Among the various positions on the field, midfielders play a huge role in controlling the game, linking defense to attack, and orchestrating the team’s movements.
Over the years, numerous midfielders have left an indelible mark on the sport with their exceptional skills, vision, and ability to influence matches.
Here we look at the ten best midfielders of all time, analyzing their contributions, achievements, and impact on the game.
1. Pelé
Pelé, the Brazilian legend, is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
Although primarily known as a forward, Pelé’s versatility allowed him to excel in various positions, including midfield.
His exceptional ball control, dribbling skills, and vision made him a formidable force in the middle of the park.
Pelé’s ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates while also finding the back of the net himself set him apart from his contemporaries.
Notable Achievements:
- Three-time FIFA World Cup winner (1958, 1962, 1970)
- Scored over 1,000 career goals
- Named FIFA Player of the Century in 1999
2. Johan Cruyff
Johan Cruyff, the Dutch maestro, revolutionized the game with his innovative playing style and tactical intelligence.
As a midfielder, Cruyff possessed exceptional technical skills, agility, and an innate understanding of the game.
His ability to read the play, create space, and execute precise passes made him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Cruyff’s influence extended beyond his playing career, as he later became a successful coach, implementing his philosophy known as “Total Football.”
Notable Achievements:
- Three-time Ballon d’Or winner (1971, 1973, 1974)
- Won three consecutive European Cups with Ajax (1971-1973)
- Led the Netherlands to the World Cup final in 1974
3. Xavi Hernández
Xavi Hernández, the Spanish midfield maestro, epitomized the tiki-taka style of play that brought immense success to both Barcelona and the Spanish national team.
Xavi’s exceptional passing ability, vision, and understanding of the game allowed him to dictate the tempo and control the midfield.
His ability to retain possession and execute precise short passes made him an integral part of Barcelona’s dominance during the early 2010s.
Notable Achievements:
- Won eight La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League titles with Barcelona
- Played a crucial role in Spain’s triumph at the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the UEFA Euro 2012
- Finished third in the FIFA Ballon d’Or voting in 2009 and 2010
4. Andrés Iniesta
Andrés Iniesta, another Spanish midfield maestro, formed a formidable partnership with Xavi at both club and international level.
Iniesta’s exceptional close control, dribbling skills, and ability to navigate through tight spaces made him a nightmare for defenders.
His memorable goal in the 2010 FIFA World Cup final secured Spain’s first-ever World Cup triumph, highlighting his ability to perform on the biggest stage.
Notable Achievements:
- Won nine La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League titles with Barcelona
- Scored the winning goal in the 2010 FIFA World Cup final
- Finished second in the FIFA Ballon d’Or voting in 2010
5. Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Zidane, the French midfield maestro, combined elegance, skill, and vision to become one of the most iconic players in the history of the sport.
Zidane’s exceptional technique, ball control, and ability to execute precise passes made him a joy to watch.
His performances in the 1998 FIFA World Cup and the UEFA Euro 2000 showcased his ability to rise to the occasion and deliver when it mattered most.
Notable Achievements:
- Won the FIFA World Cup with France in 1998
- Won the UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid as both a player and a coach
- Received the FIFA World Player of the Year award three times (1998, 2000, 2003)
6. Michel Platini
Michel Platini, the French midfield maestro, was known for his exceptional goal-scoring ability and playmaking skills.
Platini’s vision, passing accuracy, and ability to find the back of the net made him a complete midfielder.
His performances for both club and country during the 1980s established him as one of the greatest players of his generation.
Notable Achievements:
- Won the UEFA European Championship with France in 1984
- Received the Ballon d’Or three times consecutively (1983, 1984, 1985)
- Scored nine goals in the 1984 UEFA European Championship, a record that still stands
7. Lothar Matthäus
Lothar Matthäus, the German midfield maestro, was known for his versatility, leadership, and exceptional technical skills.
Matthäus’ ability to control the game from midfield, make incisive passes, and contribute defensively made him a complete player.
His performances in the 1990 FIFA World Cup, where he captained West Germany to victory, solidified his status as one of the best midfielders of his era.
Notable Achievements:
- Won the FIFA World Cup with West Germany in 1990
- Received the FIFA World Player of the Year award in 1991
- Named in the FIFA World Cup All-Time Team
8. Alfredo Di Stefano
Alfredo Di Stefano, the Argentine-Spanish midfield maestro, was a key figure in Real Madrid’s dominance during the 1950s and 1960s.
Di Stefano’s exceptional goal-scoring ability, vision, and versatility allowed him to excel in various positions, including midfield.
His influence on the game extended beyond his playing career, as he later became a successful coach and manager.
Notable Achievements:
- Won five consecutive European Cups with Real Madrid (1956-1960)
- Scored over 300 goals for Real Madrid
- Received the Ballon d’Or twice (1957, 1959)
9. Frank Rijkaard
Frank Rijkaard, the Dutch midfield maestro, was known for his elegance, composure, and ability to control the game from midfield.
Rijkaard’s exceptional passing ability, defensive contributions, and leadership skills made him an integral part of both club and national teams.
His performances for AC Milan during the late 1980s and early 1990s were instrumental in their success.
Notable Achievements:
- Won the UEFA European Championship with the Netherlands in 1988
- Won two UEFA Champions League titles with AC Milan
- Received the Ballon d’Or in 1988
10. Paul Scholes
Paul Scholes, the English midfield maestro, was known for his exceptional passing ability, vision, and goal-scoring prowess.
Scholes’ ability to dictate the tempo of the game, find pockets of space, and deliver precise passes made him a vital cog in Manchester United’s success during the late 1990s and 2000s.
His long-range strikes and ability to score crucial goals from midfield set him apart from his peers.
Notable Achievements:
- Won 11 Premier League titles and two UEFA Champions League titles with Manchester United
- Scored over 150 goals for Manchester United
- Received the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award in 2003-2004
Q&A – Best Midfielders of All Time
1. Who is considered the best midfielder of all time?
While opinions may vary, many consider Pelé to be the best midfielder of all time.
His exceptional skills, versatility, and numerous achievements make him a standout player in the history of soccer.
2. Who is the most decorated midfielder in soccer history?
Xavi Hernández, with his numerous titles at both club and international level, is often regarded as the most decorated midfielder in soccer history.
His success with Barcelona and the Spanish national team is unparalleled.
3. Who is the most influential midfielder in modern soccer?
Andrés Iniesta, with his ability to control the game and deliver in crucial moments, is widely regarded as one of the most influential midfielders in modern soccer.
His performances for Barcelona and Spain have left a lasting impact on the sport.
4. Which midfielder has the most goals in their career?
Pelé holds the record for the most goals scored by a midfielder in their career.
He scored over 1,000 goals throughout his illustrious career.
5. Who is the best defensive midfielder of all time?
Lothar Matthäus is often considered one of the best defensive midfielders of all time.
His ability to contribute defensively while also controlling the game from midfield made him a complete player.
6. Who is the best playmaker in soccer history?
Johan Cruyff is widely regarded as one of the best playmakers in soccer history.
His vision, passing ability, and ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates set him apart from his peers.
7. Who is the best box-to-box midfielder of all time?
Frank Rijkaard is often considered one of the best box-to-box midfielders of all time.
His ability to contribute both defensively and offensively made him a vital player for both club and country.
8. Who is the best long-range shooter among midfielders?
Paul Scholes is often regarded as one of the best long-range shooters among midfielders.
His ability to score spectacular goals from outside the box was a trademark of his playing style.
9. Who is the best midfielder in terms of individual awards?
Lionel Messi, although primarily known as a forward, has won numerous individual awards and is often regarded as one of the best players in soccer history.
His exceptional skills, vision, and goal-scoring ability make him a standout player in any position.
10. Who is the best young midfielder in the game today?
There are several promising young midfielders in the game today, but one standout player is Kevin De Bruyne.
His exceptional passing ability, vision, and goal-scoring prowess have made him a key player for Manchester City and the Belgian national team.
Summary
The ten midfielders mentioned above have left an indelible mark on the sport of soccer with their exceptional skills, vision, and ability to influence matches.
From Pelé’s versatility and goal-scoring prowess to Xavi’s passing ability and control of the game, each midfielder has contributed to the evolution of the sport.
Whether it is Cruyff’s tactical intelligence, Zidane’s elegance, or Iniesta’s ability to perform on the biggest stage, these players have set the benchmark for future generations.
Their achievements and impact on the game make them worthy of being considered among the best midfielders of all time.
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