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Football is not called 'the beautiful game' for no reason. Guiding the ball past players who come snapping at your heels and then finding a way past the goalkeeper is an overwhelmingly satisfying thing to do. It is also equally satisfying a sight for the viewer.
There is a certain level of street smartness associated with football. Kids playing on the streets or grounds with their friends are always looking to innovate and find new ways to bamboozle their opponents.
The vast majority of teams in Europe's major leagues are adopting an expansive brand of football these days. As a result, we're starting to see a little less self-expression on the football pitch. But these elements that make football entertaining cannot be just done with all of a sudden owing to their sheer effectiveness.
It's a fact that's proven by some of the greatest footballers of all time who also had great technical flair and a penchant for showboating. Without further ado, let's take a look at five of the most entertaining footballers of all time.
#5 Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo is still going strong at the age of 36. He is inarguably one of the greatest footballers of all time and has won the Ballon d'Or five times. Though he has lost a yard of pace and does not embark on jinking runs like he used to when he was younger, he is still one of the best players in the world.
The present day Ronaldo is a poacher with great technical abilities. It is quite a departure from the version of him that we first got familiar with during his time with Manchester United. Ronaldo is an excellent dribbler who has an array of skills in his arsenal.
He'd do stepovers and his signature 'Ronaldo chops' and was constantly looking to find ways to outwit defenders. He was also hugely successful in doing that. The Portuguese international was also deadly on the counter attack with his blistering pace and shooting ability.
Cristiano Ronaldo is easily one of the most entertaining players in the history of the game. He is that way thanks to the sheer unpredictability which stems from his technical excellence.
#4 Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi might very well be the greatest footballer to have walked the planet. He does everything and he is not just a jack of all trades, he is a master of many. Chief among his most captivating abilities is his dribbling.
It is as though the ball is Messi's best friend and they can communicate with each other. It stays glued to his feet and he beats defenders at will. Messi does not do stepovers or flashy tricks. He just takes the most nimble touches to swipe the ball away from defenders or even poke it between their legs before racing away.
His solo goal against Getafe in 2007 is still regarded as one of the best goals to have ever been scored. It is mentioned in the same breath as Maradona's 'goal of the century' and their runs are almost identical.
Messi's vision, trickery, passing range and shooting ability makes him a livewire in almost every single match he plays. He continues to be one of the most exciting players to watch on a football pitch.
#3 Garrincha
One of the greatest dribblers in the history of the game, Garrincha could run around a football field all day with the ball at his feet. The legendary Brazilian won two World Cups and won the Golden Boot and Golden Ball at the 1962 edition. He was the first player to win both honours at the same World Cup.
Garrincha's feigns and shoulder drops used to keep defenders guessing and once he gets into a good position, he can go hell for leather with either foot. He was also a set-piece specialist who could shoot with the outside of his boot.
Garrincha's feigns and shoulder drops used to keep defenders guessing and once he gets into a good position, he can go hell for leather with either foot. He was also a set-piece specialist who could shoot with the outside of his boot.
The Guardian describes Garrincha as the best dribbler ever. He was also extremely agile and had a burst of pace that would leave defenders often flatfooted or twisting their ankles. He is one of the most creative players of all time. With Garrincha on the field, his side would never suffer from a shortage of chances.
#2 Diego Maradona
Widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, Maradona is one of the two joint-winners FIFA Player of the 20th century. The diminutive attacker had a low center of gravity and could wriggle his way out of cul-de-sacs with ease.
He had a charismatic personality and was a mentality monster who could get kicked about all day and would still never give up. "El Pibe de Oro" ("The Golden Boy") as he was lovingly called was just like Messi. He was excellent with the ball at his feet and is also one of the greatest free-kick takers in the history of the game.
Maradona was the standout performer for Argentina in their triumphant 1986 World Cup campaign. Maradona was a one-man-army for La Albiceleste at that World Cup. He was also no stranger to controversy and with him on the field, there was never any lack of entertainment.
#1 Ronaldinho
No player in the history of the game has looked as happy with the ball at his feet as Ronaldinho. The Brazilian seemed to be having fun every time he stepped on to the pitch. He had such technical finesse and the attacking midfielder was renowned for his trickery, overhead kicks and set-piece abilities.
The Brazilian won the FIFA World Player of the Year twice in 2004 and 2005. He won the Ballon d'Or in 2005 as well. Ronaldinho played a starring role in Brazil's 2002 World Cup triumph. He could play anywhere across the frontline and in attacking midfield as well.
Ronaldinho is one of the most creative and intelligent footballers the game has seen. He is one of those rare Barcelona players to have received a standing ovation at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Ronaldinho popularized the 'elastico' and his skillset was replete with no-look passes, backheel flicks, 360s and stepovers. His vision was also unparalleled and could pick out his teammates from anywhere on the football field thanks to his stunning passing range.
