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One of the most important players on any team are the wingers.
That's because they ought to be creative, explosive, pacy, have a good technical understanding of the game, and possess an eye for goal too.
It's not easy to have so many qualities in one player, which is why those who do become a vital cog in the wheel of their respective sides.
Football's history is packed to the rafters with stellar wingers, but who are the greatest of all time? While it's not an easy debate to solve, these 5 players make a strong case. On that note, here is a look at
5 of the best wingers to have played the sport
#5 Ronaldinho
There haven't been many footballers who've mesmerized fans with the ball at their feet quite like Ronaldinho, who is still the greatest trickster of all time.
In his heyday, the iconic Brazilian wiped the floor with rival defenses with his barely believable feints, tricks, no-look passes, and overhead kicks.
Being a winger, there was of course more to his game as he scored 300 career goals for club and country and assisted close to another 200, whilst lifting numerous trophies.
His most notable accomplishments include playing a key role in Brazil's 2002 World Cup triumph and guiding Barcelona to their first European title of the UEFA Champions League era in 2005.
Unfortunately, like some of his legendary compatriots, Ronaldinho's career too fizzled out in the latter stages due to health issues and loss of speed. However, he remains a revered figure in the sport.
#4 George Best
Another true legend of the game and among the finest footballers of all time, George Best received plaudits for his playing style as he combined pace, skill, feints, goalscoring prowess, and an ability to ghost past defenders.
There was nothing he couldn't do with the ball. In fact, he was a master of it. The winger's impish and cheeky skills left fans bewitched and his opponents bewildered.
Best won only five trophies in his career, all coming with Manchester United, but he won several individual honors. He was also ranked at number eight in world soccer's list of best players of the 20th century.
Despite his accomplishments, the winger, from Belfast, was unfortunately met with a tragic end to his career, having struggled with alcohol addiction for most of his adult life. It eventually caused an early death, when he was only 59.
#3 Garrincha
What could be the most fascinating things to watch in football?
If you ask the fans from the 50s and 60s, they might tell you it's Ferenc Puskas weaving magic with his wand of a left foot. Or Alfredo di Stefano poaching home late winners, or even Garrincha bursting into a jaw-dropping dribble.
An explosive and agile winger known for his creativity, pace and remarkable ball control, Garrincha toyed with the fans' imagination with his insane skills.
He loved having the ball at his feet and the ball in turn obeyed its master - the relationship was mutual. Garrincha used this to help the Seleccao to back-to-back World Cup glories in 1958 and 1962.
The right-winger also scored mind-bending free-kicks and was a gifted crosser of the ball too. His goal tally may be no match for Pele, but he's considered a greater player than the Black Pearl in several parts of Brazil.
#2 Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi may have lost his tag for being the greatest 'one club man' after leaving Barcelona in a shock transfer to Paris Saint-Germain this summer, but his status as one of the greatest of all-time remains untouched.
The Argentine, for the last 17 years, has routinely produced wizardry that has left fans, managers, and rival players around the world alike, in awe of him and his extra-terrestrial talent.
With 746 career goals under his belt, including a staggering 672 for Barcelona, La Pulga has won 36 trophies with club and country, including the Copa America 2020 earlier this year, his first international silverware as he finally got the monkey off his back.
He's yet to make his long-awaited PSG debut, but regardless of how Messi's career in Paris turns out, he'll always be remembered for his time with the Catalans, for whom he brought so much success and gave indelible memories to cherish forever.
#1 Cristiano Ronaldo
Some may dispute his ranking as the number one winger of all-time. Heck, many might. But Cristiano Ronaldo's record and accomplishments speak for themselves.
Since bursting onto the scene as a lanky 17-year-old at Manchester United in 2003, the Portuguese ace has proved himself at every step of the way.
In his nearly two-decade career so far, he's won 32 trophies for club and country, scored 783 goals, assisted another 270, and broken an uncountable number of records.
And it's not just about stats - Ronaldo is widely considered the best in history for his ability to step up in big games; for his penchant to turn a game on its head by the drop of a hat.
The best part is, he shows no signs of slowing down even at 36 years of age. So regardless of what you make of him, there's no question he's one of the best to ever kick a ball. Thus making him the best winger of all time in our books.
