In the last five decades, the debate about the biggest names to ever grace the soccer stage has always revolved around Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. What about the others? Well, you could use this Fanduel sportsbook promo code to place a bet on which player you think will score most goals this new season.
The Big Question
We have watched players break records in international competitions such as the FIFA World Cup. Other competitions such as UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and UEFA Super Cup have also been opportunities to watch in awe, as soccer stars take their talents to the next levels. You could also use kingscodes to place your bet on who will be the top scorer this season.
Soccer fans around the world have also watched as big names rake in several individual awards in different football leagues. Every way you look at it, it gets difficult ranking top players in the world. But let’s pose the big question. Which five players make it to the top five in the last 50 years? Well, the following names, ranked in no particular order, merit for this post:
Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi is no ordinary player. In some quarters, he is referred to as the soccer wizards. In others, Messi is the greatest of all time. A bone of contention has always been who between Messi and CR7 is the greatest? Well, Messi has six Balon d’Or plus several other individual awards such as six golden shoes in European football competitions. While he is yet to win the World Cup trophy, Messi remains one of the greatest soccer players of all time. His goal-scoring prowess is unmatched in the football world.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo is another soccer greatest player in the last 50 years. Starting his career in Sporting Lisbon before moving to Manchester United, Real Madrid and now Juventus, Ronaldo has had a sterling career in the football world. A bitter rivalry with Lionel Messi makes it hard to conclusively say who is at the top of the other. Ronaldo has not only won at least 29 trophies, including some with his country’s national team, he also has four European golden boots and five Balon d’Or honours.
Ronaldo Nazario
When Jose Mourinho was asked about his opinion on who is the best soccer player, he said Ronaldo Nazario, referring to him as the original Ronaldo. Like CR7, Nazario is both a proven striker and world cup winner. At the peak of his career, he was both a clinical finisher and a speed dribbler. Ronaldo Nazario won two Balon d’Or, three-time FIFA player of the year awards, golden shoe, golden ball and many other honours at the peak of his career.
Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Zidane is the current manager of Real Madrid. His managerial prowess, having won five UEFA UCL trophies with Real Madrid proves his tactical abilities both on the dugout and on the field. At the peak of his career, Zinedine rivalled Ronaldo Nazario. His passing ability, ball control and goal-scoring prowess set new records. Popularly known as Zizou, Zidane is scored one of the greatest ever goals in 2002 UCL. He is a three-time FIFA player of the year, Balon d’Or winner, UCL best player, golden ball winner and many other league honours.
Ronaldinho (Ronaldo de Assis Moreira)
Despite having some facing some challenges recently in Paraguay, Ronaldinho remains a world football maestro. The Brazilian is undoubtedly a football icon with many individual honours. His field antics, especially dribbling, still leave fans in awe. Most importantly, Ronaldinho made soccer what it is known for, a beautiful game that puts smiles on the faces of fans. Even when things go south on-field and outfield, he is always smiley.