Top 10 Footballers of All Time: Lionel Messi Edges Ahead After World Cup Triumph" Feel free to adjust it further if needed!

Top 10 Footballers of All Time: Lionel Messi Edges Ahead After World Cup Triumph" Feel free to adjust it further if needed!

After winning the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Lionel Messi has now claimed victory in every major competition he has participated in throughout his professional career.

Choosing the greatest footballer of all time is a highly subjective endeavor, influenced by numerous intangible factors. Nonetheless, Lionel Messi is often hailed as the greatest football player ever, especially after his landmark World Cup victory with Argentina in Qatar. His impressive tally of goals and the array of trophies he has won throughout his career bolster this claim. Messi's crowning achievement came when Argentina triumphed in a thrilling World Cup final against France, securing his position as the undisputed GOAT.

Messi's argument for this status is further supported by his performance in the tournament, where he won the Golden Ball, netting seven goals and providing three assists. 

Here's a look at the top 10 footballers of all time:

**Top 10 Football Players of All Time**

| Rank | Player                | Goals | Trophies |

|------|-----------------------|-------|----------|

| 1    | Lionel Messi          | 802   | 42       |

| 2    | Pele                  | 767   | 26       |

| 3    | Diego Maradona        | 353   | 12       |

| 4    | Cristiano Ronaldo     | 819   | 34       |

| 5    | Johan Cruyff          | 433   | 22       |

| 6    | Zinedine Zidane       | 156   | 15       |

| 7    | Gerd Muller           | 718   | 16       |

| 8    | Ronaldo Nazario       | 414   | 19       |

| 9    | Alfredo di Stefano    | 509   | 27       |

| 10   | Michel Platini        | 353   | 12       |

**Lionel Messi (Argentina)**  

- **Goals:** 802  

- **Trophies:** 42  

Emerging from Barcelona’s esteemed La Masia academy, Messi quickly established himself as one of football’s elite players, winning his first Ballon d’Or in 2009 at just 22. He has since collected seven Ballon d’Or awards, achieved the treble with Barcelona twice, and secured major international titles with Argentina, including the Copa America in 2021 and the FIFA World Cup in 2022. Messi also boasts an Olympic gold medal from Beijing 2008 and remains the only player to have won two Golden Balls in World Cups (2014 and 2022).

Currently in the latter stages of his career, Messi now plays for Inter Miami in the United States. His impact has been immediate, helping the team secure the Leagues Cup, their first major trophy. While Inter Miami is still working to become a dominant force in MLS, the addition of Messi has generated significant optimism among fans and analysts. Many anticipate that the team will soon become a serious contender for the MLS title.

This growing confidence is reflected in the betting community, where many are placing bets on Inter Miami to secure the championship in the near future. New customers are often enticed with betting bonuses and promotions when they sign up and place their bets, adding an extra incentive to back the team’s success.

**Pele (Brazil) - 767 Goals, 26 Trophies**  

Pele announced himself on the world stage with six goals in the 1958 World Cup, quickly becoming a football icon. Known as the “Black Pearl,” he scored over 700 goals for both club and country. Pele's illustrious career includes multiple titles with Santos and three World Cup victories, solidifying his place as one of the sport's first global superstars.

**Diego Maradona (Argentina) - 353 Goals, 12 Trophies**  

Considered one of football’s greatest attacking talents, Diego Maradona dazzled fans with his extraordinary ball control and creativity. He led Argentina to victory in the 1986 FIFA World Cup, scoring crucial goals in the quarter-finals and semi-finals. Maradona also guided Napoli to their only two league titles, leaving an indelible mark on football history.

**Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) - 819 Goals, 34 Trophies**  

Cristiano Ronaldo holds the record as the greatest goal-scorer in football history. His career spans league titles in England, Spain, and Italy, along with five Champions League victories, four of which came during his time at Real Madrid. Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, also played a key role in Portugal's first major trophy, the UEFA Euro 2016.

**Johan Cruyff (Netherlands) - 433 Goals, 22 Trophies**  

A pioneer of “Total Football,” Johan Cruyff's influence on the game is profound, both as a player and a manager. He led Ajax to three consecutive European Cup titles and won the Ballon d’Or three times. Cruyff guided the Netherlands to two FIFA World Cup finals in 1974 and 1978, leaving a lasting legacy in football.

**Zinedine Zidane (France) - 156 Goals, 16 Trophies**  

Renowned for his control and technique, Zinedine Zidane started his career at Cannes before moving to Bordeaux. He gained prominence at Juventus, winning multiple titles, and continued his success at Real Madrid, where he won the Champions League in his first season. Zidane also played a crucial role in France’s 1998 World Cup win and was named the world’s best player in 1998, 2000, and 2003.

**Gerd Muller (Germany) - 722 Goals, 16 Trophies**  

Gerd Muller is celebrated as one of Germany's football legends. His prolific career included a remarkable spell at Bayern Munich, where he scored 398 goals in 453 appearances. Muller also achieved international success, winning the European Championship in 1972 and the FIFA World Cup in 1974. His impact extended to the United States with the Fort Lauderdale Strikers later in his career.

**Ronaldo Nazario (Brazil) - 414 Goals, 15 Trophies**  

Ronaldo, a prodigious talent from a young age, remains one of the best strikers ever despite a career marred by injuries. He began at Cruzeiro, making an immediate impact, and went on to excel at PSV and Barcelona. Ronaldo helped Brazil win the 2002 World Cup and earned two Ballon d’Or awards, scoring 414 goals across his club and international career.

**Alfredo Di Stefano (Argentina) - 509 Goals, 26 Trophies**  

Alfredo Di Stefano, a legend for both Real Madrid and Argentina, is hailed as one of the most complete footballers ever. After a challenging start at River Plate and a loan spell at Atletico Huracan, he became a key player for Real Madrid. Di Stefano led Madrid to eight La Liga titles and five consecutive European Cups, establishing a legendary legacy in the sport.

**Michel Platini (France) - 353 Goals, 12 Trophies**  

Michel Platini is a pivotal figure in French football history, known for his exceptional midfield play. Born in 1955 to Italian parents in northeast France, he began his professional career at Nancy, winning the French Cup in 1978. Platini then helped Saint Etienne win the Ligue 1 title in 1981 before achieving further success with Juventus, where he won multiple trophies.