10 greatest attacking midfielders of all time

There have been numerous attacking midfielders in the history of football, but few of them stand out due to their vision, dribbling skills, and goal-scoring ability. They are known as 'playmakers' who can move to the forward area and create chances for their team.

A common trait among them is that most of them wear "number 10" shirt while playing for their team. This list is unique because all the players have been chosen on the basis of their goal-scoring ability, assists, awards won, and ranking in the 'FIFA 100' or 'World Player of the Century' polls. Here we take a look at 10 best attacking midfielders.

#10. Ruud Gullit

Ruud Gullit was a versatile player, who won the Ballon d'Or in 1987. He led Netherlands to victory in UEFA Euro 1988. Gullit was an attacking player with amazing heading and dribbling skills. He was tall and muscular which enabled him to be fast and strong on the field.

Gullit was known for sporting unique dreadlocks and distinctive moustache. He epitomized the concept of 'Total Football' which was displayed by the Netherlands in the 1980s and 90s.

Gullit played 380 club matches and scored 126 goals with 21 assists. He also played 66 matches for his national team and scored 17 goals. They named him one of the 'Top 125 greatest living footballers of all time' in 2004.

#9. Gianni Rivera

Gianni Rivera was known as the 'Golden Boy' of Italy. He is widely remembered for his exceptional performance in 1970 World Cup semi-final match, where he scored the decisive goal to beat West Germany 4-3.

Rivera was a creative, elegant, and offensive playmaker with a high degree of footballing intelligence, class, and leadership. His passing skills were outstanding. He won the Ballon d'Or in 1969.

The IFFHS placed him on the 19th position in 'World Player of the 20th Century' poll. Rivera played 639 club matches and scored 168 goals with two assists. He also scored 14 goals in 60 matches for his national side.

#8. Ronaldinho

Ronaldinho: FC Internazionale Milano v AC Milan - Serie A

Ronaldinho is regarded as one of the legendary football players of all time. He was famous for his dribbling skills, agility, and pace. He also used overhead kicks, feints, and no-look passes with great ease.

Ronaldinho won the Ballon d'Or in 2005 along with 'FIFA World Player of the Year' award in 2004 and 2005. He played 529 club matches and scored 196 goals with 153 assists. Playing for Brazil, he scored 33 goals in 97 matches.

The dominance of Barcelona started again after a long time when he joined the club in 2003.

#7. Michael Laudrup

Michael Laudrup was a Danish football player and a member of the 'Dream Team' at Barcelona. Praising him, Franz Beckenbauer said, "Pele was the best in the 60s, Cruyff in the 70s, Maradona in the 80s and Laudrup in the 90s." Laudrup played football with grace and dribbled with both foot.

They named him in the 'FIFA 100' list of world's greatest footballers in 2004. He played 547 club matches and scored 120 goals with 16 assists. Playing for Denmark, he scored 37 goals in 104 games.

Croqueta, a term associated with feint, was devised by him.

#6. Rivaldo

Rivaldo is one of the best players from Brazil. Although left-footed, he played on either flank with equal ease. His hat-trick against Valencia in 2001 during the Champions League is considered the best ever.

Rivaldo was creative, intelligent, and known for bicycle kicks and bending free kicks. He was awarded the Ballon d'Or in 1999. They inducted him in the 'FIFA 100' list of greatest living football players in 2004. He played 510 club matches and scored 229 goals with 82 assists. For his national side, he played 75 matches and scored 35 goals.

They inducted him into 'Brazilian Football Museum Hall of Fame' for his contribution to Brazilian football.

#5. Bobby Charlton

Bobby Charlton: Chelsea v Manchester United 1973

Bobby Charlton is considered to be one of the legendary football players of all time. He played a vital role in England winning the 1966 World Cup, which won him the coveted Ballon d'Or award. Charlton was known for his passing skills and attacking ability. Charlton was very muscular and athletic with great stamina.

He played 649 club matches and scored 211 goals. Playing for England, he scored 49 goals on 106 matches. Charlton was included in the 'FIFA World Cup All-Time' team in 1994.

He was undoubtedly the best English football player of all time.

#4. Zico

Zico was known as 'White Pele.' He was known for his vision, technical skills, passing, and finishing skills. His free kicks could bend in all directions and hence he was a nightmare to the goalkeeper. Pele once said, "Throughout the years, the one player that came closest to me was Zico."

They named him eighth on the 'FIFA Player of the Century' poll in 1999. Zico played 92 club matches and scored 51 goals with 3 assists. He also scored 52 goals in 72 matches, playing for Brazil.

He was chosen as the 'Player of the Year' in 1981 and 1983.

#3. MicheI Platini

Michel Platini was a French footballer who won the Ballon d'Or award three times, in 1983, 1984, and 1985. He formed carré magique (magic square) along with Luis Fernandez, Alain Giresse, and Jean Tigana during the 1980s. He was a prolific goalscorer, who was the leading goalscorer for his country until 2007.

Platini came sixth in the 'FIFA Player of the Century' vote. He played 233 club matches and scored 111 goals. For his national side, he played 72 matches and scored 41 goals.

He was awarded the Chevalier of the 'Legion of Honour' in 1985.

#2. Zinedine Zidane

Zinedine Zidane is considered to be one of the greatest football players of all time. He was renowned for ball control, vision, elegance, and technique. His left-foot volley which won the 2002 UEFA Champions League Final for Real Madrid, is considered to be one of the greatest goals in the history of football.

Zidane won the Ballon d'Or in 1998, along with the 'FIFA World Player of the Year' award in 1998, 2000, and 2003. He played 556 club matches and scored 111 goals with 110 assists. He also played 108 matches for France and scored 31 goals.

Zidane received the 'Golden Ball' for 'Player of the tournament' at 2006 World Cup.

#1. Diego Maradona

Diego Maradona is considered by many writers, players, and fans to be the greatest football player of all time. He was small in stature which enabled him to have an exceptional ball control, dribbling, and passing skills. They named him "El Pibe de Oro" ("The Golden Boy").

Maradona won the 'Golden Ball' for the 'Player of the tournament' in the 1986 World Cup where he scored two goals known as the 'Hand of God' and 'Goal of the Century.' He played 327 club matches and scored 150 goals with 24 assists. He also scored 34 goals in 90 matches.

He was awarded the joint 'FIFA Player of the 20th Century' with Pele.

Edited by Sudeshna Banerjee