A-Z OF BEST FOOTBALLERS

[Guest bertiemasson]

ANYONE MISSING?

Majed Abdullah (11 January 1959-)

Majed was originally born in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and started his career in 1977 with Al-Nassr. He is considered Saudi Arabia's player of the century. The striker has been formally announced the World's most experienced international footballer.

 

 

Ademir (8 November 1922 - 11 May 1996)

Ademir Marques de Menezes is a Brazilian striker who scored the most goals at the 1950 World Cup. Throughout his career, he had 32 international goals in 39 appearances.

 

 

Florián Albert (15 September 1941-)

Florian Albert is a Hungarian striker who was handed the Golden Ball for 1967 and was considered the top player of his nation for 1966 and 1967. He is also an Olympic Champion from the 1964 games in Japan.

 

 

Jose Andrade (1 October 1901 - 4 October 1957)

Jose Leandro Andrade is a legendary winger from Uruguay, who won the very first World Cup tournament. He is considered one of the top footballers of the 1920s. Andrade is also one of the frist black soccer players to get serious recognition.

 

 

Georgi Asparuhov (4 May 1943 - 30 July 1971)

Asparuhov is a Bulgarian striker who played for Levski, Sofia during the 1960's. He made a notable appearance at the 1966 World Cup but died abruptly in a car crash.

 

 

Abedi "Pele" Ayew (5 January 1962-)

Originally born in Ghana, Abedi was selected as the Top African Footballer three times. He is considered a pioneer of African football and is one of the first players from the continent to get recognition in Europe. Abedi has played in both Africa and France, eventually winning the Champions League in 1993 with Olympique de Marseilles.

 

 

Roberto Baggio (18 February 1967-)

Baggio is a typical Italian forward known for his dribbling skills and considered the top European footballer for 1993. During the same year, he also won the UEFA Cup with his club team, Juventus. Baggio entered the spotlight after leading his national side to the World Cup final in 1994 and missing the decisive penalty, which caused his country the title.

 

 

Krasimir Balakov (29 March 1966-)

Balakov is a Bulgarian midfielder originally from the city of Veliko Turnovo. At the 1994 World Cup he won the Bronze with his country and was selected in the dream team of the tournament. Balakov played most of his club football in Stuttgart, Germany, where he enjoyed mild success and was later appointed as a coach.

 

 

Gordon Banks (20 December 1937-)

Banks is a legendary English goalkeeper regarded as the best of the 1960s and early 1970s . He was also World champion at England 1966. Banks had 73 appearances for his country, with a clean sheet in 35 of them. In club football, Gordon Banks had most of his success at Leicester City. Banks' career was cut short by a car crash from which he lost sight in one eye.

 

 

David Beckham (2 May 1975-)

Beckham is an English winger who came up from the Manchester United youth program. He eventually made his debut with the senior team and remained with them for more than half a decade. Beckham's biggest success with Man U was winning the Champions League in 1998. David Beckham earned most of his fame due to his physical appearance rather than his on-pitch performance. His haircuts received more attention than his scoring record.

 

 

Franco Baresi (8 May 1960-)

Italian sweeper Franco Baresi was born in Travagliato, Brescia. He played in Milan for over 20 years, and has earned over 77 caps with the Italian national team. Baresi appeared at four different World Cups and has recieved two Champions League trophies (1998/1999).

 

 

Marco van Basten (31 October 1964-)

Marco is a legendary Dutch attacker who has been awarded Best Footballer in Europe for 1988, 1989 and 1992. Marco has won the Cup Winners' Cup in 1987 with Ajax, Amsterdam. With AC Milan, Marco has won the Champions League for 1989 and 1990. With his ability to decide the outcome of games, Van Basten was considered as the "successor of Cruyff".

 

 

Franz Beckenbauer (11 September 1945-)

Beckenbauer is one of Germany's most successful players. He is considered the father of the sweeper position. Franz has won the Bundesliga five times and has raised the UEFA Champions League trophy three times in his career. Beckenbauer also deserves credit for Germany's 1974 World Cup title. At Italy 1990, he won the cup once more, but this time as a coach. Beckenbauer is considered the European player of the Century.

 

 

Igor Belanov (25 September 1960-)

Originally born in Odessa, Igor played at Dynamo Kiev for most of his career. He was acknowledged as the best footballer in Europe for the year 1986, when he led his club to a Cup Winners' Cup title. Belanov is a Soviet Champion for 1985 and 1986. After the Soviet Union broke up, he moved over to Borussia Moenchengladbach. Belanov is famous for his incredible sprinting ability.

 

 

Ferenc Bene (17 December 1944-)

Bene is a Hungarian striker, who played alongside with Florian Albert during Hungary's golden era of the 1960's. In 1964, his country reached the semifinals at the European Championship in Spain. Two years later at the 1966 World Cup, Ferenc scored four goals leading his team to the quarterfinals where the Soviet Union eliminates them. Overall, Bene has scored 36 goals in 76 international caps.

 

 

George Best (22 May 1946-)

Best is a right winger, born in Belfast, Northern Ireland. He won the UEFA Champions League in 1968 and the English Premiership in 1965 and 1967. George Best was also British and European Footballer of the Year in 1968.

 

 

Franz Binder (1 December 1911 - 24 April 1989)

Binder is an Austrian striker who was a semi-finalist at the 1934 World Cup. He started with the Austrian national team and later played for Germany. During his older years, he worked as coach in Germany.

 

 

Oleg Blokhin (5 November 1952-)

One of USSR's most popular players, Oleg was actually born in Kyiv, Ukrane. He won the European Championship twice and has over 100 international caps.

 

 

Hristo Bonev (3 February 1947-)

Bonev is originally from Plovdiv, Bulgaria. He played at his hometown Lokomotiv, and later moved to AEK, Athens. As a coach, he led Bulgaria's national team to the 1998 World Cup finals in France.

 

 

Zbigniew Boniek (3 March 1956-)

One of Poland's greatest players, Boniek was originally born in Bydgoszcz. His career started at Zawisza Bydgoszcz. After Boniek moved to Widzew Lodz he caught some international attention. He was quickly transferred in Italy to Juventus and eventually, ended up at Roma. With the Polish squad, Boniek has scored 24 goals in 80 matches.

 

 

Jozsef Bozsik (26 November 1946 - 31 May 1978)

Bozsik is a halfback who played a huge part of Hungary's golden era during the 1960's. He grew up in Budapest along with his childhood friend Ferencz Puskas. Four years after retiring from the coaching seat of the Hungarian national team, Bozsik died from heart failure.

 

 

Paul Breitner (5 September 1951-)

Paul Breitner was born in Kolbermoor, West Germany in an educated family. He started playing the game in his hometown with Freilassung, but later moved to Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. Paul has won most major football tournaments including the Champions League, the European Championship (1972), and the World Cup (1974.) Breitner is five times Bundesliga champion (1972, 1973, 1974, 1980, 1981) and has twice won the Spanish Primera Division (1975, 1976).

 

 

Bobby Charlton (11 October 1937-)

With his impressive 106 national caps and 49 goals, Bobby Charlton was the brightest star of England during the 1960's. He was the center figure behind England's 1966 World Cup victory. On the club level, Charlton won the Champions League in 1968 and is Premier League Champion for 1957, 1965, and 1967 with Manchester United.

 

 

Robert Gadocha (10 January 1946-)

Robert is an infamous left winger from Legia Warsaw. He was a big part of the golden Polish generation and was instrumental for his country's bronze medals at the 1974 World Cup. Robert is also an Olympic Champion from Munich 1972.

 

 

Garrincha (28 October 1933 - 20 January 1983)

One of the greatest dribblers ever, Manuel Francisco dos Santos was originally born as a cripple. He overcame the deformity in his legs and climbed the football ladder with his club Botafogo. At the international level, Garrincha was a superstar and major influence in Brazil's 1958 and 1962 World Cup titles. Shortly after the end of his playing career, Garrincha died unable to maintain his fortune.

 

 

Gyula Grosics (4 February 1926-)

World-class keeper, Gyula was born and grew up in Tatabanya, Hungary. He was a key figure of the "Mighty Magyars" squad from 1947 to 1962, participating in three World Cups. Grosics's career highlights include an Olympic Medal from Helsinki 1952 and a World Cup semifinal at Switzerland 1954.

 

 

Jimmy Greaves (20 February 1940-)

English forward James has completed 515 professional matches, scoring a total of 357 goals. He was born in East Ham, London. Greaves started his career at age of 17 with Chelsea. He won the Champions League with Tottenham in 1963. He was semifinalist at World Cup 1962 and winner in 1966.

 

 

Ruud Gullit (1 September 1962)

One of the best players of the 1980's, Dutchman Gullit began his career at PSV Eindhoven. AC Milan signed him in 1987 for the record sum of £5,500,000. With Milan, Gullit won both the UEFA Champions League and the Cup Winners' Cup. Gullit is also European Champion with Holland for 1988. After his playing days were over, Root attempted a coaching career in England.

 

 

George Hagi (5 February 1965-)

Hagi is one of the most skillful Eastern European midfielders of all time. Some call him "Maradona of the Balkans". Hagi was born in Romania but played his club football at top European teams such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, Brescia, and Galatasaray.

 

 

Thierry Henry (17 August 1977-)

Thierry Henry was born in France. The tall and agile striker was an important part of France's World Cup title in 1998 and their European Championship trophy in 2000. Henry also participated at the disastrous for France World Cup 2002 and Euro 2004. On the club level, he has been the top scorer of the English Premier League with Arsenal.

 

 

Geoff Hurst (8 December 1941-)

Hurst in an English footballer who was instrumental in his country's 1966 World Cup title. He is the only player to complete a hat trick at a World Cup final. Geoffrey was also a star at West Ham United, and was popular for his strength in one-on-one confrontations. After his playing career, he managed Chelsea and Telford United.

 

 

Trifon Ivanov (27 July 1965-)

Bulgarian defender Ivanov was born in Gorna Lipnitza, Veliko Turnovo. He started his career at Etar and was later recruited by CSKA Sofia. Trifon Ivanov attracted attention as an international with Bulgaria. He also played for Rapid Wien and reached the 1996 Cup Winners Cup Final with them. In the same year, he was nominated for the prestigious Top Footballer of Europe award and was voted as the Best Footballer in Bulgaria.

 

 

Jairzinho (25 December 1944-)

Jair Ventura Filho is a talented Brazilian, who played in three World Cups, winning only one of them (1970). For nearly 20 years, he remained as a right winger with the Brazilian national squad. As a club player, Jairzinho played in Brazilian club Botafogo as well as the French league.

 

 

Nwankwo Kanu (1 August 1978-)

Striker Kanu was born in Nigeria but gained a lot of popularity by playing at Arsenal, England. Trough his career he also played for Inter. Nwankwo encountered heart problems at around 1997 but overcame them and led his country to the 1998 World Cup in France.

 

 

Jurgen Klinsmann (30 July 1964-)

Jurgen is a German striker, World Champion at Italy 1990 and participant in USA 1994 and France 1998. Klinsmann started his career at Stuttgart and also played for Inter and Tottenham.

 

 

Emil Kostadinov (12 August 1967-)

Kostadinov was born in Bulgaria. He is a right attacker, who started in CSKA Sofia. With CSKA, Emil reached the semifinals of the 1989 Cup Winner's Cup. After a short stay in Portugal, Kostadinov ended up at Bayern Munich, eventually winning the UEFA cup. In international football, Kostadinov played a big part of Bulgaria's road to World Cup 1994. His last minute goal against France in the final match of the qualifications ensured Bulgaria's spot at USA 94.

 

 

Yordan Letchkov (9 July 1967-)

Letchkov is a skilled Bulgarian midfielder, originally born in Sliven. He began his career in his hometown but was recruited CSKA Sofia. He eventually ended up in Hamburg, Germany. Yordan, One of Bulgaria's most talented players entered the spotlight after the spectacular goal from a diving header, which clinched Bulgaria to the semifinals at the 1994 World Cup.

 

 

Diego Armando Maradona (30 October 1960-)

Born in the poor ghetto of Villa Fiorito, near Buenos Aires, Diego was discovered by Argentinos Juniors and by the age of 16 debuted in Argentina's senior national team. Maradona single handedly earned the 1986 World Cup for his country by scoring the controversial "Hand of God" as well as the "Most Beautiful Goal in World Cup History."

 

 

Lothar Matthaeus (21 March 1961-)

Matthaeus is a German midfielder (sweeper by the end of his career) who played from 1979 to 2000. Lothar was a part of Germany's 1990 World Cup victory and helped with their 1996 European title. In club football, Lothar played at Borussia Moenchengladbach, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan. He ended his playing career with the New York Metro Stars. Soon after, Matthaeus took on coaching.

 

 

Giuseppe Meazza (23 August 1910 - 21 August 1979)

The greatest player of Inter, Meazza was originally born in Milan, Italy. Ever since the age of 17, Giuseppe has been the starting attacker for Inter, bringing them their very first title in the Calcio. With his "daemon-like" skills, Meazza took a major part in two of Italy's World Cup titles in 1934 and 1948. Soon after his death, Inter's stadium San Siro was renamed to Giuseppe Meazza.

 

 

Bobby Moore (12 April 1941 - 24 February 1993)

One of the greatest defenders, Robert Francis Moore, was born in Barking, England. Moore was captain of the infamous 1966 English World Cup squad. In 1993, he died from cancer in London, England.

 

 

Pavel Nedved (30 August 1972-)

Nedved was born in former Czechoslovakia. With skillful play in midfield, he became a major part of the Czech Republic's silver medals at the 1996 European Championship. Nedved has also been an influential player at Juventus, taking over the place of Zinedine Zidane. At the end of 2003, he was crowned as the Top Footballer in Europe.

 

 

Jean Pierre Papin (5 November 1963-)

From 1988 to 1992, Papin was five times the leading goal scorer of the French league. During his club career, he also played in Belgium, Italy, and Germany. With the French national team, he has scored 30 goals in 54 matches.

 

 

Pelé (23 October 1940-)

Edson Arantes do Nascimento was born in the little town of Tres Coracoes, Brazil. He played club football for Santos. Internationally, Pelé was involved in the first three World Cup victories for Brazil in 1958, 1962, and 1970. He scored 1,282 goals in his professional career, an unprecedented number unlikely to be beaten.

 

 

Silvio Piola (29 September 1913-)

Silvio is an Italian forward, World Cup Champion at the 1938 tournament. He is considered "inventor" of the bicycle kick. Piola was born in the little town of Robbio Lomellina in the province of Pavia, Italy. In his club career, Piola played with Lazio, Juventus, and Turin.

 

 

Dimitar Penev (12 July 1945-)

Former Bulgarian player and coach, Dimitar Penev, was originally born in Mirovyane, near the capital Sofia. He played at CSKA Sofia, and later managed the team to a Cup Winners' Cup semifinal. Penev was also the coach of Bulgaria's national side, during the country's unprecedented fourth place finish at World Cup 1994.

 

 

Jean-Marie Pfaff (4 December 1953-)

Jean-Marie Pfaff was born in a poor family but became one of the most successful Belgian goalkeepers. He has won four championship league titles and three national cup trophies throughout his career with Beveren and Bayern Munich.

 

 

Michel Platini (21 June 1955-)

Originaly born in Joeuf, Platini is one of France's greatest midfielders. During his career, he scored 42 goals in 72 international matches. At the 1984 European championship, he led France to first place. In club football, Platini has played at Nancy, St. Etienne, and Juventus. With Juvé, he has won the Champions League title during the 1984-1985 season. Platini is the only player to win the Golden Ball three times in a row (1983-85.)

 

 

Rivaldo (19 April 1974-)

Left-footed midfielder Victor Borba Rivaldo was born in an extremely poor Brazilian family. He has been called the FIFA Player of Year and has also won the Champions League with Barcelona. With the Brazil, Rivaldo has raised the 2002 World Cup and has been instrumental in his country's 1998 Silver medals.

 

 

Gianni Rivera (18 August 1943-)

One of Italy and Milan's legendary playmakers, Gianni was born in Valle San Bartolomeo, Italy. Rivera has won nearly all major European tournaments and participated in four World Cups (runner-up in 1970.) At Euro 1968, he helped Italy with their first place finish. He has 60 international caps and 14 goals.

 

 

Romario (29 January 1966-)

Romario is one of Brazil's top forwards of the 1990's. He was born in the poor neighborhood of Jacarezinho, Rio de Janeiro. By the age of 9, Romario had a startling ability of controlling the ball. Throughout his career, Romario played for Vasco da Gama, PSV Eindhoven, Barcelona until settling back in Brazil with Flamengo. Romario's scoring was decisive for Brazil's World Cup title at USA 1994. He missed France `98 due to an injury. Romario was given the FIFA Player of the Year award in 1994.

 

 

Ronaldo (22 September 1976-)

Ronaldo is one of the most talented dribblers in the game's history. He was born in the slums of Rio but made an early debut with the Brazilian national team. Before turning 20, Ronaldo was a regular starter. He helped his county with their second place in 1998 and was instrumental in their 2002 title. Ronaldo attracted global attention after moving to FC Barcelona. He later transferred to Inter, where he struggled with injuries until his 2002 comeback with Real Madrid.

 

 

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge (25 September 1955-)

Karl-Heinz is considered one of the top strikers of the early 1980's. He was born as the son of a mechanic in Lipstat, Germany. Rummenigge went on to become European champion in 1980, reached the World Cup final twice (1982, 1986) and won the Champions League in 1976. In his club career, he played mostly at Bayern Munich and Inter Milan.

 

 

David Seaman (19 September 1963-)

English keeper Seaman played for quite a long time. Apart from his trademark mustache, he is popular with his calm and collected playing style. Seaman led his country to the 1996 European Championship, 1998 World Cup, and the 2000 Euro. He was also at goal for England in 2002 World Cup, where his error caused his country's elimination.

 

 

Peter Shilton (18 September 1949-)

Peter Shilton debuted professionally at a tender age, taking over Gordon Banks' spot at Leicester City. Peter was a long time keeper for England and Nottingham Forest. He has won the UEFA Champions League twice. Shilton has also set records for the highest number of international appearances. His first cap with England was in 1970. He retired twenty years later.

 

 

Socrates (19 February 1954-)

One of the most elegant Brazilian midfielders, Dr. Socrates Oliveira Souza received global acclaim for his vision and mastery of the back heel kick. Because he studied medicine, Socrates did not debut in international football until he was 25. At the 1982 and 1986 World Cups, Socrates was an instrumental in Brazil's squad. At club level, he played mostly at Botafogo and Corinthians. After ending his football career, Socrates went into politics. His younger brother is Rai, World Champion at USA 1994.

 

 

Hristo Stoichkov (8 February 1966-)

Stoichkov is a Bulgarian striker, who started his professional career at CSKA Sofia. He was drafted by Barcelona and led them to four consecutive La Liga titles. With Barca, Hristo has won the Champions League in 1992 and the Cup Winner's Cup in 1998. Individually, Stoichkov was awarded with the Golden Ball for 1994 and the Golden Boot in 1992. In international football, Hristo has led his country to unprecedented heights, winning the Bronze at World Cup 1994.

 

 

Davor Suker (1 January 1968-)

Davor Suker was originally born in former Yugoslavia. The striker went on to become top scorer of the 1998 World Cup, reaching the semifinals with the Croatian team. In his club career Suker played at Real Madrid, Arsenal, and in the Bundesliga.

 

 

Fritz Walter (31 October 1920-)

The favorite student of German national coach Sepp Herberger, Fritz is a true legend at his home club Kaiserslautern. He is also World Champion from Switzerland 1954.

 

 

George Weah (1 October 1966-)

George Manneh Oppong Ousman Weah is Liberia's most successful player. He played in some of the top European club including Monaco, PSG, AC Milan, and Chelsea. Weah was selected as The Best Footballer in Europe in 1995 and is also considered Africa's Player of the Century.

 

 

Lev Yashin (22 October 1929 - 21 March 1990)

Legendary Russian keeper Yashin was born near Moscow. He had the style of a modern keeper bet he played during the 1950's and 1960's. Lev won Olympic Gold in 1956 and the European Championship in 1960. Yashin was the only keeper ever to be awarded with the Golden Ball as top European footballer. He is also the only Russian athlete to receive the prestigious "Hero of the Socialist Working Class" medal. Later in his life, a tragic knee injury caused the amputation of his leg. Five years after the surgery, Lev Yashin died from stomach cancer in Moscow.

 

 

Zico (3 March 1953-)

Artur Antunes Coimbra was born in Rio as the son of Portuguese immigrants. His dad was a goalkeeper and three of his older brothers were professional footballers as well. Zico began his professional career at Flamengo and quickly earned a reputation as a creative player and a set piece expert. He was awarded with "Best Player in South America" three times and played in three World Cups. Many experts call Zico the "White Pelé."

 

 

Zinedine Zidane (23 June 1972-)

Zizou was originally born in Marseilles, France. He got recruited at the age of 16 by the club Cannes. After another transfer to Bordeaux, Zidane made his presence in Europe known. His talent attracted Italian giant Juventus. After showcasing himself as a dominating midfielder with Juvé, Real Madrid bought him for the record $66 Million. With the French national squad, Zidane has won the top tournaments in the football, including the 1998 World Cup and 2000 European Championship.

[Shak]

Davor Suker will be thrilled if he sees this. 

[Guest Geordiesned]

Football forum shirley.

[Shak]

As will Kanu.

[Incognito]

Jean Marie Pfaff??Average at best.

[Guest bertiemasson]

As well as Georgi Asparuhov!!!!!

 

Think this was a poor attempt

[Nobody]

Shearer?

[Guest Geordiesned]

No Puskas

[Incognito]

Wheres Gascoigne?

[Shak]

Shearer?

 

Kanu is obviously better.

[Guest Geordiesned]

Jean-Pierre Papin

[Guest Knightrider]

2J will be on later to dismiss your list.

[Guest Geordiesned]

Rivaldo but no Ravalinho

[Guest Geordiesned]

Niall Quinn

[Guest Alan Shearer 9]

Sibierski??

[Guest bertiemasson]

My fatha reckons they are missing

Alan Gowling &

Imre Varadi

 

No Puskas couldnt believe that like - plus there is a load of Bulgarians in this list :0 bit subjective this list i reckon

 

[chicago_shearer]

Um, Cruyff? 

[Guest gggg]

Beckham 

 

 

[Guest Geordiesned]

Who's produced the list?

[Dave]

Who's produced the list?

 

Stevie Wonder.

[Alberto2005]

Luque?

[Dragon55544]

David Beckham (2 May 1975-)

Beckham is an English winger who came up from the Manchester United youth program. He eventually made his debut with the senior team and remained with them for more than half a decade. Beckham's biggest success with Man U was winning the Champions League in 1998. David Beckham earned most of his fame due to his physical appearance rather than his on-pitch performance. His haircuts received more attention than his scoring record.

 

Got to laugh at that

[Guest Geordiesned]

ANYONE MISSING?

 

Jose Andrade (1 October 1901 - 4 October 1957)

Jose Leandro Andrade is a legendary winger from Uruguay, who won the very first World Cup tournament. He is considered one of the top footballers of the 1920s. Andrade is also one of the frist black soccer players to get serious recognition.

 

José Rodrigues Alves Antunes (15 July 1976-)

José Antunes AKA Fumaca is a central midfielder from Brazil who played for Catunesse, Newcastle United, Birmingham City, Colchester Utd, Barnsley and Crystal Palace amongst others. Jose was a strong pacy player who frightened the life out of the opposition with his wizardry. It remains a mystery to this day how he never gained international recognition.

 

Georgi Asparuhov (4 May 1943 - 30 July 1971)

Asparuhov is a Bulgarian striker who played for Levski, Sofia during the 1960's. He made a notable appearance at the 1966 World Cup but died abruptly in a car crash.

 

How did I miss this first time I looked?? 

[Keefaz]

This is a weird list.

[1878]

You've got David bloody Seaman but no Southall? Or Schmicheal for that matter. Seaman isn't fit to be mentioned in the same breath.

 

And Jimmy Greaves but no Dixie Dean? Sort it out.

 

I assume you're Bulgarian btw.