10 greatest players to have worn the No. 9 shirt

Preliminary Draw of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia
Preliminary Draw of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia

#3 Gerd Muller

Gerd Muller (centre)
Gerd Muller (centre)

One of the best poachers in the game's history - Gerd Muller - scored a mammoth tally of 721 goals in only 769 appearances.

Often referred to as 'Der Bomber', Muller is regarded as one of the most clinical finishers ever, amassing an incredible return of 68 goals in 62 appearances for West Germany.

He was a vital component of the world-beating West German team in the late 60s and early 70s as they won the 1972 Euros and the 1974 FIFA World Cup.

Gerd Muller's contribution was also crucial in elevating Bayern Munich's reputation among Europe's elites; he won three European Champions Clubs Cups, four Bundesliga titles, four German Cups and an Intercontinental Cup during his time in Munich.

The Ballon D'Or winner spent his entire 15-season career at Bayern Munich, accumulating an astounding tally of 523 goals and 101 assists in 580 appearances.


#2 Alfredo Di Stefano

Alfredo Di Stefano
Alfredo Di Stefano

Dubbed 'The Blond Arrow', Alfredo Di Stefano was one of the best ever to grace the game. The Argentine, who later adopted Spanish nationality, was instrumental in Real Madrid and Spain's dominance of world football in the last century.

Di Stefano was a crucial component of the 'Club of the 21st century', which won an unprecedented five European Cups in the 1950s, thanks to the Argentine's heroics.

He had all the necessary attributes of a no. 9 but was also one of the best grafters of the game, thanks to his impeccable tactical awareness. The 2-time Ballon D'Or winner was known for being intricate and skilful in his gameplay, excellent close-ball control skills, ability to link up with midfield and great stamina to track down the ball.

Alfredo Di Stefano was Real Madrid's highest goalscorer (216 goals) before he was overtaken by Raul in 2009. He still holds the record for most goals by a Madridista in El Classicos (18). In 709 appearances in club football, the all-time great scored 519 goals.


#1 Ronaldo Nazario

Ronaldo Nazario
Ronaldo Nazario

Aptly referred to as 'El Fenomeno', Ronaldo Nazario is arguably the greatest striker in the history of the beautiful game. While Cristiano Ronaldo has earned an immense reputation as a goalscorer par excellence, the Brazilian legend is still the Ronaldo for those who were lucky enough to watch him in action.

He spent his career in four different countries and two continents, achieving monumental feats everywhere he stepped foot. The 2-time Ballon D'Or winner represented PSV Eindhoven in two seasons at the club, scoring 54 goals in 57 matches.

In 119 combined appearances for cross-town rivals Inter Milan and AC Milan, Ronaldo scored 68 goals in 119 outings. He spent one season at Barcelona and five at their fierce rivals, Real Madrid, notching up 151 goals in 226 games in the country.

Back home in the Brazilian league, the Hall of Famer scored 79 goals in 116 games. He also netted 62 times in 98 games for Brazil.

Ronaldo Nazario is one of four players to win the FIFA World Player of the Year accolade at least three times. Ronaldo Luis Nazario de Lima is one of the greatest to have ever lived.

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