The list of the 10 greatest players in history has just been announced, leaving behind certain controversies.
Recently, the Daily Mail attracted attention when it published a list of the greatest football players in history. Many people agreed, while some thought that the above rankings were not accurate. Ronaldo fans expressed dissatisfaction when their idol was ranked too low.
Below are the Top 10 greatest players as ranked by Daily Mail.
10. Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo is the greatest goalscorer in history with 879 goals to date. During his career, Ronaldo has won 5 C1 Cup titles, winning the throne in England, Italy, Spain and winning the Euro championship with Portugal.
Daily Mail uses the word “comprehensive” to describe Ronaldo with excellent finishing, heading and free kick abilities. However, this news site said that “Ronaldo is still ranked behind Messi during his time”.
9. Zico
Although he never won a World Cup in his career, Zico is still one of the most influential players in Brazilian football. “He was a great number 10, the king of dead ball situations and the nucleus of the home team participating in the 1982 World Cup,” Daily Mail described.
8. Garrincha
For many Brazilians, Garrincha is no less great than the legendary Pele. He and Brazil won the 1958 World Cup and helped the home team successfully defend the title four years later. At his peak, he overwhelmed everyone with his top dribbling ability and his ability to escape situations like the wind.
7. Ronaldo Nazario
“The first Ronaldo and also the greatest Ronaldo”, Daily Mail assessed. Once nicknamed “Alien” because of his top scoring ability, Ronaldo Nazario became the youngest player in history to win the Golden Ball title. He became the leader who helped Brazil win the 2002 World Cup.
If he did not suffer a knee injury that seriously affected his career, Ronaldo Nazario could be higher on this list.
6. Alfredo Di Stefano
Di Stefano is considered the greatest player in Real history. He and the Royal team won the European Cup 5 times (Precursor to the C1 Cup) and scored in all 5 of these finals. In particular, Di Stefano is also the only person in history to own the title “Super Golden Ball” awarded in 1989.
5. Zinedine Zidane
According to Daily Mail, Zidane is the greatest player in French football history ever produced, instead of legendary Michel Platini. With his magical legs, he and the French team won the World Cup for the first time in 1998. Zidane is also remembered for scoring the most beautiful goal in history in the final of the C1 Cup in 2001.
4. Johan Cruyff
Cruyff contributed to helping the “Total Attack” style of football become famous for a while. During his career, he and Ajax won the European Cup three times in a row, and with the Netherlands reached the 1974 World Cup final. Later, he also helped Barca dominate Europe while sitting in the club’s hot seat.
3. Diego Maradona
Maradona is the creator of the most special moment in World Cup history. Maradona’s “hand of God” goal is still mentioned today. He was the hero who helped Argentina win the 1986 World Cup. In the club shirt, Maradona led Napoli to the throne in Serie A, becoming a legend of this team.
2. Pele
Pele is the only player to have won the World Cup three times. He is famous for his remarkable goal-scoring ability with a total of more than 1,200 goals throughout his career (including unofficial goals). With what he has done, Pele is proclaimed “King of Football” by fans.
1. Lionel Messi
There is no need to argue much about Messi’s talent. The Argentine superstar has won the Golden Ball title 8 times, pocketing 44 titles throughout his career. With the 2022 World Cup championship, the Argentine superstar has completed his trophy collection. Daily Mail believes that Messi is the best player, ranked first in this rankings.
