The Best Soccer Players Of All Time

Ranker Soccer
Updated May 2, 2024 3.1M views 283 items
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4.4M votes
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Vote up the greatest soccer players to ever lace 'em up and take the pitch.

Who is the best soccer player of all time? Whether you call it soccer, futbol, football, or ‘the beautiful game,' it's a transcendent sport and the most popular competition in the world. To become one of the greatest soccer players of all time, these famous soccer players must train relentlessly, outperform peers, and shine in the biggest moments, whether via stunning goals, staunch defense or unbeatable goalkeeping. So, who are the best soccer players ever? Who are the greatest footballers to ever play the game? 

When it comes to the top soccer players ever, Pele must be #1. The Brazilian soccer prodigy set the game on fire and led Brazil to 3 World Cup championships. Although many would argue their case for the best soccer player ever might be one of many Ballon d'Or winners and international soccer legends like Alfredo Di Stéfano, Lev Yashin, George Weah, Johan Cruyff, George Best, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Marco van Basten or Ronaldo. 

Ronaldinho, Kaka, Xavi, Iniesta, and Roberto Carlos are among many of the  21st century footballing greats. Then there's the like's of the best soccer players in the world today, a few of whom also might have claim to the title, such as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Kylian Mbappe, Robert Lewandowski, and Karim Benzema.

Vote up the best soccer players in the world ever, and help decide who deserves to be remembered as the best players in football history.

Most divisive: Kaká
Over 471.4K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of Greatest Soccer Players Ever