Top 5 Legend Footballers
Pelé
No list of football’s greatest footballers would be complete without the renowned Brazilian striker, Pele. As one of the two joint holders of The FIFA Player of the Century, he is an absolute legend by all means. He made his international debut 60 years ago during the 1958 world cup as a lanky 17-year-old, and has since gone down as a football prodigy.
His feats on the field were almost unreal and found the goal nearly every time he tried. He scored his 1000th goal on the 19th of November, 1969, and has scored over 1200 goals throughout his 22-year career. Brazil, his national team with whom he scored 77 goals in just 92 appearances, dominated the international football scene during his time, and won the world cup thrice, in 1958, 1962, and 1970 with hiM as their forward.
Diego Maradona
Diego Maradona is probably one of the most recognizable names in the sporting world. The Argentinean moved so effortlessly through the field that he made his otherworldly skills seem easy. He maneuvered through his opponents with ease, dribbling past them like they weren’t even there.
Maradona perhaps scored the infamous goals of all time – dubbed “the hand of God” the striker, during the 1986 World Cup, seemingly punched the ball past England’s goalkeeper into the net. He also went on to nab the “Goal of the Century,” where he seamlessly whizzed past half the English team and scored. He, with all his controversy, is a polarizing figure, but his talent is undeniable. Big things do come in small packages.
Michel Platini
Popularly known as Le Roi, or The King, three-time Ballon d'Or winner, Michel François Platini is still considered to be one of the best footballers in the world. He was highly praised for his leadership skill, hence the nickname. The midfielder played for his national team, France, where he played a pivotal role.
During his peak in the 80s, he was the best football player of his time. As for his club career, he began at AS Nancy, and later joined Saint-Étienne and finally, Juventus, where he was very successful, winning awards, as well as multiple league titles. He was versatile and dynamic, and despite being a midfielder, he was also celebrated for his goal-scoring abilities.
In 2015, he was accused of financial misconduct. This incident ended up being the harmtia of his career, as he suffered a tragic fall as a result and was banned from football for eight years for ethics violations. Before the politics crept in, however, he was hugely respected in the industry.
Ronaldinho
At just 38 years old, Ronaldinho is one of the younger football legends on this list. But the legacy he left behind is no less praiseworthy.
At Ronaldinho prime, he was extraordinarily good. He won the FIFA player of the Year award twice, and the much-coveted Ballon d’Or once. As Brazil’s captain, he led his team to multiple victories.
Despite primarily a midfielder, he scored 33 goals in 97 appearances, and no one would forget his hat-trick against Saudi Arabia, winning 8 -2, or the role he played in Brazil’s 4 - 0 triumph over Germany, Playing for Barcelona, he was largely responsible for their success.
He is also one of the only Barcelona players to receive a standing ovation from the fans of El Classico rivals, Real Madrid. Over his career, he won multiple awards, and also the hearts of millions of fans.
One aspect that sets him apart from the rest, apart from his football skills, is his personality. With a perpetual smile on his face, he is often described as down to earth, and an absolute joy to be around.
Marco van Basten
Marco van Basten and Ruud Gullit formed a beautiful partnership in AC Milan, and along with Frank Rijkaard, they were a force to be reckoned with. But Basten was a fantastic goal getter by himself. Based on statistics alone, you can tell he has had quite the run.
With over 300 goals throughout his career, Basten was considered to be the greatest strikers of his generation. He had great timing and had mastered the art of goal scoring. The Dutch striker was not only good at this craft, but he was versatile as well, and this is why the Dutch striker is said to be one of the best in the World.
