Ranking the 10 greatest individual performances in football history

#7 Zinedine Zidane vs. Brazil (2006)

Zidane had no problems tearing a legendary Brazilian team apart

It wouldn't be far-fetched to name Zinedine Zidane as Brazil's biggest nemesis. Eight years after tormenting the South Americans in the 1998 World Cup final, the Frenchman returned to produce another classic performance against the Selecao in the quarterfinals of the 2006 edition.

Zidane was a constant threat to Brazil throughout the encounter, teasing and tormenting them with ease. He was pulling off incredible tricks, dribbling without limits and controlling the game like it was being played in his backyard. The spectacle delighted the spectators, who applauded every move he made over those 90 minutes.

Zinedine Zidane vs Brazil (2006 World Cup):79 touches58 passes completed (85%)19 times challenged— 18 times ball retained (95%)11 take-ons attempted— 11 take-ons completed (100%)6 recoveries5 fouls drawn4 chances created— 2 big chances— 1 assist3 interceptionsWow. pic.twitter.com/di5uJPcXoT

— UtdArena (@utdarena) December 2, 2020

The legendary attacking midfielder would end up playing a decisive role in France's victory. He found an unmarked Thierry Henry with a beautiful cross which the striker sent into the back of the net to record the only goal of the game.

#6. Steven Gerrard vs. West Ham (2006)

The midfieldeer was unstoppable in this game

Steven Gerrard produced arguably the greatest individual performance ever witnessed in the history of the FA Cup when Liverpool met West Ham in the 2006 final.

The Reds surprisingly fell 2-0 down and were in need of a miracle to get back into the game. That was when Gerrard set Djibril Cisse up with an incredible 40-yard pass to pull one back before leveling matters with a spectacular 54th-minute volley.

Liverpool found themselves in more trouble as Paul Konchesky restored West Ham's lead in the 64th minute. But Gerrard stepped up at the death to send the game into extra-time with a perfect strike in the 90th minute.

The match ended in a shootout as neither team found the back of the net in extra-time. Gerrard was there once again to ensure his side went home with the trophy, scoring from the spot as the Reds earned a 3-1 victory in the shootout.

#5 Lionel Messi vs. Bayern Munich (2015)

Two goals and one assist from the Argentine in the last 15 minutes

The first leg of the 2014-15 Champions League semifinal proved to be an intense encounter between Barcelona and Bayern Munich. Both teams put up a solid display at Camp Nou. The game looked destined for a goalless draw as neither team failed to break the deadlock even after 75 minutes.

On this day in 2015, Messi broke the internet with the most iconic Champions League goal of all time vs Bayern Munich 🐐 pic.twitter.com/tnCwB3D1KE

— MessiTeam (@Lionel10Team) May 5, 2021

However, Messi had other ideas. He ran riot in the last 15 minutes of the match to earn a vital victory for his side. The Argentine broke the deadlock in the 77th minute with a brilliant shot from outside the box. He added a second with a humiliating nutmeg on Jerome Boateng before beating a helpless Manuel Neuer to double the lead.

The attacker influenced the match again during injury time. He sent a sensational pass to set up Neymar and ensure Barcelona came out on top with three goals to nil.