As of now, the ranking of the historical status of football is as follows:
1. Pele (Brazil)
He plays as a striker and has been hailed by FIFA as "The King of Football".
Pele began his career with Santos in 1956, during which time he won the Copa Libertadores 2 times, the Intercontinental Cup, the Brazilian National Championship (predecessor) 6 times, and the São Paulo State Football League 11 times.
In 1957, Pele was selected for the Brazilian national team, scored 77 goals in 92 games for Brazil, won three World Cups in 1958, 1962 and 1970, and permanently retained the Remit Cup for Brazil, becoming the only player to win the World Cup three times.
In July 1971, Pele announced his retirement from the Brazilian team. In October 1974, Pele announced his retirement. In 1975, Pele made a comeback at the New York Universe FC and won the championship in 1977, announcing his retirement again in October of the same year.
In 1980, Pele was named "The Best Athlete of the 20th Century" by the French newspaper "Team Newspaper" and several newspapers, in 1999 by the International Olympic Committee as "one of the best athletes of the 20th century", and in 2000 he was awarded the first Lawrence Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2001, he was named "one of the best players of the 20th century" by FIFA. In the same year, 30 Ballon d'Or winners organised 30 Ballon d'Or winners to jointly select him as the best player, and time magazine listed him among the 100 most influential people of the 20th century. In 2012, Pele was officially awarded the title of "Best Player of All Time" by the Golden Foot Awards.
In 2013, he won the inaugural Honorary Golden Globe Award.
2. Maradona (Argentina)
Divisional midfielder.
In October 1975, Maradona made his debut in the Argentine First Division.
In 1978, he became the youngest top scorer in the history of the Argentine Serie A.
In September 1979, Maradona led Argentina to the World Youth Football Championship.
In July 1982, Maradona moved to La Liga side Barcelona.
In July 1984, Maradona joined Napoli, Italy, for a record $7.5 million transfer fee.
In June 1986, Maradona scored The Hand of God and Goal of the Century at the World Cup, leading Argentina to the World Cup. In July 1990, Maradona's Argentina team lost to Germany in the World Cup final and won the second place.
On October 29, 1997, Diego Maradona officially announced his retirement. On 5 November 2008, Maradona became head coach of the Argentine national team. On 28 July 2010, the Argentine Football Association officially announced that Maradona would no longer be the head coach of the Argentine national team. In December 2017, Maradona was a guest of the draw at the 2018 FIFA World Cup draw ceremony.
Maradona is considered the greatest footballer of the twentieth century, not only does he possess the precise footwork and extremely skilful dribbling skills of South American players, but he is also very good at the big picture, and he is the absolute soul of any team that can revitalize the team as a whole.
3. Messi (Argentina)
He plays as a striker and currently plays for Paris Saint-Germain F.C. in the French Football League.
In 2000, Messi joined Barca from Newell Old Boys. In February 2004, Messi signed his first professional contract with Barca. In 2005, Messi helped Argentina's Under-20 youth team win the World Youth Championship. In 2008, Messi won the men's gold medal at the Beijing Olympic Games with the Argentine Olympic team. In 2009, Messi helped Barca crown six crowns, winning the Ballon d'Or and World Footballer of the Year for the first time. In 2011, Messi helped Barca crown five times. In 2012, Messi scored 91 goals throughout the year and won the Ballon d'Or for the fourth consecutive year. In 2014, Messi helped the Argentine national team to win the second place in the World Cup in Brazil. In 2015, Messi once again helped Barca to win five titles, and helped the Argentine national team win the Copa America runner-up, winning the Ballon d'Or for the fifth time. In 2016, Messi won the Copa America again with the Argentine national team. In 2019, Messi won the Ballon d'Or for the sixth time. In July 2021, Messi won the Copa America with the Argentine national team. In August of the same year, Messi freely joined Paris Saint-Germain.
As of 2021, Messi has won a total of 6 Ballon d'Ors, 6 World Footballer of the Year, 6 European Golden Boots and 8 La Liga Golden Boots, all the most in history. He was also the first footballer in history to win the Lawrence Award for Best Male Athlete.
4. Cruyff (Netherlands)
Plays as a forward/center forward.
Johan Cruyff debuted in the youth camp of Ajax FC in the Dutch league.
In 1964, John Cruyff began his career with a promotion to the Ajax first team, before playing for Barcelona in La Liga, Los Angeles Aztec in the North American Football League, Diplomat washington, and Levante in La Liga.
In 1981, Johann Cruyff returned to the Eredivisie and played for Ajax and Feyenoord. Johan Cruyff has won nine Eredivisie titles, one La Liga title, one European Cup Winners' Cup and many other honors in his career, and helped Ajax achieve three consecutive European Champions League titles from 1971 to 1973, and was named The European Footballer of the Year three times (1971, 1973, 1974).
In 1984, John Cruyff officially retired.
Between 1966 and 1977, John Cruyff made 48 appearances for the Dutch national team, scoring 33 goals, including 33 as captain. He has participated in one World Cup and one European Championship, helping the Dutch national team to a runner-up of the 1974 World Cup and the best player of the World Cup.
In 1985, John Cruyff began his coaching career at Ajax F.C. From 1988 to 1996, John Cruyff taught at FC Barcelona, during which time he led Barcelona to four consecutive la Liga titles and the first European Cup in the club's history in the 1991–92 season. From 2009 to 2013, John Cruyff coached Catalonia United.
5. Beckenbauer (Germany)
He plays as a free man / scavenger / centre-back / midfielder / winger, known as the "emperor of football". Beckenbauer is from the academy of Bayern Munich in the Federal Republic of Germany.
In 1964 , Beckenbauer began his career in the Bayern Munich first team , where he played for The New York Universe and Hamburg in the Bundesliga. Beckenbauer was able to play in several positions during his career and pioneered the freeman's play in the scavenger position, winning five Bundesliga titles, three North American football league titles and many other honors, helping Bayern Munich achieve three consecutive European Champions League titles from 1974 to 1976, and becoming the first defender in international football to win the European Footballer of the Year twice in 1972 and 1976. In November 1983, Beckenbauer officially ended his playing career.
From 1965 to 1977, Beckenbauer made 103 appearances for the Federal Republic of Germany national football team, scoring 14 goals, participating in three World Cups and two European Championships, helping the Federal Republic of Germany win the 1972 European Championship and the 1974 World Cup.
From 1984 to 1996, Beckenbauer coached the National Team of the Federal Republic of Germany, FC Marseille and FC Bayern Munich, winning the 1990 World Cup, as well as the Bundesliga, Ligue 1 and UEFA Cups in 1995–96.
In 1994, Beckenbauer began his career in politics. From 1994 to 2009 he was President of FC Bayern Munich. From 1998 to 2001, he was Vice-President of the German Football Association, during which time he helped Germany to obtain the right to host the 2006 World Cup in July 2000. From 2007 to 2011, Beckenbauer served as FIFA's executive committee.
6、 Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
Plays as a winger/center forward.
In 1995, Ronaldo joined Madeira Nationals and in 1996 transferred to the youth system of Sporting Club de Portugal.
In 2001, Cristiano Ronaldo played at Sporting Club Portugal in 5 different levels of competitions: U16, U17, U18, 2nd and 1st team.
In 2003, Cristiano Ronaldo moved to Manchester United for £12.24 million and helped the team win 10 titles, including the 2007-08 UEFA Champions League. Winner of the 2006–07 English Premier League Player of the Year during his time at Manchester United;
2008 Golden Globe Awards, International Professional Footballers Federation Best Player, Premier League Player best player, Premier League Golden Boot and other awards.
In 2009, Cristiano Ronaldo moved to Real Madrid F.C. for £80 million and helped the team win 16 championships over nine years, including 2013-14, 2015-16, 2016-17 and 2017-18 UEFA Champions League titles. During his time at Real Madrid, he won the 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017 Golden Globe Awards and other awards.
In 2018, Cristiano Ronaldo transferred to Juventus FC in Serie A for 100 million euros and won the 2018-19 and 2019-20 Italian Football League championships with the team.
In 2021, Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Manchester United.
7. Di Stefano (Spain)
He is a striker and nicknamed the "Golden Arrow".
In 1945, Stefano began his career with River Plate in Argentina.
In 1947, Stefano helped the Argentine national team win the Copa America with 6 goals in 6 games.
In 1949 he moved to Bogotá, Colombia, a millionaire.
Joined Real Madrid in 1953.
From 1956 to 1960, he led Real Madrid to win the European Champions League for five consecutive years, scoring in all five Champions League finals, and twice being the champions league top scorer. He has won the Spanish First Division eight times and la Liga top scorer five times. Stéfano scored 308 goals in 396 official appearances for Real Madrid.
In 1966, Stefano announced his retirement. As head coach, he led Boca Juniors and River Plate to the Argentine First Division, coached Valencia to the 1971 La Liga title and the 1980 European Cup Winners' Cup.
Stéfano won the European Ballon d'Or twice in 1957 and 1959, the "Super Ballon d'Or" from previous Ballon d'Or winners in 1989, the second most player of the century in the 2000 FIFA Expert Selection, stefano was elected honorary president of Real Madrid in November 2000, the best player in Real Madrid's 100-year history in 2008, and the first player to be inducted into the FIFA Hall of Fame in 2011.
8. Zidane (France)
He was nicknamed "Zizou".
In 1989, Zidane began his career at FC Cannes. He then played for Bordeaux, Juventus and Real Madrid. Zidane has won 11 UEFA Champions League titles, 2 Italian Football League titles, 1 Spanish Football League 1 title and 1 TIME FIFA World Footballer of the Year (1998, 2000, 2003) and 1 European Ballon d'Or (1998) in his career, and is one of the grand slam players in football.
In 2006, Zidane announced his retirement.
From 1994 to 2006, Zidane made 108 appearances for the French men's national football team, scoring 31 goals, participating in three World Cups in 1998, 2002 and 2006 and three European Championships in 1996, 2000 and 2004, helping France win the 1998 World Cup and the 2000 European Championship.
9. Da Luo (Brazil)
Plays as a striker.
Ronaldo rose to fame as a teenager in Cruzeiro, winning the World Footballer of the Year three times in 1996, 1997 and 2002, being voted the World Cup Player of the Year in 1998, the Golden Boot of the World Cup in 2002, and the Brazilian Legendary Superstar Award in 2010. Ronaldo began his European football career in Eindhoven and has since played for barcelona, Inter, Real Madrid and AC Milan, winning one La Liga trophy, one UEFA Cup, one European Cup Winners' Cup, one Spanish Copa del Rey and two Spanish Super Cups.
10. Platini (France)
Former French professional footballer, known as the best midfielder of the 1980s, former president of UEFA and vice president of the French Football Federation.
As a player, Platini played for Ligue 1's Nancy, Saint-Etienne and Serie A giants Juventus, helping the French national team win the European Championship in 1984 and being elected European Footballer of the Year three times. On May 17, 1987, at the age of 31, Platini announced his retirement.
11、Best (UK)
He plays as a left winger and is one of the "Holy Three" of Manchester United Football Club.
George Best debuted in the youth team of Manchester United Football Club in England. In 1963, George Best began his career by promoting him to the first team of Manchester United. Between 1963 and 1974, George Best played 470 games for Manchester United, scoring 179 goals, ranking fifth in the list of all-time top scorers in The Club of Manchester United, setting a record for 6 goals in a single game, helping Manchester United win two English Football League titles, 1 European Champions Cup and other honors, and in 1968 he was named The European Footballer of the Year and the English FWA Footballer of the Year. On 2 January 1974, George Best left Manchester United and has since played in leagues in the United Kingdom, the United States and other countries and regions. In 1984, George Best officially ended his career. In 2000, George Best was inducted into the FIFA Hall of Fame and was named the best athlete in English history by the Industry in England.
12、Gadmüller (Germany)
Player era as a center forward, nicknamed "Bomber".
During his 15 years with Bayern, Müller won 14 titles, including three Champions League titles and four Bundesliga titles, and became the top scorer in Bundesliga history with 365 Bundesliga goals. For the national team, Müller made 62 appearances for West Germany, scoring 68 goals. In 1970, Müller was awarded the World Cup Golden Boot with 10 goals. In 1972, Müller won the European Championship with his team. In 1974, Müller won the World Cup with the team.
13. Van Basten (Netherlands)
Van Basten has played for Ajax in the Eredivisie and AC Milan in serie A, and has won 2 European Cups, 3 Eredivisie titles, 4 Serie A titles and other honors for the club in his career, and has won 3 European Footballers, 1 FIFA World Footballer of the Year, 4 Eredivisie Top Scorers, 2 Serie A Top scorers, 1 European Golden Boot Award and other important honors.
14. Bobby Charlton (UK)
Player Era plays as a forward/left winger and is one of the "Holy Three" of Manchester United Football Club.
Bobby Charlton was one of the survivors of the Munich air disaster in February 1958, playing for Manchester United in 759 games, scoring 249 goals, ranking second in The Club's all-time appearances and goalscoring list, helping United win the 1968 European Champions League and three English Football League titles, and was named the European Footballer of the Year in 1966.
15. Garrincha (Brazil)
In Portuguese, Garincha is the name of a small bird that can fly lightly, gracefully and quickly in primeval forests. Garrincha was so good at ball control and so fast that fans gave him the nickname "Bird" to describe his extraordinary football talent. He represented Brazil in three World Cups, won two titles in 1958 and 1962, and is considered Brazil's greatest player on a par with Pele.
16. Eusebio (Portugal)
A forward, he was a legendary and outstanding shooter in the 1960s, known as the "Black Panther".
In the 1961 European Champions Cup, Benfica defeated Spain's Barcelona 3:2 to win the European championship for the first time, thanks to Eusebio.
In 1962, Eusebio's Benfica team met Real Madrid, who had won five consecutive titles in the European Champions League. In the first half, Real Madrid took the lead and scored two goals. Under the leadership of Eusebio, the dream-like Benfica team frequently scored goals with its wonderful counterattack, and finally won 5:3, allowing the domineering Real Madrid team to see Benfica's strength. Benfica once again won the European Cup. In 1961 and 1962 Eusebio helped Benfica win two European Cups. In 1963, 1965 and 1968 Benfica finished three times as runners-up in the European Cup. In addition, Eusebio helped Benfica win 13 National League Titles, 5 National Cups and 2 European Cups (1961, 1962) and 3 runners-up (1963, 1965, 1968).
17、 Romario (Brazil)
He has a relatively unruly temper, many coaches do not like him, he has a very explosive temper on the court, and he plays alone. As a striker, it is not necessarily a good thing to play alone, you should have confidence in yourself, otherwise he would not score 1,000 goals in world football. Playing for Barcelona, unfortunately lost 4-0 to AC Milan in the Champions League final. Participated in the 15th World Cup, led Brazil to win the championship as the main force, but unfortunately failed to participate in the World Cup in France. Romario's historical status can be ranked in the top 10-15 in history, and it is not in the top 10.
18. Yassin (USSR)
A famous footballer of the former Soviet Union, the best player of the 1950s and 1960s, the greatest goalkeeper in the history of world football, he only played for Dynamo Moscow football club in his lifetime. Pele once spoke highly of his performance: "To break through Yassin's goal, you need to work twice as hard. ”
In 1970 , The English Football World voted the world's best player , with Yassin only second after Pele , and in 1963 Jasin was elected European Footballer of the Year , the only goalkeeper to receive the award. Another amazing record for Yassin is that he has saved a total of 98 penalties in his football career. On May 27, 1971, Lev Yassin announced his retirement.
19. Meazza (Italy)
In Serie A, Meazza made his debut at Inter Milan and later switched to AC Milan, scoring 216 goals in 367 games. It is rumored that he was also the first player in history to use the technique of "provocative shooting". In honor of the greatest player in Italian history, the Italian people named the San Siro stadium common to AC Milan and Inter Milan as the Meazza Stadium.
Major awards: 2 World Cups (1934; 1938), 2 Serie A champions (1930; 1938), 3 Serie A Top Scorers, 1939 Coppa Italia
20、Xiao Luo (Brazil)
Role as a shadow striker/winger/forward. Delicate footwork, open vision, strong explosiveness, football spirit.
In 1998, Ronaldinho began his career at Gremio FC in Brazil. In 2001, Ronaldinho moved to Ligue 1 at Paris Saint-Germain. In 2003, Ronaldinho moved to FC Barcelona in La Liga, where he won two World Footballer of the Year and a European Ballon d'Or. In 2008, Ronaldinho moved to Serie A AC Milan. After 2011, Ronaldinho returned to his hometown and played in the Brazilian league in Flamengo, Atlético Mineiro, Querétaro and Fluminense. On 17 January 2018, Ronaldinho announced his retirement.
From 1999 to 2013, Ronaldinho made 97 appearances for the Brazilian men's national football team, helping Brazil win the 1999 Paraguayan Copa America and the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan.