The Most Famous Soccer Player of All Time, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the soccer player you think is the most famous!
Updated on May 6, 2024 07:14
Debates about the most famous soccer player of all time often stir passionate discussions among fans from diverse backgrounds. When arguments heat up at local cafes or across social media platforms, establishing a consensus seems nearly impossible. This space offers the chance to cast your vote and contribute directly to shaping a definitive list, supported by the collective voice of global sports enthusiasts.
Every vote submitted here plays a crucial role in assembling a list that reflects the shared views of an international community. Regardless of whether you're a seasoned expert with encyclopedic knowledge of the game or a new supporter attracted by the glamor and drama of the sport, your input is valued. This dynamic ranking evolves with each new vote, making it as current and relevant as the latest game results.
Who Is the Most Famous Soccer Player of All Time?
-
130votesWidely regarded as the greatest soccer player of all time, Pele won three World Cups with Brazil and scored over 1000 career goals.
-
239votesConsidered one of the best players of his generation, Messi has won numerous awards and has scored over 700 career goals for Barcelona and Argentina.Lionel Messi is an Argentine professional football (soccer) player widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time. He is known for his incredible dribbling skills, agility, and ability to score goals. Messi plays as a forward for FC Barcelona and the Argentine national team. He has won numerous individual awards, including multiple FIFA Ballon d'Or titles.
- International Caps: Over 140 caps for Argentina
- Nationality: Argentine
- Club: FC Barcelona
- Position: Forward
- Height: 1.70 meters
Lionel Messi in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous footballer in Spain
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Argentine player
- Position 6 of 10 in Most talented boy in the world
- Position 8 of 10 in Most popular Cancer Zodiac sign
- Position 8 of 10 in Most popular man
- Position 9 of 10 in Most attractive football player
-
316votes
Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domainKnown for his infamous "Hand of God" goal, Maradona led Argentina to victory in the 1986 World Cup and is considered one of the greatest players of all time.Diego Maradona in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous Argentine player
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous Argentine football player
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous Argentinian
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous association football player
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous Hispanic soccer player
-
433votes
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano RonaldoA prolific scorer for Real Madrid and Portugal, Ronaldo has won numerous awards and is considered one of the best players of his generation.Cristiano Ronaldo is a popular face in the world of professional football. He is a Portuguese professional footballer who is considered one of the greatest players of all time. Ronaldo has gained fame for his exceptional skills, athleticism, and goal-scoring ability.- Birth Date: February 5, 1985
- Nationality: Portuguese
- Current Club: Juventus
- Position: Forward
- Height: 1.87 meters
Cristiano Ronaldo in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Juventus player
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous on Facebook
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous Hispanic soccer player
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous association football player
- Position 3 of 10 in Most popular man
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous cyber-celebrity
-
520votesA legendary player for Barcelona and the Netherlands, Cruyff is known for his innovative style of play and was a three-time Ballon d'Or winner.Johan Cruyff in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Dutch footballer
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous Dutch person
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous association football player
-
68votesA World Cup winner with France and a three-time FIFA World Player of the Year, Zidane was known for his skill and elegance on the field.Zinedine Zidane in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous French soccer player
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous player for Real Madrid
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous football coach
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous association football player
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous Juventus player
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous person in Algeria
-
711votes
Sven Mandel · CC BY-SA 4.0A World Cup winner as both a player and a coach, Beckenbauer was a dominant force for Germany and Bayern Munich in the 1970s.Franz Beckenbauer in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous defender in soccer
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous football player in Germany
- Position 7 of 10 in Most famous association football player
-
814votesThe Brazilian striker won two World Cups with Brazil and scored over 400 career goals, earning him the nickname "The Phenomenon."
-
92votesA legendary player for Manchester United and Northern Ireland, Best was known for his skill and flair on the field.George Best in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous person in Northern Ireland
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous Manchester United player
- Position 8 of 10 in Most handsome footballer of all time
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous association football player
-
105votesA three-time Ballon d'Or winner and a key player for France, Platini was known for his creativity and vision on the field.Michel Platini in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous French soccer player
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous Juventus player
- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous player for Real Madrid
Missing your favorite soccer player?
Graphs
Discussion
Ranking factors for famous soccer player
-
AchievementsConsider the player's success in winning major titles like the FIFA World Cup, UEFA Champions League, domestic league titles, and individual awards (e.g., Ballon d'Or).
-
Skill and TalentExamine the player's technical ability, vision, dribbling, passing, goal-scoring record, consistency, and impact on the game.
-
Longevity and Career SpanEvaluate how long the player remained at the highest level of the sport and consistently performed well. Sustained excellence over an extended period is significant.
-
Impact on the GameAssess how the player changed the way the game is played or influenced future generations of players. This might include introducing new techniques or tactical innovations.
-
Cultural and Global InfluenceConsider the player's impact beyond the field, such as their cultural significance, ambassadorial roles, marketability, and ability to inspire and connect with fans worldwide.
-
Popularity and Media CoverageAnalyze the player's level of fame, public recognition, media coverage, and social media presence. How well-known and followed they are globally is an important aspect to consider.
-
Legacy and Historical SignificanceReflect on the player's overall impact on the sport's history and their lasting impressions. This includes how they are remembered among fans, peers, and analysts.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most famous soccer player of all time. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or player is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2409 views
- 171 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each player once every 24 hours. The rank of each player is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most famous soccer player of all time
Soccer, also known as football in many parts of the world, is the most popular sport on the planet. It has produced countless legendary players over the years, but the question of who is the most famous soccer player of all time is a topic of debate that continues to this day.
One name that is often mentioned in this conversation is Pelé. The Brazilian forward is widely regarded as one of the greatest players to have ever played the game. He won three World Cups with Brazil, scored over 1,000 career goals, and was a global ambassador for the sport.
Another name that frequently comes up is Diego Maradona. The Argentine midfielder was known for his incredible skill and is perhaps best remembered for his "Hand of God" goal in the 1986 World Cup. He won numerous titles with club teams in Italy and Argentina, and his impact on the sport is still felt today.
Other players who are often mentioned in discussions of the most famous soccer player of all time include Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Zinedine Zidane, and Johan Cruyff. Each of these players has achieved incredible success on the field and has become a global icon in their own right.
Regardless of who you believe is the most famous soccer player of all time, there is no denying that the sport has produced some truly remarkable players over the years. At StrawPoll, we invite you to share your thoughts and opinions on this and other topics related to the world of soccer.
Explore other rankings
Check out some of the other recommended rankings on StrawPoll and make your voice heard.
