The Official GOAT List: Ranking the Greatest Soccer Players of All Time
Is it Pelé’s legacy? Maradona’s chaos? Messi’s magic? Or Cristiano’s ruthless dominance? Welcome to the greatest soccer debate in the history of footy. Here on GoatWars, fans vote in head-to-head matchups between the legends of the pitch — from timeless icons like Johan Cruyff and Franz Beckenbauer to modern masters like Messi and Ronaldo. It’s the ultimate global rivalry where the beautiful game meets brutal opinions. Every vote moves a player up (or down) the GOAT List — so pick wisely, or forever hold your yellow card.
1. PELÉ
Pelé is currently the #1 Greatest Soccer Players of All Time winning 82.1% head-to-head battles.
2. LIONEL MESSI
Lionel Messi is currently the #2 Greatest Soccer Players of All Time winning 72.5% head-to-head battles.
3. CRISTIANO RONALDO
Cristiano Ronaldo is currently the #3 Greatest Soccer Players of All Time winning 72.1% head-to-head battles.
4. DIEGO MARADONA
Diego Maradona is currently the #4 Greatest Soccer Players of All Time winning 46.2% head-to-head battles.
5. RONALDINHO
Ronaldinho is currently the #5 Greatest Soccer Players of All Time winning 45.9% head-to-head battles.
6. FRANZ BECKENBAUER
Franz Beckenbauer is currently the #6 Greatest Soccer Players of All Time winning 35.6% head-to-head battles.
7. GEORGE BEST
George Best is currently the #7 Greatest Soccer Players of All Time winning 31.2% head-to-head battles.
8. ZINEDINE ZIDANE
Zinedine Zidane is currently the #8 Greatest Soccer Players of All Time winning 30.9% head-to-head battles.
9. JOHAN CRUYFF
Johan Cruyff is currently the #9 Greatest Soccer Players of All Time winning 27.3% head-to-head battles.
10. MICHEL PLATINI
Michel Platini is currently the #10 Greatest Soccer Players of All Time winning 23.5% head-to-head battles.
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