For many years now, soccer has been the number one game sport in the world. Its vicissitudes are closely watched on all continents. Today, the famous football players of the world are one of the most recognizable people, whose annual income can reach amounts with five zeros. These athletes have become real stars not only on the football field. Their faces are decorated with many advertising posters. They are also attracted to the filming of films, invited to various talk shows. Many of them are engaged in charity work. But we, in turn, will now consider them exclusively from a professional point of view and make a list of those who are really famous all over the world. Of course, this top is unlikely to be able to claim absolute objectivity, but nevertheless, it will indicate the most famous football players, whose names are widely known.
Best goalkeeper
Undoubtedly, such is Lev Yashin. The mere fact that he is the only goalkeeper in the history of football who has been awarded the Golden Ball speaks volumes. Thanks to his dedicated game at the 1956 Olympic Games, the USSR team won gold.
French nugget
Many famous football players are unanimous in the opinion that Michel Platini should be included among the great ones . During his career, he played in 602 games. He scored 327 goals. In addition to outstanding personal gaming qualities, he also became famous for his ability to play in a team in a coordinated manner and to fulfill the coach’s settings.
The Pleiad of Brazilians
As for the Latin American magicians of the ball, here the famous football players are represented by a whole constellation. Apart stands Carlos Alberto Torres. His masterpiece goal in the game against Italy at the 1970 world championship was recognized as one of the best in the 20th century. The composition of the national team in which he played is still considered the strongest to this day.
Another recognized genius of football is Ronaldo. During his sports career, he twice became a world champion, received a prize as the best field player of the world tournaments of 1998 and 2002, twice received the Golden Ball, owned the Golden Boot, three times was the best football player according to World Soccer magazine.
Neimar cannot be ignored either. In recent years, photos of famous football players are presented including his image. And for good reason. In his 24 years, this athlete has already managed to become a real star. His talent was appreciated by specialists from Barcelona, and since 2013, he firmly staked out a place in its main composition. With the Catalan club, the Brazilian managed to win all the tournaments at the club level. He is invited to the Brazil national team, in which he became the best player in the Confederations Group Cup in 2013.
Of course, without Pele, this list would also be incomplete. This football player is known to everyone and everywhere. He alone managed to become a three-time world champion. For his team, he spent 92 matches, in which he was able to score 77 goals. Thanks to the tremendous sports experience and love from the Brazilians, from 1995 to 1998 he served as Minister of Sports of Brazil.
Argentina Living Icon
Famous football players are born not only on Brazilian soil. So, the Argentinean Diego Maradona is one of those who helped bring the game of the national team to a new level. Among his regalia there are titles that other athletes can only dream of. He won everything possible in professional football. Another rare achievement belongs to him: he took part in four world championships as a player. According to many respected print sports, Maradona is consistently one of the top five players on the planet. And in 1999, Diego was recognized as Argentina's greatest athlete in the 20th century.
Players of the Old World
As practice shows, the most famous football players in Europe are mostly immigrants from Holland, Portugal, England, Germany, Italy, Spain.
One of the most outstanding players of the twentieth century on our continent can be called Johan Cruyff. Due to his high individual skill and talent, he was able to become the owner of the Golden Ball three times, as well as win three Champions Cups.
Well, the brightest star of today, of course, can be called the Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo. Considering his achievements, it can be noted that the second such football player simply can not be found. Just think about it: he won the Golden Ball three times, recognized as the “FIFA Player of the Year”, four times received the Golden Boot, won the Champions League and other tournaments. Such successes are explained by its versatility. He plays equally well with both legs, fast, hardy, and technical. He has excellent dribbling and a unique kick during the execution of penalties.
In conclusion, it is worth saying: the famous football players of Russia are also very respected athletes who at all times were appreciated both at home and abroad, worthily speaking at various competitions and tournaments. Among them we can name first of all Arshavin, Kerzhakov, Dzagoev. Of course, the list goes on.