The Real Madrid midfielder broke the Ballon D'Or duopoly between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi at their respective primes in 2018. A World Cup finalist and a 6-time Champions League winner, Modric is the most accomplished midfielder of all time, without exception.
Ronaldo Luis Nazario da Lima is the single greatest phenomenon in football history. At his peak, he had it all, and he could do it all. Scoring, playmaking, dribbling, crosssing, passing - he was the best at it all. His 2002 World Cup sojourn with Brazil is an indelible part of football folklore.
Franz Beckenbauer was one of the most versatile footballers of all time. Able to operate anywhere in defense or midfield, Beckenbauer played centerback for West Germany and Bayern Munich during his prime, winning a World Cup and 3 European Cups on the bounce.
The Italian defender was undoubtedly the most versatile defender of all time. Maldini played professional football for 25 years with AC Milan, starting at the age of 16. The leftback, rightback and Franco Baresi's centerback partner was an elite starter for at least 23 of those years.
Zinedine Zidane was a maestro of all football skills, and he was always the prettiest watch on any pitch. The Frenchman was also a clutch performer, with a hattrick in the 1998 World Cup Final and the 2001 Champions League Final. Zizou also won an unprecedented 3 straight Champions League titles as Real Madrid coach!
No footballer has had more longevity than the Italian sensation. Buffon set the world transfer fee record in 2001, and remained the best shotstopper in the world for over a decade after this year. Buffon's best skill was his elite reading and anticipation.
Nobody inspired football fans to more rabid fandom than the 5'5" Argentinian during his heyday. Maradona led a middling Argentina side to the 1986 World Cup and immortalized himself in the process. Maradona was the ultimate #10, and the embodiment of passion in football.
Ronaldo is the world's most famous person, and the 2nd greatest active footballer on this list. He holds the all-time goals record in professional football (917) and in the UEFA Champions League (140). Currently playing in Saudi Arabia, CR7 aims to finish his career with 1000 goals!
Messi has been the preeminent footballer of the 21st century alongside Cristiano Ronaldo. The Argentinian has 4 Champions League titles, a World Cup, 2 Copa America titles and countless individual accolades to his name, along with 850 goals at the professional level. He holds the record for most goals in a calendar year at 91 goals in 2012.
Pele was the first global sporting superstar. He redefined sporting excellence, won 3 World Cups and became a true household name. With 1279 goals across 1363 official games, the Brazilian set the standard of footballing excellence for over 2 decades.
