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Top 10 Greatest Footballers (Soccer Players) of All Time
Who is the greatest footballer (soccer player) of all time? Cast your vote and join the debate as we rank the legends who redefined the beautiful game — from Pelé's three World Cup triumphs to Messi's record eight Ballon d'Or awards. Every era and every style is represented. Be the 1st to vote!
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Frequently Asked Questions About the Greatest Footballers
Who is considered the greatest footballer of all time? Lionel Messi is most frequently cited as the greatest footballer (soccer player) of all time, backed by a record eight Ballon d'Or awards and a 2022 FIFA World Cup title. Pelé, Diego Maradona, and Cristiano Ronaldo are the most common alternatives in the debate.
Is Messi better than Ronaldo? Messi leads Ronaldo in Ballon d'Or awards (8 vs 5) and holds a FIFA World Cup winner's medal (2022). Ronaldo is the most prolific scorer in football history with over 900 career goals. Most analysts give Messi the edge in all-round play, but both are considered generational greats.
Who has won the most FIFA World Cups as a player? Pelé is the only player in history to win three FIFA World Cups — in 1958, 1962, and 1970 — making him uniquely accomplished in international football.
Who is the greatest defender in football history? Franz Beckenbauer is widely regarded as the greatest defender in football history, recognised for revolutionising the sweeper (libero) role and winning the World Cup as both a player and a manager.
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