you may have personally selected.
Nevertheless, those players on this list deserve profound respect for their immense contributions to the beautiful game. Let’s take this chance to look at the best soccer players of all time by position.
Goalkeepers
Goalkeepers are primarily responsible for keeping the ball from entering the goal on a soccer field. They’re the only players allowed to use their hands, and the best ones don’t have to use them to pick the ball out of the net as often as others. Here are the best goalies to have ever played the game.
5. Manuel Neuer (Germany)
Still captaining FC Bayern Munich at the age of 39, Neuer is a genuine German legend of the game. Many pundits regard him as the “complete” modern goalkeeper — tall, large and physically strong — with incredible reflexes and adept with the ball on either foot. With 124 German caps, alongside two UEFA Champions League titles and 12 Bundesliga title wins for his club, Neuer is one of Germany’s all-time soccer greats.
4. Peter Schmeichel (Denmark)
Schmeichel represented Denmark 129 times during a 15-year international career, even scoring a penalty against Belgium in 2000. He also helped his club, Manchester United, to five EPL titles and the UEFA Champions League crown in the 1998/9 season. In total, he represented the Red Devils, Aston Villa and Manchester City on 465 occasions.
3. Iker Casillas (Spain)
As Real Madrid and Spain’s first-choice keeper for over a decade, Casillas’ cat-like quick reactions and ability to produce spectacular saves resulted in an enviable trophy haul, including three UEFA Champions Leagues (UCL), two UEFA European Championships and a FIFA World Cup.
2. Gianluigi Buffon (Italy)
Considered by many as the most outstanding Italian shot-stopper ever, Buffon’s goalkeeping feats are simply breathtaking. He is his country’s most capped player, representing Italy 176 times, and also holds the record for the most clean sheets. He has an incredible 25 domestic trophies in Italy’s Serie A and France’s Ligue 1, and lifted the FIFA World Cup in 2006.
1. Lev Yashin (Soviet Union)
Yashin is arguably the Soviet Union’s greatest player of all time and is the first and only goalkeeper to win the prestigious Ballon d’Or. He earned the nickname “the Black Spider” for his incredible reflexes and commanding presence in the box. During his career, he kept 270 clean sheets and saved a world-record 150-plus penalties — undoubtedly the best goalkeeper ever.
Honorable Mentions
- Dino Zoff (Italy)
- Oliver Kahn (Germany)
- Petr Cech (Czech Republic)
- Gordon Banks (England)
- Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy)
Central Defenders
You’ve probably heard the famous Sir Alex Ferguson quote, “Attack wins you matches, defense wins you titles.” That’s how crucial central defenders are to the game. As the players who protect the box at set pieces, your central defenders must show aggression, coupled with positioning and tackling expertise, to keep opposing attackers at bay. These are the best soccer players of all time in their essential positions.
5. Daniel Passarella (Argentina)
Passarella lifted Argentina’s first FIFA World Cup trophy as captain in 1978, while also being involved as a squad member for his country’s second, eight years later. Known as a hard tackler, he also knew where the opposing net was, scoring 175 goals in his over-600 games for clubs and country — an astounding number for a central defender.
4. Virgil van Dijk (Netherlands)
Still playing for the Netherlands and Liverpool FC in the EPL, van Dijk remains a formidable opponent for attackers at the age of 34. As Liverpool’s captain when the club won its second EPL title last season and hoping to do so again, he is one of soccer’s most respected central defenders with close to 700 appearances for club and country. van Dijk will likely use the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a swansong, should the Netherlands qualify by beating Poland in its last Group G fixture.
3. Bobby Moore (England)
As team captain, Moore led England to victory in the 1966 FIFA World Cup. This feat alone will forever leave him revered among the nation’s supporters. Still, his 108 international caps and incredible 795 domestic appearances for only two clubs over a stellar 20-year playing career mark him as one of the finest soccer players of all time in his position.
2. Franco Baresi (Italy)
Baresi went one better than Bobby Moore domestically, spending his entire 719-game domestic career with AC Milan in Serie A. At only 5 feet 9 inches tall, Baresi used his speed and positioning to get the better of opposing forwards. He did so exceptionally as Italy won the FIFA World Cup in 1982, one of the 81 times this brilliant central defender represented his country.
1. Franz Beckenbauer (West Germany)
A truly all-around footballer, “der Kaiser” was the original modern sweeper, covering the rest of the defensive line to deal with any balls coming into the zone. Beckenbauer remains the only defender to win the Ballon d’Or twice, while also claiming the 1974 FIFA World Cup. Who was the best soccer player ever? From a technical standpoint, Beckenbauer must be close to the summit.
Honorable Mentions
- Alessandro Nesta (Italy)
- Gaetano Scirea (Italy)
- Sergio Ramos (Spain)
- Fabio Cannavaro (Italy)
- John Terry (England)
Wide Defenders
Wide defenders occupy roles outside the central defenders and are often the primary outlets for initiating attacking moves. Either lying deeper as fullbacks in more defensive formations or as wing-backs playing creative, attacking roles, a wide defender is usually pacy with an exceptional ability to cross the ball. You’ll be hard-pressed to keep up with many of the top wing-backs in world soccer.
5. Cafu (Brazil)
Roma and AC Milan fans will never forget Cafu for his energetic tirades on the right flank during Serie A games. He did the same for Brazil, playing 142 times and idolized by supporters for his attacking pace. Cafu remains the only player to appear in three FIFA World Cup finals, winning the trophy with his country on two occasions — also captaining his side to the trophy in the second in 2002.
4. Lilian Thuram (France)
Thuram was part of the victorious French team that lifted the FIFA World Cup trophy in 1998 and the UEFA European Championship title in 2000. The future UNICEF ambassador played for France on 142 occasions, either as right back or central defender. He spent most of his club career in Italy, representing Parma and Juventus 432 times, while also turning out for Spanish giants Barcelona.
3. Philipp Lahm (Germany)
Lahm was the very definition of versatility in a wide defender. Traditionally, he played at right-back but also played left-back, defensive midfield and right midfield roles. He’s also the only defender never to receive a red card in his entire career — a truly remarkable feat. Lahm led Germany to the 2014 FIFA World Cup title and represented his country 113 times.
2. Paolo Maldini (Italy)
Even the most ardent skeptics cannot fault Paolo Maldini’s selection as one of the greatest defenders ever. His tackling was faultless and his reading of the game superb. Fondly referred to as “Il Capitano”, Maldini played left back and center back with aplomb in an AC Milan career that spanned 902 games over 25 years.
1. Roberto Carlos (Brazil)
As a long-standing elite Real Madrid squad member, Roberto Carlos won three UEFA Champions League titles and four Spanish La Liga championships. Renowned for scoring incredible free kicks, his career spanned 985 domestic matches and 125 internationals for Brazil. In all, he scored 127 goals during his long and illustrious career.
Honorable Mentions
- Dani Alves (Brazil)
- Marcelo (Brazil)
- Trent Alexander-Arnold (England)
- Giacinto Facchetti (Italy)
- Carlos Alberto (Brazil)
Defensive Midfielders
Defensive midfielders usually position themselves just behind the halfway line to cover the defenders and create offensive movements from deep positions. In many ways, the best defensive midfielders are the team’s generals, dictating the tempo of play. The most renowned soccer players in this position are:
5. Patrick Vieira (France)
Now the manager of Italian Serie A club Genoa, Vieira is carrying his many years of on-field exploits onto the side of the pitch. With three EPL titles for Arsenal, including being a member of the unbeaten “Invincibles” squad in 2003/04, the elite defensive midfielder continued winning titles in Serie A with three for Inter Milan. Silky with the ball at his feet, Vieira was synonymous with starting attacks from deep, leading to 107 caps for his country in 13 years.
4. Roy Keane (Republic of Ireland)
Keane was undoubtedly one of the hard men of his generation and an integral part of a successful Manchester United squad. While at United, he won seven EPL titles, four FA Cups and the UEFA Champions League, making him the joint most decorated Irish player in history with 19 major trophies. Now a soccer pundit, Keane continues to comment as he played — with directness and honesty.
3. Sergio Busquets (Spain)
Busquets was instrumental in the successful Barcelona and Spain teams of the 2000s, earning nine La Liga titles and three UEFA Champions League crowns with Barca between 2008/09 and 2022/23. His calm manner and short passing skills were instrumental in helping Spain to the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the UEFA European Championship two years later.
2. Frank Rijkaard (Netherlands)
In a career spanning 16 seasons, the strong, tenacious and versatile Rijkaard excelled in defensive and box-to-box midfield positions. His elegance helped the Netherlands to the UEFA European Championship in 1988. Rijkaard has featured as an Ultimate Team ICON player in the EA Sports FIFA game series from FIFA 18 to FIFA 23.
1. Lothar Matthäus (West Germany/Germany)
Matthäus led Germany to the 1990 FIFA World Cup and won the coveted Ballon d’Or the same year. He retired internationally after reaching a record 150 caps, and is the most revered German player since Franz Beckenbauer. Matthäus was the first outfield player to play in five FIFA World Cup tournaments.
Honorable Mentions
- Claude Makélélé (France)
- N’Golo Kanté (France)
- Edgar Davids (Netherlands)
- Dunga (Brazil)
- Didier Deschamps (France)
Central Midfielders
These midfielders either play as the link between defense and attack, or in more attacking roles supporting the forwards. Some of the best attacking midfielders play as shadow forwards in formations with a single striker or none at all. The best to ever grace either or both midfield roles are:
5. Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium)
After a long and prosperous career with Manchester City, De Bruyne has found a new home at Napoli, where he’s contributing substantially to the successful Serie A outfit. At 34, De Bruyne still plays for Belgium and is showing no signs of letting up with six goals in eight international appearances in 2025. One more assist in national colors will make him the all-time European assister of a soccer ball in history.
4. Steven Gerrard (England)
Gerrard won the UEFA Champions League, two FA Cups and three League Cups during his 17 seasons at Liverpool FC before ending his playing career at LA Galaxy. With 863 professional appearances for clubs and country, alongside 211 goals, the only club honor missing from his esteemed career is the EPL title. Gerrard proved his loyalty to Liverpool, his boyhood club, by forgoing trophy chances, most notably when turning down an offer from Real Madrid in 2005.
3. Andrés Iniesta (Spain)
Iniesta started playing as a defensive midfielder, but his balance, poise and ball control saw him evolve into one of the best attacking midfielders in history. A member of the immaculate Barcelona side with Busquets, four UEFA Champions Leagues and nine La Liga crowns was no less than what Iniesta deserved, along with 76 Spanish international caps.
2. Xavi Hernández (Spain)
Xavi played as the deep-lying playmaker in a Barcelona and Spanish midfield triumvirate with Busquets and Iniesta. That all three made this list testifies to how good they were. Outstanding vision, pinpoint passing and peerless vision saw Xavi earn 82 Spanish caps at a time when their style of play was out of this world. If Xavi had scored more, he might have reached the top spot as a central midfielder.
1. Zinedine Zidane (France)
If you’ve seen Zidane in action on the soccer field, your jaw has likely dropped at some of the magical things he did with a football. He won the 1998 Ballon d’Or at his prime after helping France to the FIFA World Cup trophy the same year. In general, “Zizou” is legendary for his skill and the goals he scored. Who is the best soccer player in history? At the time, Zidane could well have carried that accolade.
Honorable Mentions
- Luka Modrić (Croatia)
- Michel Platini (France)
- Bobby Charlton (England)
- Zico (Brazil)
- Ruud Gullit (Netherlands)
Wingers
Hugging the flanks on the left or right sides, wingers are primary creators on the soccer pitch. You’ll often see them assisting teammates while also bagging many goals themselves. The best soccer players of all time in these positions include:
5. Ryan Giggs (Wales)
Giggs spent his entire playing career at Manchester United, earning a reputation as one of the best wingers in history and the best soccer player in Welsh history. His incredible 963 career appearances for United, coupled with 64 more for his country, push him over 1000 professional games. With 13 EPL titles, Giggs is one of the most decorated players in English soccer history.
4. Mohamed Salah (Egypt)
After a sterling season in 2024/25, like many others, you may have regarded Mo Salah as the best soccer player in the World. If he played for a top nation, he would likely have achieved more international success than he has. Domestically, however, he’s won everything with his club, Liverpool, including last season’s EPL title. Salah is everything you want in a winger with an impressive 249 goals and many assists in his 414 appearances for the club.
3. Ronaldinho (Brazil)
Left winger and attacking midfielder Ronaldinho won the coveted Balon d’Or in 2005 after winning La Liga with Barcelona. During his eight seasons between the Catalan club and AC Milan in Italy, he played 302 club matches and scored 120 goals before returning to Brazil to conclude his career. Ronaldinho possessed exceptional dribbling ability, free-kick prowess and had tricky feet and the ability to feint and pass without looking. He was a master of his craft, also favoring the overhead kick.
2. Garrincha (Brazil)
Much like Salah for Egypt, Garrincha was a pocket dynamo for Brazil between 1955 and 1966. He played 50 times and many fans regard him as the best dribbler of a soccer ball of all time. Garrincha combined well to supply assists for Pelé, and Brazil never lost a match with both on the playing surface. As a two-time FIFA World Cup winner, the 5-foot-7-inch winger is among the greatest wingers ever.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
Even people who don’t watch soccer are familiar with Cristiano Ronaldo. He exploded on the global stage playing as a right winger at Manchester United, and, although he’s moved into a more forward role since, he remains the best on the winger list. Despite now playing in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo still holds the UCL scoring record, having netted 140 goals during his time at United, Real Madrid and Juventus.
Honorable Mentions
- Gareth Bale (Wales)
- Neymar (Brazil)
- Stanley Matthews (England)
- Paco Gento (Spain)
- Jairzinho (Brazil)
Forwards
The forward position comprises those leading the attack, including the strikers and the central attacking creators. The best players in history in these roles include:
5. Erling Haaland (Norway)
Haaland has played 358 club games and scored 294 goals. He has also scored 51 goals for Norway in only 46 international games. These statistics are incredible enough without accounting for his age of only 25. Not since the goal-scoring exploits of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in their prime has the soccer world seen such a consistent goalscorer. If Halland remains injury-free, he will likely move higher on this list.
4. Ronaldo Nazario (Brazil)
In his heyday, there was no better striker than Ronaldo. He was a proper number 9 — ruthless in front of goal, able to dribble past defenders and always in position to receive a pass. Unfortunately, a spate of injuries overshadowed his illustrious career, including the debilitating torn ACL ligament that sidelined him for months in 2000.
3. Kylian Mbappé (France)
The 26-year-old French forward already has nearly 100 international caps and over 50 international goals, having won the FIFA World Cup at 19 and become the second player ever to score a World Cup final hat-trick at 23. Playing for Real Madrid in Spain’s La Liga, Mbappé has the soccer world at his feet and predictions are that it’s only a matter of time before he adds the Balon d’Or to his growing list of achievements.
2. Pelé (Brazil)
Has there ever been a famous soccer player as well-revered as Edson Arantes do Nascimento? Pelé burst onto the international soccer scene as a 16-year-old with Brazil, winning the 1958 FIFA World Cup two years later. He would go on to win another two, displaying skills and goal-scoring abilities never seen before — in 92 internationals, he scored 77 goals. He played for his Brazilian club, Santos, throughout his career until leaving for a stint at the New York Cosmos before his retirement.
1. Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Messi is a household name in any list of world-class footballers. He is everything you could want from a forward — dribbling, vision, goalscori
