Top 20: Soccer Players Of All Time

[Rocky10]

Top 20: Soccer Players Of All Time

Number 20

Gabriel (Omar) Batistuta
Argentina
Years Played: 1988 - Present

Why he's one of the greatest: Chose to stay with Italian club Fiorentina despite relegation to the Serie B in the 1992/1993 season, to lead them back to the Serie A the following season.

Gabriel Batistuta made his name with Argentine club Boca Juniors after a short stint at rivals River Plate. He gained prominence on the world stage in 1991, scoring six goals as Argentina took the South American Championship. His performance prompted a move to Italian side Fiorentina, where fans affectionately nicknamed him "Batigol" for his predator's touch. Choosing to remain with Fiorentina following relegation, Batistuta earned the Serie A scoring title the following season with 26 goals. After nine seasons with Fiorentina, he was sold to AS Roma, where his 20 goals would inspire the side to their third ever Italian league title.

Batistuta remained a faithful member of Argentina's national side throughout the 1990s. His two goals against Mexico in the 1993 South American Championship final saw Argentina hoist their second consecutive trophy. Always the marksman, he led the team in goals at both the 1994 and 1998 World Cups. Unfortunately for the world-class striker, the imminent transfer to the "big club" never came.


Number 19

Zbigniew Boniek
Poland
Years Played: 1974 - 1988

Why he's one of the greatest: At the age of 26, Boniek scored one of the most extraordinary World Cup hat tricks against Denmark in 1982, as he led Poland to the bronze medal.

Zbigniew Boniek is hailed by many as the best Polish footballer of all time and remains high on the list of great Eastern European players. He made his name at Polish club Widzew Lodz and, following his outstanding performance in the 1982 World Cup, Boniek was recruited by Italian giants Juventus. He went on to win the Italian league, Italian Cup and European Cup Winners' Cup in his second season with the Turin outfit, as well as the European Cup a year later in the wake of the tragic Heysel disaster. Nicknamed "The Night Beauty" by the club's president for his success in evening matches, Boniek formed a lethal partnership with Italian Paolo Rossi and French legend Michel Platini.

Boniek would go on to represent his country in over three World Cups, most notably in 1982. Breaking into the national team early, a 22-year-old Boniek impressed fans at the 1978 edition of the competition with his relentless pace and skill. Following a transfer to AS Roma in 1985, he rounded out his international career at the 1986 World Cup by scoring 24 goals in 80 matches for his country.

Number 18

Zico (Artur Antunes Coimbra)
Brazil
Years Played: 1973 - 1994

Why he's one of the greatest: His 650 goals inspired Flamenco to four Brazilian titles, the 1981 Copa Libertadores, as well as the European Club Cup win over Liverpool the same year in Tokyo.

Zico, the idol of superstar Ronaldo, was the youngest and smallest of three footballing brothers. Upon arrival at Brazilian side Flamenco, special diets, vitamins, and even anabolic steroids were used to provide the youngster with some mass. But it was his sharp mind for the game coupled with his patented free kicks that made him great.

Zico was vaulted to stardom in his first appearance for Brazil, scoring against Uruguay with what became his patented free kick. Marred by injury and disagreements with the national team staff, Zico failed to impress at the 1978 and 1986 World Cups. At the 1982 edition of the tournament, the young Brazilian notched four goals as his side failed to reach the semifinal stage of the competition. With over 50 goals for Brazil, Zico was voted the World Player of the Year in 1983, prompting a move to Italian side Udinese. He later joined the Kashima Antlers, spearheading the success of the J-League following a brief stint as Brazil's Minister of Sports.

Number 17

Roberto Baggio
Italy
Years Played: 1982 - 2004

Why he's one of the greatest: Led Italy to the 1994 World Cup final match after winning the European and World Footballer of the Year, and FIFA's Player of the Year award in 1993.

Roberto Baggio has been the golden boy of Italian football since breaking into Serie A with Fiorentina in the mid-1980s. His record transfer from Fiorentina to Juventus in the wake of the 1990 World Cup in Italy incited three days of rioting in Florence.

Baggio claimed two Italian League titles, first with Juventus in 1994-1995, and then with AC Milan the following season. While playing with Brescia in 2004, the "Divine Ponytail" broke the 200 Serie A goal mark, scoring five more before season's end. Baggio then graced the fans with a final international appearance in a friendly match against Spain before hanging up his cleats.

His international career will forever be scarred by the fateful penalty shootout miss against Brazil in the 1994 World Cup. But Italy would never have met Brazil in the final were it not for Baggio's performances against Nigeria in the second phase and Spain in the quarterfinals. Four years earlier, fans were stunned by his single-handed assault on the Czech team, beating defender after defender before slotting the ball home. With 27 goals over 55 caps, Baggio is widely recognized as a true football artist.

Number 16

Peter Schmeichel
Denmark
Years Played: 1984 - 2003

Why he's one of the greatest: Peter Schmeichel's string of outstanding saves in the 1992 European Championship Final were crucial to Denmark's shocking triumph in the tournament.

Peter Schmeichel's acrobatic goaltending made him one of Europe's most dominant keepers of the 1990s. He enjoyed his first success with his second club Brondby, claiming four Danish league titles over five seasons. Schmeichel, having almost been recruited by Newcastle in 1987, made his mark in English football with Manchester United. In his second season with the Red Devils, he claimed the first ever English Premiership title. Manchester United went on to win the league and FA Cup double the following season, repeating the feat in 1996. Over his eight seasons with United, his brilliant goaltending would play a crucial role in their five league championships, as well as their "treble" victory of 1999, as they added European Cup glory to their list of accomplishments.

"The Great Dane" led Denmark by example, as his crucial saves against Holland's Marco van Basten in the semifinals and Germany in the final match helped Denmark earn their first European Championship trophy. Shockingly, Denmark hadn't even qualified but was invited to participate when Yugoslavia was ejected from the tournament. Capped 128 times for his country, Peter Schmeichel's loyal service to the art of goaltending has branded him as one of the best.


Number 15

Ruud Gullit
Holland
Years Played: 1979 - 1997

Why he's one of the greatest: Captained Holland to her first silverware in the 1988 European Championship, scoring the opener in the final match against the Soviet Union.

Ruud Gullit epitomized football in the late '80s and '90s. Beginning as a sweeper, he was quickly moved to a forward position while at Dutch side PSV Eindhoven. His pace, agility and strength made him a formidable attacker. Following two glorious seasons at PSV, Gullit broke the world transfer record in 1987 with his move to Italian giants AC Milan. That same year the Dutchman joined an elite group of footballers when he was awarded both the European and World Player of the Year awards. He would go on to win the World Player of the Year award once more in 1989.

Gullit's most glorious years were spent with AC Milan as they hoisted two consecutive European Cups and three Italian league titles. His flailing career was revived through a 1995 move to English side Chelsea. Assuming the role of player-manager in 1996, following the departure of then-coach Glenn Hoddle, Gullit became the first non-Englishman to claim a major trophy with Chelsea's 1997 FA Cup win over Middlesbrough. He then led Newcastle to the final of the same competition two seasons later.

Number 14

Lothar Matthaus
Germany
Years Played: 1979 - 2000

Why he's one of the greatest: He holds the record for international caps, having played 150 matches for Germany.

There is no trophy Lothar Matthus has not lifted at one time over his 20-year career. He first reached prominence with his second club, then-powerhouse Borussia Monchengladbach. His talents didn't go unnoticed, as he was included in the West German national squad that took the 1980 European Championship. A much-unused substitute in the 1982 World Cup, Matthaus was given the daunting task of man-marking Diego Maradona in the 1986 World Cup final against Argentina. In 1990, West Germany reached its third consecutive World Cup final avenging its loss to Argentina four years prior. Lothar Matthaus wore the captain's armband, scored four goals, and was voted Player of the Tournament.

International success continued for both player and country as Germany reached the 1992 and 1996 European Championship final match, claiming the latter with a golden goal 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic. The World Cup stage would not be so kind with Germany performing poorly in both 1994 and 1998. Among all of his extensive international success, Matthaus claimed six Bundesliga titles with Bayern Munich, an Italian title with Inter Milan, and a UEFA Cup with each of the clubs.

Number 13

Marco van Basten
Holland
Years Played: 1981 - 1993

Why he's one of the greatest: Won a total of two World Player of the Year awards, three European Player of the Year awards, and a FIFA World Player of the Year award... taking all three honors in 1992!

Marco van Basten became the man to raise the gauntlet for both club and country following the glory days of Johan Cruyff. Impossible athletic strikes in high-pressure situations were his trademark, with 24 goals in 58 international appearances for Holland. His hallmark looping strike in the 1988 European Championship sealed Holland's first major honors. Considering he was the third choice striker for the tournament, his hat trick against England and semifinal winner against hosts West Germany played no small part in his winning the 1988 World and European Player of the Year awards at the tender age of 23.

Marco van Basten played a major role in the success of both his clubs, Ajax and AC Milan. Claiming three league titles in both Holland and Italy, van Basten was a scoring machine, netting 128 goals for Ajax and 90 for AC Milan. But it was at Milan that he would be heralded as the world's best, winning two European Cups and subsequent Supercups. Unfortunately for football fans worldwide, Van Basten's persistent ankle injuries forced a brilliant player into premature retirement.

Number 12

Michel Platini
France
Years Played: 1972 - 1987

Why he's one of the greatest: Still holds the record for European Championship goals after captaining France to the 1984 title on home soil, finding the net nine times during the competition.

Michel Platini is arguably one of the best midfielders ever produced by the European continent. Having scored 98 goals over seven years for Nancy, Platini moved on to Turin giants Juventus in 1982, from French side St. Etienne. He quickly endeared himself to the Italian fans twice, leading Juventus to the Italian Championship and claiming three top-scoring titles. It was no surprise when he was named European Footballer of the Year for three consecutive seasons, from 1983 to 1985.

France's golden boy went on to represent his country a total of 72 times, with a record 41 goals for his country. Platini played a major role in the golden age of French football, claiming a fourth-place finish in the 1982 World Cup and the bronze medal four years later. It's rumored that Michel Platini's passion for the game took a turn following the 1985 Heysel disaster in Brussels, where Juventus claimed the European Cup on Platini's penalty kick. Following an unsuccessful stint as national coach in 1990, Platini has continued to be a strong proponent of quality football, playing a large part in France's successful hosting of the 1998 World Cup finals.

Number 11

Ronaldo (Ronaldo Luiz Nazario da Lima)
Brazil
Years Played: 1993 - Present

Why he's one of the greatest: Through his outstanding play, Ronaldo has twice earned the triple honor of being named the European, World, and FIFA Player of the Year.

Ronaldo's meteoric rise to fame began at Brazilian club Cruzeiro in 1993, where he scored 58 goals in 60 matches. Following two outstanding seasons at Dutch side PSV Eindhoven, he joined Spanish giants Barcelona in 1996. In his first season with the Catalan club, he scored an amazing 34 goals in 37 games to finish as the top scorer in the Spanish League. His 1997 move to Italian side Inter saw him make a mockery of the famed Italian defenses, scoring 25 goals in the league and helping Inter win the UEFA Cup, all during his first season. When Real Madrid came knocking in 2002, Ronaldo answered the call. He went on to score 23 goals in his debut season for Madrid and 24 the following season, which resulted in another Spanish scoring title.

A much unused substitute in the 1994 World Cup, Ronaldo shone in the 1998 edition of the competition, netting four goals before mysteriously falling ill the day of the final as his side lost 3-0 to France. Four years later, Ronaldo returned to prove his point: eight goals throughout the competition, including both goals in the final match against Germany, and Brazil was crowned the 2002 World Cup champion.

Number 10

Alfredo Di Stefano (Alfredo Di Stefano Laulhe)
Argentina
Years Played: 1943 - 1966

Why he's one of the greatest: At Real Madrid, Di Stfano claimed eight Spanish League titles and won the first five editions of the European Champions' Cup, scoring in every final match.

Alfredo Di Stefano's leadership on the field and commanding skills translated into Real Madrid's dominance of Europe in the late '50s. Unfortunately, the world stage was unkind to Di Stefano. As an Argentine international, he missed out on the 1950 World Cup and by 1954, having played for both Argentina and Colombia, FIFA refused to let him represent Spain. In 1958, Spain did not qualify, while in 1962 he didn't partake in the World Cup due to injury.

He more than made up for his lack of presence in international competitions with his outstanding club play. Spotted by Real Madrid while playing for Colombian side Millonarios of Bogota, the Spanish side snatched him out from under Barcelona's grasp. In one of the most famous European Cup finals of all time, "The Blond Arrow" completed a spectacular hat trick as Real Madrid thrashed Eintracht Frankfurt 7-4 to lift the trophy for the fifth consecutive season. From "The Machine" line at River Plate, to the "Blue Ballet" at Millonarios, and finally as a member of one of the most lethal strike partnerships alongside Hungarian legend Ferenc Puskas at Madrid, the five-time Spanish league top scorer was the world's first total footballer.

Number 9

Ferenc Puskas
Hungary
Years Played: 1943 - 1966

Why he's one of the greatest: With an amazing record of 83 goals in 84 internationals for Hungary, and four more while playing for Spain, Puskas remains one of the most dominant strikers of all time.

The legacy of Hungary's "Magic Magyars" of the 1950s revolved in no small part around striker Ferenc Puskas. The short, barrel-chested "Galloping Major" terrorized the opposition with his thunderous left foot. After winning the 1952 Olympic title and ending England's dominance of Europe, the Hungarians were heavy favorites to win the 1954 World Cup. Hungary hit 17 goals and allowed only three in the group stages before taking out Brazil and Uruguay in the following rounds. Despite serious injury, Puskas played and scored in their heart-breaking final loss to West Germany.

Due to civil unrest back home, Puskas and several of his Honved teammates decided to remain in the West while their team was abroad. After being turned down by several Italian clubs due to his age, he made a home at Real Madrid, consequently winning five Spanish titles. His four goals in the famed 1960 final against Eintracht Frankfurt marked the second of his three European Champions' Cups at Madrid. Despite a hat trick in the following year's final, it would not be enough to defeat Eusebio's Benfica. Throughout his strike partnership with Alfredo Di Stefano at Real Madrid, Puskas truly was Spain's "Little Cannon."

Number 8

Stanley Matthews
England
Years Played: 1932 - 1965

Why he's one of the greatest: The longest-standing player of all time, Stanley Matthews' career spanned 33 years by the time he decided to retire.

Playing in the traditional outside-right position, Matthews was without rival, tearing up defenses with his surging runs. Nicknamed the "Wizard of Dribble," he turned professional with Stoke City in 1932 at age 17. He inspired the team's promotion from the second division, a feat he repeated at age 46 in 1961. Two years after joining Stoke City, he made his debut for England against Wales. Matthews was a key figure in his country's four-goal rout of Italy in 1948, considered by many to be one of England's greatest ever victories. In 1957, Matthews played the last of his 84 international matches for England, a career that had spanned the war.

Matthews inspired Blackpool to a 3-1 comeback against Bolton, to win the 1953 FA Cup medal. The glory was long overdue, as Blackpool had twice reached the finals in 1948 and 1951, only to lose to Manchester United and Newcastle respectively. At the age of 50, he ended his footballing career with a testimonial match including the likes of Alfredo Di Stefano, Ferenc Puskas, and Lev Yashin. Matthews maintained that he could have kept playing well into his 50s.

Number 7

Bobby Charlton
England
Years Played: 1956 - 1974

Why he's one of the greatest: Bobby Charlton boasts 106 caps and 49 goals for England, as well as a 17-season career with Manchester United, during which it became the first English club to win the European Cup in 1968.

Bobby Charlton remains one of the most famous English footballers of all time. He commands much-deserved respect to this day as a consummate sportsman of the highest integrity. Throughout his playing career, he won every title football had to offer, both as captain of England and long-standing servant of Manchester United. The ultimate ambassador of football, Bobby Charlton is admired worldwide for all he has done for the game.

Part of the "Busby Babes," Charlton was one of the survivors of the disastrous 1958 Munich plane crash that claimed the lives of eight of his Manchester United teammates. Three months later, Manchester United was in the FA Cup final, losing 2-1 to Bolton. In his second World Cup, Charlton played a crucial role in England, reaching the 1962 quarterfinals where the team was defeated by powerhouse Brazil. Four years later on home soil, Charlton was part of the squad that hoisted England's only World Cup trophy, on a Geoff Hurst hat trick against West Germany. It was Charlton's upstaging of Eusebio in the semifinals match against Portugal that lives on as Charlton's greatest ever match for England.

Number 6

Eusebio (Eusebio da Silva Ferreira)
Portugal
Years Played: 1961 - 1978

Why he's one of the greatest: Claimed the Golden Boot in the 1966 World Cup, scoring nine goals for Portugal before being eliminated in the semifinals by England.

The first African player to gain worldwide recognition, the Mozambique born "European Pele" is still considered the greatest Portuguese player of all time. He began his brilliant career with Portugal's Benfica, who virtually stole him from Sporting Lisbon. At the age of 19, he grabbed the spotlight by scoring a hat trick against Pele's Santos in the Paris Tournament of 1961. Eusebio's league play included seven top-scoring honors and the much-earned 1965 European Footballer of the Year award. His two brilliant goals against Real Madrid helped Benfica win their second European Cup in 1962.

Considering his European career was halted by knee problems at the age of 32, he managed an incredible 41 goals in 64 international matches. Following a full tour of various teams in the North American Soccer League, Eusebio returned to Lisbon, where he's still heralded as a local and national hero. Above all of his footballing accomplishments, it's his sportsmanship that most impressed fans and opponents alike. Even in the face of a European Cup final defeat in 1968, he patted Manchester United's Alex Stepney on the back after Stepney had foiled Eusebio's possible winning goal!

Number 5

Johan Cruyff
Holland
Years Played: 1964 - 1984

Why he's one of the greatest: Cruyff wore the captain's armband during Holland's amazing 1974 World Cup campaign, scoring two goals against both Argentina and Brazil, only to lose to Franz Beckenbauer's West Germany in the final.

Johan Cruyff stands out as the most dominant Dutch player of all time. He was a linchpin in Ajax's dominance of European football in the early 1970s, during the early period of "total football." One of the best attacking midfielders of all time, he dominated Holland, claiming nine league titles -- eight with Ajax and one with Feyenoord. His performance in European play contributed largely to Holland's three consecutive European Champions' Cups from 1970 to 1973. He almost single-handedly picked apart Italian side Inter in the 1972 edition of the competition, scoring both goals in the 2-nil final win.

Such dominance made him an obvious target for other big clubs, with Barcelona finally winning out in 1973. The Catalan side went on to win the Spanish league title that season, but did little else during Cruyff's time there. Having retired from international play prior to the 1978 World Cup, Cruyff went on to successfully manage both of his former clubs. He claimed the European Cup Winner's Cup with both sides, first with Ajax in 1987 and then with Barcelona in 1989. His all-around success on and off the pitch certainly qualify Johan Cruyff as one of the best of all time.

Number 4

Lev Yashin
Russia
Years Played: 1951 - 1970

Why he's one of the greatest: Lev Yashin is said to have saved over 150 penalty shots throughout his outstanding career.

Worldwide, Lev Yashin will always be on every soccer fan's dream team, and in the majority of cases, as the starting goaltender. The Moscow Dynamo keeper nearly left the world of football to play hockey for the like-named Moscow hockey team. An injury to then-starter Alexei Khomich gave Yashin his opportunity to impress, and the position was his from then on. He went on to play 326 matches in the Soviet Super League and quickly gained global recognition. In 1963, he was the first Soviet to win the European Footballer of the Year award and he remains the only goaltender to have won the honor.

The "Black Spider" was between the posts as the Soviet Union claimed the first-ever European Championship in 1960, then known as the Nations Cup. Yashin guided the Soviet Union to consecutive World Cup quarterfinals in 1958 and 1962, going one better in reaching the semifinals in 1966. He was included in the 1970 squad, not only as the backup goalkeeper but to offer leadership to the team. Upon retiring in 1970, Yashin's testimonial match played in front of 100,000 adoring fans included stars from around the globe.

Number 3

Franz Beckenbauer
Germany
Years Played: 1964 - 1982

Why he's one of the greatest: "The Kaiser" is the only footballer ever to have lifted the World Cup trophy as player (1974) and manager (1990).

Franz Beckenbauer revolutionized the role of attacking sweeper during his days at Bayern Munich and led them to the 1967 Cup Winners' Cup, as well as three consecutive European Cups from 1974 to 1976. In his time at Bayern, the club dominated the Bundesliga, winning the league title four times. His incredible form for club and country earned him the European Footballer of the Year award in 1972 and 1976.

The first player in West German history to reach 100 international caps, Beckenbauer burst onto the scene in the 1966 World Cup, scoring four goals for his side before losing the final in extra-time to England. Part of the squad that reached the 1970 World Cup final match, he continued to dominate in the early '70s, as he captained West Germany to the 1972 European Championship and 1974 World Cup titles. Beckenbauer, who is currently president of Bayern Munich, would go on to succeed at the managerial level, taking West Germany to the 1986 World Cup final match and lifting the trophy with the squad four years later in Italy. In terms of innovation and success on the pitch, "The Kaiser" is clearly in a class all his own.

Number 2

Diego Maradona
Argentina
Years Played: 1976 - 1996

Why he's one of the greatest: Scored five goals to lead Argentina to the 1986 World Cup title, effectively earning him the World Player of the Year award.

Ask anyone in Argentina -- there is God and not far under, there is Diego Maradona. Arguably, football's greatest ever talent also remains one of the sport's most controversial players. Playing his first match for Argentinos Juniors at the age of 15, Maradona scored an amazing 43 goals in 45 matches five seasons later, to reach the league's quarterfinal round. He would break three world transfer records, going first to Argentine club Boca Juniors, then to Spanish side Barcelona, and finally to Italian club Napoli. Still hailed as a savior in Naples, he single-handedly brought the side out of mediocrity, to two Italian League titles and a UEFA Cup over his seven seasons with the club.

His international career began at the age of 16, but he was left out of the 1978 World Cup squad the following year. Maradona will always be remembered for his unbelievable performance at the 1986 edition of the competition. His two goals against England in the quarterfinals included the infamous "Hand of God" goal and one of the best World Cup feats of all time, as he left five English players in his wake to score single-handedly. Argentina would go on to win the competition thanks to Maradona. Four years later, and Maradona's Argentina once again reached the final, only to lose to West Germany. Drug abuse and scandal followed him to the 1994 World Cup, where he played just one match. Through it all, Maradona remained a pure magician when it came to playing the game.

Number 1

Pele (Edson Arantes do Nascimento)
Brazil
Years Played: 1956 - 1977

Why he's one of the greatest: At the age of 17, Pel scored six goals in the 1958 World Cup, inspiring Brazil to its first title.

Throughout his illustrious career both on and off the pitch, Pele has remained a true ambassador of the game. Making his club debut for Santos at the age of 15 in 1956, he remained with the club until 1974. Although facts and figures could never do justice to the majesty that was Pele, his 1,281 goals in all competitions certainly serve to prove the point. He helped lead Santos to nine State Championships, and claimed two consecutive World Club Championships in 1962 and 1963.

There is no player who can claim greater success on the world stage. Pele made his international debut at the tender age of 16. A year later and his teammates pressured the national coaching staff to include the 17-year-old in the 1958 World Cup squad. Kept out of the majority of the tournament due to injury, Pele came on in Brazil's pool match against the Soviet Union. In the quarterfinals, Pele scored the winner against Wales, a hat trick in the semifinals against France, and two in the final against Sweden, Brazil won the 1958 World Cup... and a star was born. Out with injury for the 1962 World Cup, Pele returned to the national squad and claimed one more World Cup title in 1970. Voted the Century's Greatest Footballer along with Diego Maradona, Pele has continued to be an inspiration to the "the beautiful game."

[Piola]

Maradona was better than Pele.

[Le King]

wheres giggs?

[BAGGIO 15]

3 Juve players, happy with that.

[Translator]

hate these things but IMO.

Garrincha was better than Pele and Eusebio better than them both. However Maradona the greatest.

Although not by much, Eusebio playing for Benfica in and for Portugal just takes some shine off his career, although his European Cup efforts beat Diego hands down.

However Javier Zanetti when he retires professional football and Inter at age 48 will be the new all time greatest

[delfino_1936]

wheres giggs?

HAHAHAHAHAHHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAAHA

[The one and only]

i wont say anything about who i think is better then who but i will say this where the f.uck is zinedine zidane

[Juventino]

There is a distinct lack of Baresi, Scirea or Maldini. At least one of the three deserve a place in the list.

[The one and only]

wheres giggs?

no giggs ,cantona or george best

[getborn]

Maradona was better than Pele.

[LFTWNG11]

wheres giggs?

HAHAHAHAHAHHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAAHA

[SILENT P]

What crap.....no MALDINI

The best defender ever to play the game.

[The one and only]

What crap.....no MALDINI

The best defender ever to play the game.

im not saying maldini isnt great because he is but he is not the best defender of all time the best defender of all time is Franz Beckenbauer and i dont think many ppl would argue that

[LFTWNG11]

What crap.....no MALDINI

The best defender ever to play the game.

im not saying maldini isnt great because he is but he is not the best defender of all time the best defender of all time is Franz Beckenbauer and i dont think many ppl would argue that

Franz was a gun... im biased to italy, so i will always lean towards Maldini, Canna and Nesta, but no doubting Beckenbeaur was on of the if not the greatest defendes of allt ime, still Maldini should be in the top 20 players fo all time.

[delfino_1936]

wheres giggs?

HAHAHAHAHAHHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAAHA

[FerrariTifosi27]

Kaka', Ronaldinho, Maldini, Nesta and many others should be in there.

[SPURS18]

Absolute joke Zidanes not in there

[getborn]

Kaka', Ronaldinho, Maldini, Nesta and many others should be in there.

be serious. nesta is not in the top 20 players ever.

baresi was better by a stretch.

[Piola]

this list is a joke. zidane's better than half those players anyway.

[The one and only]

finally some people saying what i said where the fu.ck is zinedine zidane

[Juventino]

Kaka', Ronaldinho, Maldini, Nesta and many others should be in there.

be serious. nesta is not in the top 20 players ever.

baresi was better by a stretch.[/quote

And Scirea was better than Baresi But one of them should be in the damn list.

[getborn]

Kaka', Ronaldinho, Maldini, Nesta and many others should be in there.

be serious. nesta is not in the top 20 players ever.

baresi was better by a stretch.[/quote

And Scirea was better than Baresi But one of them should be in the damn list.

agreed 100%

[Le King]

giggs has won more trophys then most on that list, and hes been playin for 15 yrs at the top level!

[King Henry Returns]

Maldini, Baresi, Zidane, Veart where the fuck are they ?

But anyway, it doesnt really matter who is on this list... journalists & other wanks make lists such as these all the time & there are always arguments of who should/shouldnt be on the list, perhaps we should make our own lists ayy.

I feel this list is a bit off the mark, but i guess its all a matter of opinion.

For example, Maldini & Baresi are in the back 4 in the team of the century in the 'century of soccer' magazine & they arnt even in the top 20 on this persons list.

[FerrariTifosi27]

Kaka', Ronaldinho, Maldini, Nesta and many others should be in there.

be serious. nesta is not in the top 20 players ever.

baresi was better by a stretch.

Nesta is still in the top of the best defenders, World Cup Winner, 2 time Champions League winner, European Super Cup winner.

[The Kop]

Zidane, Rivaldo, Hagi, Stoichkov, Romario, Banks, Fontaine, Francescoli, Best. Lots of awesome players missed out.

you cant have every world class player in there.........hence why its only top 20.


Instead of just suggesting who should be in there, suggest who they should replace. Which one of those players could you justify replacing????????

[Juventino]

Personally, I feel these lists are always biased towards strikers. You coule eliminate one or two strikers from the list.

[the FAKE one]

Romario

[LFTWNG11]

Romario

yea he scored 1000 goals right?!?!

[Napoli]

Romario

yea he scored 1000 goals right?!?!

and you think Pele's 1000 goals were all legit??