Ranking the Most Skilful Players in Football History

Football is often described as the ‘Beautiful game,’ thanks to the way it showcases its breathtaking skill, artistry, and technical mastery.

While strength, speed, and tactical intelligence are vital, the true football legends who dominated the pitch could manipulate the ball with seemingly effortless grace.

There is no doubt that skill in football goes beyond the mere tricks as it comprises flawless ball control, mesmerising dribbling, pinpoint passing, and the vision to execute the unexpected.

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A highly skilful player can operate in the tightest spaces, deceive opponents with subtle movements, and make the most complex actions look simple. In this article, Pulse Sports Kenya ranks the most skilful players in football history.

The Brazilian is often hailed as the greatest of all time, and there has to be a reason behind it. Pele was not only a prolific goalscorer but also a pioneer of technical football.

He blended athleticism, power, and finesse and possessed incredible balance, which allowed him to execute complex manoeuvres.

Pele always had complete control over the ball and was extremely dominant, using both his feet to challenge opponents and dribble past defenders in tight spaces. Pele set the standard for future generations of Brazilian attackers.

The Argentine was a true definition of raw, street-smart artistry of football. With a low centre of gravity and a powerful, muscular build, he was an explosive force when in possession.

Diego Maradona had a dribbling ability like no other, and he would more often navigate the entire defence with a single, seamless movement, often appearing to have the ball magnetically attached to his foot.

His famous goal against England in the 1986 World Cup remains the ultimate testament to his close control and audacious skill.

He could manipulate the ball under immense pressure and had deceptive changes in pace and direction. Diego Maradona did not just beat defenders; he dominated them through technical brilliance.

Another Argentine, Lionel Messi, possesses arguably the best first touch and close control in the history of the sport.

Lionel Messi can maintain possession at blistering speeds, making defenders look static. His movements are precise, relying on subtle feints and rapid shifts in direction rather than complex tricks.

Lionel Messi’s genius lies in his technical skill and cognitive awareness. He can dribble through a crowd, simultaneously maintaining a perfect view of the pitch, allowing him to deliver precise passes and spectacular finishes.

Ronaldinho brought joy and theatrical flair back to the pitch with his skill, which was majorly defined by unpredictability and a unique, flamboyant style.

The Brazilian mastered the ‘elastico,’ the ‘flip-flap,’ and countless other tricks, using them not just for show, but to genuinely dismantle defences.

He had extraordinary ball control, and his ability to look one way and pass another made him a magician on the field.

Johan Cruyff revolutionised football not only through his tactical genius but also through his elegant, intelligent skill.

Jonah Cryuff had a signature move, the ‘Cruyff Turn,’ a simple yet devastatingly effective piece of skill that highlighted his spatial awareness and technical precision.

The Dutchman possessed an exceptional understanding of the game, using subtle movements and perfectly timed touches to control the flow of the match.

He always used his technique to create space and opportunities, often appearing several steps ahead of his opponents.

The Frenchman was the embodiment of grace under pressure, and while not known for blistering speed, Zidane’s skill lay in his sublime ball control and his mastery of the ‘roulette.’

He could receive the ball in the tightest of spaces, surrounded by opponents, and emerge with poise and elegance.

Zinedine Zidane's ability to manipulate the ball with minimal effort, using deceptive methods, delicate flicks, and his iconic spin, made him one of the most aesthetically pleasing players to watch.

George Best of Northern Ireland combined the rebellious spirit of a rock star with the footwork of a ballet dancer.

Known as the ‘fifth Beatle,’ George Best possessed an extraordinary natural talent for dribbling. He could beat defenders with bewildering speed and balance, often humiliating opponents with audacious strikes.

George Best approached the game with a swagger and a natural fluidity that few others could match, making him one of the most exciting players to witness in full flight.

The original ‘Ronaldo’ (R9) was a force of nature, blending explosive pace with unbelievable technical ability.

Before knee injuries slowed him down, Ronaldo’s dribbling was a sight to behold. He utilised rapid stepovers and sudden bursts of acceleration, leaving defenders trailing in his wake.

Ronaldo’s clinical finishing and ability to maintain control while sprinting at full speed made him a nightmare for any backline.

Often overshadowed by Pele, Garrincha was perhaps the most skilful dribbler of his era. Despite a birth defect that affected his legs, Garrincha mastered the art, confusing defenders with unpredictable shifts in direction.

His talent was purely focused on the magic of the one-on-one duel. Garrincha is often cited as the player who most fully expressed the ‘samba’ style of Brazilian football, mesmerising audiences with his intuitive and fearless dribbling.