Soccer is one of the most prominent and well-known sports that is watched/played worldwide. Its visual appeal, crowd fever, and popular players make it an emotion among fans!
In fact, not just fans, the importance of soccer players is quite common among wagerers too. That’s because, based on games and players, most betting predictions are made by the oddsmaker, including the NFL predictions. This makes it easier for the wagerers to bet on!
While there are many popular soccer players worldwide, here’s our quick brief on the top 9 of them:
#1 Diego Maradona
Diego Maradona is often called the 90min’s greatest soccer player of all time. This is because players could always count on him during tough situations. Whether it’s scoring crucial goals or winning the FIFA WC in the most unique way possible, he has done it all. Maradona has bagged several achievements, including the FIFA WC goal of the century and the 1986 Golden Ball.
#2 Pele
Whether it’s FIFA player of the century, TIME 100 most important people of the 20th century, or the youngest FIFA WC winner, Pele has bagged several awards to lead the charts of top 10 soccer players worldwide. During the 1970-the 60s, he led his team beautifully, with great achievements coming his way. He is also one of the players to score 500+ goals in soccer history.
#3 Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi is called the GOAT of the soccer world for obvious reasons. During his career peak, he went on to become a flawless player with 91 incredible goals and 5 Ballon d’Or. Although he is yet to bag the FIFA WC cup, his skills and talent have made him a leader in the top soccer players list.
#4 Cristiano Ronaldo
With 5 Ballon d’Or, the next player on our list is undoubtedly Christiano Ronaldo. The best thing about Ronaldo is his finishing and his potential to shoot from literally anywhere. His popularity is justified by the four Champions Leagues trophy wins along with his fantastic free kicks and backheeling.
#5 Michel Platini
Keeping the controversies aside, Michel Platini is one of the best goal-scoring midfielders in the soccer world. He is a three-time Golden Boot winner and is also recognised for scoring nine goals in the 1984 UEFA championship. Not to forget about his best-ever penalty and free kicks, which are still impressive.
#6 Zinedine Zidane
Back in the 2003 WC, Zinedine Zidane was titled the FIFA world player of the year, and it was truly deserving. He is an outstanding player who was responsible for scoring many final goals in UEFA Champion and World Cup leagues. Zidane is also the only player to be named player of the year in three of the top 5 soccer leagues.
He is currently the manager of the Real Madrid club. Amidst several La Liga transfer news, there were rumors that a striker would join the team this year, but Zidane scrapped the news.
#7 Franco Baresi
With his peak ranging from the late 80s to the mid-90s, Franco Baresi is one of the greatest players to achieve the Serie A Player of the Century award. He is the top 20 soccer player in the 90min’s category and is also known as an outstanding defender. Whether it’s strength, stamina, or speed, Baresi had it all!
#8 Johan Cruyff
If you are familiar with the Cruyff turn, you will know what we are talking about! With 3 Ballon d’Or and the 1974 golden ball, Johann Cruyff is the most influential soccer player of all time. He is also known for his imaginative playmaking and several other achievements, including the Copa del Rey and La Liga title.
#9 Franz Beckenbauer
Goalscorer, a defender, or an outstanding overall athlete, Franz Beckenbauer, has all the traits to make him one of the leading soccer players worldwide. He was responsible for several wins for Germany and has also bagged the German footballer of the year award four times! Beckenbauer has won 3 Ballon d’Or alongwith 1974 FIFA WC and 1972 UEFA European Championship trophy.
So, these soccer players are quite popular in the industry. Now that you know the list, which among these players are your favorite?