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The list of the greatest soccer players of all time is dynamic. For example, the list gets updated from time to time as other great players take the football world by storm. The World Cup 2022 saw two of the greatest players in modern soccer lead their nations in the tournament.
Ronaldo's Portugal lost to Morocco, and Messi's Argentina overcame the Netherlands to make it to the semis. The tournament has had results that have surprised soccer bettors using the best US bookies, especially performances by Croatia and Morocco. The tournament also features Kylian Mbappe, who looks poised to take over from Ronaldo and Messi as the best player on the planet.
This article looks at the seven most iconic soccer players of all time. Read on to find out if your favorite soccer player made the list!
7. Kylian Mbappe
The French superstar is only 23, but he is unquestionably the best player in the world right now. He is also in contention to become the best French player of all time. Mbappe was only a teenager when he led France to win the 2018 World Cup and is their main man as they look to retain the World Cup.
6. Zinedine Zidane
Zidane is an iconic French soccer player who became a star after leading France to the 1998 FIFA World Cup championship. Besides that, he was FIFA World Player of the Year three times. The midfield maestro also won Player of the Year awards in three different leagues. He remains one of the greatest players the world has seen.
5. Ronaldo Nazario
So far, Ronaldo Nazario remains one of the most lethal strikers the soccer world has witnessed. He is celebrated as a player who exhibited pure talent. Ronaldo won two Ballon d'Or awards and three FIFA World Player of the Year awards.
He is among the players who cemented Brazil's place as one of the greatest soccer nations in the world. However, knee injuries stood in the way of what would have been the greatest career of all time.
4. Johan Cruyff
The list of the greatest soccer players of all time is not complete without mentioning Johan Cruyff. The way he played the game and his philosophies transformed soccer in the 1970s. Moreover, it inspired managers and coaches for decades after hanging his boots. He was a unique player that had a move named after him (the "Cruyff Turn"). His top performances saw him earn three Ballon d' Ors.
3. Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo is popularly known as the Lebron James of soccer. He has maintained excellent physical levels and played at the highest levels for over two decades. His exploits have seen him win five Ballon d'Or awards.
Moreover, Ronaldo holds the record for the most goals in the Champions League, National team, among other records. Only time will tell whether we will ever see another Cristiano Ronaldo.
2. Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi is arguably the greatest player of modern football. The Argentine has dominated world football for over two decades. Moreover, he has enjoyed an illustrious club career in Barcelona. He has two goals he hopes to achieve this season. Lead Argentina to a World Cup triumph and PSG to a Champions League trophy. If he manages these two, he will end the discussion of who is greater between Messi and Ronaldo.
1. Pele
Pele remains one of the most iconic soccer players of all time. He has the most goals in Brazilian soccer history and scored 1279 goals which are the most by any player on earth. Additionally, Pele registered the most assists in World Competitions and led his nation to four World Cup triumphs. Pele is truly one of a kind.
Special Mention
I know you are wondering - where is Diego Maradona? Well, we cannot end this list without a special mention of Diego Maradona. The Argentine football icon is a darling to many thanks to his uncanny skills. He is popular for scoring the World Cup goal of the century. Moreover, his bad-boy side has endeared him to many fans.
