The global appeal of soccer continues to grow year after year. In the United States, soccer fans are growing in number and those who follow the sport continue to support it as a result of an increased exposure with media and streaming services. Given the popularity of soccer, it’s no surprise that there are thousands of people who also love to see it played by some of the best athletes in the world. If you’re one of these fans, here is a list of top 10 greatest soccer players ever that we think you will enjoy. We look at their stats, their records, and everything else they have accomplished during their careers. Will any of these players be able to climb even higher by the end of their career? Read on to find out!
10. Ronaldinho
Born in 1980, Ronaldinho is a Brazilian footballer who is often considered one of the best players in history. He has won many awards and accolades for his performance on the pitch, and he has also represented his country in several major tournaments. Ronaldinho’s career started in 2001 when he signed with Gremio. He was soon linked with a move to many of the best clubs in the world, and he finally went to Barcelona in 2003. During his time with the club, he won the FIFA Club World Cup, two La Liga titles, and two UEFA Champions League titles. He also won the Ballon d’Or and the FIFA World Player of the Year award in 2005. After five years with the club, Ronaldinho moved to Milan where he stayed for two years. He then went back to his home country and played for Flamengo until 2011.
9. Lionel Messi
Born in 1987, Lionel Messi is an Argentine footballer who has been playing for Barcelona since he was 13 years old. There have been many who have considered him the best soccer player of all time, and he has won many individual awards. He has also been a key member for the Argentina national team, and he has helped his team win many tournaments. At the club level, he has won many titles with Barcelona. His individual awards include the FIFA Ballon d’Or and the FIFA World Player of the Year award five times each. During his time with Barcelona, Messi has won the FIFA Club World Cup five times, the UEFA Champions League four times, the Spanish La Liga eight times, and the Spanish Copa del Rey six times. He has also been named the La Liga Player of the Year four times and the Spanish Footballer of the Year eight times.
8. Cristiano Ronaldo
Born in 1985, Cristiano Ronaldo is a Portuguese footballer who has done many things during his career that many would think are impossible. During his time as a member of Real Madrid, he has broken many club and La Liga scoring records. He has also won several individual awards, and he has played for Portugal in major tournaments. During his time with Real Madrid, Ronaldo has won the FIFA Club World Cup, the UEFA Champions League four times, the Spanish La Liga four times, and the Spanish Copa del Rey three times. He has also been named the FIFA Ballon d’Or and the FIFA World Player of the Year award five times each.
7. Neymar Jr.
Born in 1992, Neymar is a Brazilian footballer who has played for both Barcelona and the Brazilian national team. He is one of the best players on the planet who has won many individual awards. He has also helped his team win several titles, and he has often been compared to some of the great players in history. During his time with Barcelona, Neymar has won the Spanish La Liga twice, the Spanish Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Champions League. He has also been named the FIFA Ballon d’Or and the FIFA World Player of the Year award twice each. At the club level, he has won the FIFA Club World Cup once.
6. Andres Iniesta
Born in 1986, Andres Iniesta is a Spanish footballer who has played for Barcelona since he was 12 years old. He has won many titles with his team and has been named as one of the best players in the world. He has played for his national team in several tournaments, and he has helped his team win the World Cup. During his time with Barcelona, Iniesta has won the FIFA Club World Cup three times, the UEFA Champions League four times, the Spanish La Liga eight times, and the Spanish Copa del Rey six times. He has also been named the FIFA Ballon d’Or and the FIFA World Player of the Year award twice each.
5. Paolo Maldini
Born in 1968, Paolo Maldini is an Italian footballer who has played at the highest level of soccer since he was 16 years old. He has played for one team throughout his entire career, and he has won many titles at the club level. He has also played for his national team in many tournaments, and he has helped his team win the FIFA World Cup. During his time with Milan, Maldini has won the FIFA Club World Cup five times, the UEFA Champions League five times, the Italian Serie A seven times, and the Italian Supercoppa Italiana seven times. He has also been named the FIFA Ballon d’Or and the FIFA World Player of the Year award once each.
4. Xavi Hernandez
Born in 1979, Xavi Hernandez is a Spanish footballer who has played as a midfielder for his country’s national team and for Barcelona. He has won virtually every title that is available, and he is known as one of the best players in the history of the sport. He has played alongside some of the best players in the world during his career. During his time with Barcelona, Xavi has won the FIFA Club World Cup three times, the UEFA Champions League four times, the Spanish La Liga eight times, and the Spanish Copa del Rey six times. He has also been named the FIFA Ballon d’Or and the FIFA World Player of the Year award twice each.
3. Zinedine Zidane
Born in 1972, Zinedine Zidane is a French footballer who is often considered one of the best players in the history of the sport. He has played for the French national team in major tournaments and has helped his team win the FIFA World Cup. During his time at the club level, he has won many titles with Real Madrid. He has also been named the FIFA World Player of the Year and the FIFA Ballon d’Or award twice each. During his time with Real Madrid, Zidane has won the FIFA Club World Cup twice, the UEFA Champions League two times, the Spanish La Liga three times, and the Spanish Copa del Rey three times. He has also been named the FIFA World Player of the Year twice and the FIFA Ballon d’Or once.
2. Diego Maradona
Born in 1960, Diego Maradona is a retired Argentine footballer who is often considered the best player in the history of the sport. He has played in many different tournaments and has helped his country win the FIFA World Cup. He has played at the club level for many teams and has won many titles. During his time with Barcelona, Maradona has won the Spanish La Liga twice, the Spanish Copa del Rey twice, and the UEFA Super Cup once. He has also been named the FIFA World Player of the Year award twice and the FIFA Ballon d’Or once.
1. Pele
Born in 1940, Pele is a retired Brazilian footballer who is widely considered the greatest soccer player of all time. He played for the Brazilian national team in many tournaments, and he helped his team win the FIFA World Cup. He has also played for many teams during his career, and he has won many titles. During his time with Santos, Pele has won the FIFA Club World Cup once, the Copa Libertadores four times, and the Copa do Brasil eight times. He has also been named the FIFA World Player of the Year award three times and the FIFA Ballon d’Or twice. All of these players are among the best soccer players of all time. They have been able to accomplish amazing things on the field, and they will be remembered for years to come. Given the popularity of soccer, it’s no surprise that there are thousands of people who also love to see it played by some of the best athletes in the world.