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3. Ronaldinho
With a series of awe-inspiring performances with the Brazilian national team, Ronaldinho burst onto the scene as he helped his national side to the 2002 World Cup. And then, in 2003, Barcelona managed to outbid Manchester United for his signature and the rest, as they say, is history.
Thus began the ‘age of Ronaldinho’. For the next four years, he ruled world football like no other. Everything about him seemed so majestic. From his sly feints to his sudden change in acceleration, everything he did was accompanied with a smile on his face.
Considered by many as one of the most skilful players in football, he was lauded for his technical ability and creativity. Only if his prime had lasted longer, he might just have been coveted as the best player of all time. But if anything, it was always a joy to watch him on the football pitch.
2. Lionel Messi
As the proponents of modern football turn to tactical excellence more and more to nullify the ‘threats’, there is always someone who will make all those efforts seem wasteful. And in this generation, no one stands out in that category as gracefully as Lionel Messi.
The left-footed magician arrived on the scene back in 2004 and quickly established himself as one of the bests of the current generation. Messi has a low centre of gravity due to his short stature, much like his predecessor Diego Maradona, which gives him greater agility.
He is known for his ability to change direction swiftly and evading tackles while running at a blistering pace through the opposition defence. Widely considered to be the best dribbler in the world, Messi’s capabilities are second to none.
I could go on, but I will let the five Ballon d’Or awards stand testament to the greatness of one Lionel Messi.
1. Garrincha
His peers called him “The King of Dribble”.
While most football legends are remembered by the goals they have scored, this man is remembered for his sublime dribbling. He goes by the name Garrincha and is widely regarded as the greatest ever dribbler in the world of football.
His connection with the football was unimaginable. He could do things no one ever has or will do on a football pitch. He had an air of confidence about himself when he was on the ball. Some said that Garrincha made the ball talk at his feet.
He would not only beat his opposition all ends up but also humiliate them and shatter all their confidence. Sudden acceleration, numerous body feints would see him outfox his opposition time and again. Such was his ability y to entertain in making fools of opposing players that he was referred to as Alegria do Povo (people’s joy).
Honourable Mentions
Micheal Laudrup, Sir Stanley Mathews, Eusebio, Magico Gonzalez, Cristiano Ronaldo, Tom Finney, Mathias Sindelar, Ariel Ortega, Laszlo Kubala, Nicolae Dobrin, Zinedine Zidane
