Who is the greatest footballer of all time? Take our poll and have your say - The Mirror

It's the debate on every fans' lips since Lionel Messi finally got his hands on the World Cup - let's hear your thoughts

14:05, 20 Dec 2022Updated 14:29, 20 Dec 2022

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Who do YOU think is the greatest footballer of all time?

It's an age-old debate and one that's really hotted up since Lionel Messi finally got his hands on the World Cup.

There's no doubt the Argentinian's dazzling play captured our hearts throughout the tournament; his sublime skills causing many to hail him the best the world has ever seen.

But now emotions have subsided a little and we regain a bit of perspective, we want to know who YOU think is the greatest footballer of all time.

We've shortlisted ten to choose from - which wasn't easy!

Of course, you will have your own opinions - in which case please let us know which other players you think should be considered the greatest in the comments below.

Who do YOU think is the greatest footballer of all time?

Franz Beckenbauer

National team: Germany

Position: Defender

Playing style: Beckenbauer's quality and versatility enabled him to play in a range of positions. Always extremely comfortable with the ball at his feet, he introduced a new style of play as an attacking sweeper. An elegant player with an almost psychic ability to read the game.

George Best

National team: Northern Ireland

Position: Midfielder

Playing style: A highly skilful dribbler - considered one of the best. A great turn of pace, skill and goalscoring ability made him a formidable opponent.

Johan Cruyff

National team: Netherlands

Position: Forward/attacking midfielder

Playing style: Great offensive tactician renowned for his imaginative playmaking. And who can forget his signature Cruyff Turn? A tremendously exciting player widely regarded as a genius of the game.

Diego Maradona

National team: Argentina

Position: Midfielder

Playing style: Maradona used his small stature to his advantage, with his low centre of gravity enabling him to run rings around the opposition. His ball control, passing, vision and dribbling skills were phenomenal.


Lionel Messi

National team: Argentina

Position: Forward

Playing style: One of the best dribblers the game has ever seen. Messi's confidence and creativity on the pitch, coupled with his exceptional passing skills, vision and pace, are unrivalled in the modern game. A true play maker who can dictate the tempo of any match.


Ronaldo Nazário

National team: Brazil

Position: Forward

Playing style: With his explosive pace and beautiful touch, Ronaldo was renowned for his dribbling skills and quality finishing from even the tightest of angles. A powerfully-built goal machine who struck fear into any opposition.


Pelé

National team: Brazil

Position: Forward

Playing style: A true team player boasting formidable vision and intelligence. A natural goalscorer, Pel é had an uncanny ability to create his own space on the pitch, which when coupled with his precise passing and messianic dribbling skills, made him virtually untameable.


Cristiano Ronaldo

National team: Portugal

Position: Forward

Playing style: An all-rounder whose work ethic and dedication has perhaps never been equalled. Ronaldo frequently ducks into his own half to pick up the ball and orchestrate an attack. His superb ball skills and long-range shooting ability make him a nightmare for any defence.


Alfredo Di Stéfano

National team(s): Spain/Argentina/Colombia

Position: Forward

Playing style: Another all-rounder who could defend, attack, assist and score goals. Tremendous pace, vision and strength boasting a real warrior's spirit. With St éfano on the pitch it was like having two players in every position.


Zinedine Zidane

National team: France

Position: Midfielder

Playing style: A true playmaker renowned for his elegance, precision passing, vision, ball control and technique. Zidane was mainly an attacking midfielder but was just as comfortable further up the pitch. A hugely versatile player.

Don't agree with our shortlisted ten? Have your say in the comments below