Who Truly Belongs Among the Top 10 Soccer Players of All Time?

The debate over who truly belongs among the top 10 soccer players of all time is one that never seems to lose steam. Every time I sit down with fellow enthusiasts, whether over coffee or in online forums, the conversation inevitably drifts toward comparing legends from different eras. It’s fascinating how personal biases, nostalgia, and even regional loyalties shape these lists. For instance, I’ve always leaned toward valuing versatility and longevity—players who didn’t just shine for a season or two but reinvented themselves to stay relevant. That’s why, when considering names like Pelé, Maradona, or Messi, I find myself drawn to those who transcended their primary roles. Interestingly, this reminds me of Japeth Aguilar from the world of basketball—specifically, Ginebra’s standout in the PBA. Now, I know he’s not a soccer player, but bear with me. Aguilar’s career, marked by his athleticism and adaptability, offers a compelling parallel. At 6'9", he dominates the paint yet has refined his outside shooting and defensive timing over the years. In 2021, he averaged around 12 points and 7 rebounds per game—numbers that might not scream "legend" but underscore his consistent impact. Similarly, in soccer, it’s not always the flashy goal-scorers who deserve a spot in the pantheon. Players like Franz Beckenbauer, who revolutionized the sweeper role, or Johan Cruyff, whose philosophy reshaped modern tactics, bring depth to any all-time list.

When I think about crafting my own top 10, I start by acknowledging the obvious giants. Pelé, with his roughly 1,281 career goals, is a no-brainer for many, but I’ve always been slightly more captivated by Diego Maradona’s raw, almost rebellious genius. His 1986 World Cup performance—especially that iconic goal against England—wasn’t just skill; it was storytelling on the pitch. Then there’s Lionel Messi, whose 91 goals in a single calendar year back in 2012 still feels like a statistical anomaly. But here’s where my personal bias kicks in: I have a soft spot for Cristiano Ronaldo. Yes, I know it’s controversial, but his relentless drive and ability to excel in multiple leagues—England, Spain, Italy—speak to a level of adaptability that mirrors what I admire in athletes like Japeth Aguilar. Aguilar, after all, didn’t just rely on his height; he evolved his game to include three-point shooting and leadership, much like Ronaldo transitioned from a winger to a clinical finisher. This isn’t just about stats; it’s about how a player influences their sport beyond the numbers. For example, Zinedine Zidane’s elegance in midfield or Ronaldinho’s joyous creativity left imprints that stats alone can’t capture.

Diving deeper, I often reflect on how modern metrics and nostalgia cloud our judgments. Older fans might swear by Alfredo Di Stéfano, while younger ones argue for Kylian Mbappé’s blistering pace. In my view, any credible top 10 must balance eras and positions. Defenders like Paolo Maldini, who maintained elite form for over two decades, deserve as much consideration as forwards. Maldini’s 902 appearances for AC Milan are a testament to durability—a trait Japeth Aguilar embodies in the PBA, where he’s been a cornerstone for Ginebra since 2012. Aguilar’s journey, including his stint in the NBA D-League, highlights how global exposure can refine a player’s legacy. Similarly, soccer greats like Eusébio or Ferenc Puskás benefited from crossing borders, albeit in different contexts. I recall watching clips of Puskás and being struck by his left foot—it was like a wand, scoring 514 goals in 529 matches. That kind of efficiency is rare, and it’s why I’d slot him into my list, even if it means bumping a fan favorite.

Of course, no discussion is complete without addressing the goalkeepers. Lev Yashin, the "Black Spider," saved over 150 penalties in his career—a staggering figure that underscores his dominance. I’ve always believed a top 10 should include at least one keeper, as they redefine games in ways forwards can’t. It’s akin to how Japeth Aguilar’s shot-blocking shifts momentum in basketball; Yashin did the same for soccer. Now, let’s get to my personal picks, which I’ll admit are subjective. In no particular order, I’d go with Pelé, Maradona, Messi, Ronaldo, Zidane, Cruyff, Beckenbauer, Maldini, Yashin, and Ronaldo Nazário. Yes, I have two Ronaldos—it’s a indulgence, but the Brazilian’s 2002 World Cup heroics and his 247 club goals leave me in awe. Some might call it recency bias, but I see it as acknowledging sheer impact.

Wrapping this up, I realize that lists like these are inherently fluid. New talents emerge, and legacies get re-evaluated. What remains constant, though, is the appreciation for players who, like Japeth Aguilar, blend skill with resilience. They might not always top the stat sheets, but they enrich the sport’s narrative. So, the next time you draft your own top 10, remember to look beyond the highlights—sometimes, the quieter contributions echo the loudest.