In the world of football, the debate over who deserves the title of the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) is a passionate and ongoing one. Whether you’re a fan of Real Madrid or Barcelona, Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea or even Arsenal, the names that often come up are those of extraordinary players who have dazzled fans and redefined the sport to make up the football GOAT list.
Football, known as the beautiful game, has seen countless talented players grace the pitch over the decades, even centuries. Among them, a select few have risen above the rest, earning their places in history as the greatest of all time.
This Football GOAT list celebrates the careers of 13 legendary players who have left an indelible mark on the sport and whose careers are punctuated by extraordinary achievements, stunning records, and unforgettable moments.
From the sheer goal-scoring prowess of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to the artistic brilliance of Zidane and Ronaldinho, these legends have shaped football’s history and continue to inspire future generations.
Who is the GOAT of Football in 2024
From their remarkable achievements to record-breaking feats, these icons have captivated fans worldwide with their skill, passion, and dedication. Join us as we take a journey through the illustrious careers of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and other soccer legends who have defined football greatness.
A. Cristiano Ronaldo
Clubs: Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, Al Nassr
Achievements: 5 Ballon d’Or awards, 5 UEFA Champions League titles, 7 league titles across England, Spain, and Italy, Euro 2016, Nations League 2019.
Records: All-time top scorer and assister in the UEFA Champions League, Real Madrid’s all-time leading scorer, Portugal’s all-time top scorer and assister, all-time top scorer in international football, all-time scorer and assister in Euros, and all-time top scorer in football history.
B. Lionel Messi
Clubs: Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Miami
Achievements: 8 Ballon d’Or awards, 4 UEFA Champions League titles, 10 La Liga titles, Copa America 2021 & 2024, World Cup 2022.
Records: All-time top scorer for Barcelona, most goals in a calendar year (91 in 2012), Argentina’s all-time top scorer, most decorated player in the history of football, all-time top assister in football history, most goal contributions in football history.
C. Ronaldo Nazário (Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima)
Clubs: Cruzeiro, PSV Eindhoven, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, AC Milan, Corinthians
Achievements: 2 Ballon d’Or awards, 2 FIFA World Cups (1994, 2002), 2 Copa America titles, UEFA Cup winner.
Records: Youngest Ballon d’Or winner, most World Cup goals (15 at the time of his retirement).
D. Zinedine Zidane
Clubs: Cannes, Bordeaux, Juventus, Real Madrid
Achievements: 1 Ballon d’Or, 1 FIFA World Cup (1998), 1 UEFA Champions League title, 2 Serie A titles, 1 La Liga title.
Records: Famous for his performance in the 1998 World Cup final, scored two goals with headers.
E. Pelé
Clubs: Santos, New York Cosmos
Achievements: 3 FIFA World Cups (1958, 1962, 1970), over 1,000 career goals, multiple league and continental titles with Santos.
Records: Youngest player to win a World Cup (17 years old), Brazil’s all-time top scorer.
F. Diego Maradona
Clubs: Argentinos Juniors, Boca Juniors, Barcelona, Napoli, Sevilla, Newell’s Old Boys
Achievements: 1 FIFA World Cup (1986), 2 Serie A titles with Napoli, Copa del Rey with Barcelona.
Records: Famous for the “Hand of God” goal and the “Goal of the Century” in the 1986 World Cup.
G. Ronaldinho
Clubs: Grêmio, Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, AC Milan, Flamengo, Atlético Mineiro
Achievements: 2 FIFA World Player of the Year awards, 1 Ballon d’Or, 1 UEFA Champions League title, 2 La Liga titles, Copa America 1999, FIFA World Cup 2002.
Records: Known for his creativity and flair, helped Barcelona achieve significant success in the mid-2000s.
H. Bobby Charlton
Clubs: Manchester United, Preston North End
Achievements: 1 Ballon d’Or, 1 FIFA World Cup (1966), 3 English league titles, 1 European Cup.
Records: Manchester United’s all-time top scorer until 2017, England’s all-time top scorer until 2015.
I. Johan Cruyff
Clubs: Ajax, Barcelona, LA Aztecs, Washington Diplomats, Levante, Feyenoord
Achievements: 3 Ballon d’Or awards, 3 European Cups with Ajax, 8 Eredivisie titles, 1 La Liga title.
Records: Pioneer of “Total Football,” influential both as a player and a coach.
J. Alfredo Di Stéfano
Clubs: River Plate, Huracán, Millonarios, Real Madrid, Espanyol
Achievements: 5 European Cups, 2 Ballon d’Or awards, 8 La Liga titles, numerous domestic and international titles.
Records: Integral part of Real Madrid’s dominance in the 1950s, scoring in 5 consecutive European Cup finals.
K. Rivaldo
Clubs: Santa Cruz, Mogi Mirim, Corinthians, Palmeiras, Deportivo La Coruña, Barcelona, AC Milan, Olympiacos
Achievements: 1 Ballon d’Or, 1 FIFA World Cup (2002), 2 La Liga titles, 1 UEFA Champions League title with AC Milan.
Records: Known for his incredible skill and powerful left foot, key player in Brazil’s 2002 World Cup victory.
L. Romário
Clubs: Vasco da Gama, PSV Eindhoven, Barcelona, Flamengo, Valencia, Miami FC, Adelaide United
Achievements: 1 FIFA World Cup (1994), 1 FIFA World Player of the Year award, 4 league titles in Brazil and the Netherlands.
Records: Over 1,000 career goals, key player in Brazil’s 1994 World Cup victory.
M. Marco van Basten
Clubs: Ajax, AC Milan
Achievements: 3 Ballon d’Or awards, 2 European Cups with AC Milan, 3 Eredivisie titles, 4 Serie A titles, UEFA European Championship 1988.
Records: Renowned for his technical skill and goal-scoring ability, career cut short by injury.
Of course, we are not going to come up with the ranking of the football GOAT list based on our own bias like other sports media platforms pretentiously do. The only football GOAT list that is remotely relevant is the one decided by football fans.
This is your chance to choose your ultimate GOAT in football and make sure you share with your football pals. You can only vote for one candidate on the list. Each player would be ranked based on the number of votes they get from football fans.
Please, make sure to let us know which players or legend we have left out of this elite list in the form below.
If you also want to comment on any football topic, the form below is your best friend. Thanks. Have a great day, and remember football fans are the greatest sports fan of all time.
