Throughout the annals of football history, few individuals have left such a profound mark on the game as Marco Van Basten. This remarkable player not only dazzled fans with his on-field performances but also changed the landscape of the sport itself, both during and after his incredible career.
Van Basten’s legacy is underscored by his extraordinary achievements, including three prestigious Ballon d’Or awards and a European Championship title. However, what makes his story particularly poignant is the fact that he was forced to retire at the tender age of 28 due to injury. Even now, his records stand shoulder to shoulder with the legends of the game, begging the question: what more could he have accomplished if fate had dealt him a kinder hand? Many fans and commentators still believe that his career, though incredibly decorated, ended too soon for one of football’s true greats.
Since hanging up his boots, Van Basten has transitioned into a role where his insights into the modern game are highly sought after. With his unparalleled experience and understanding of what it takes to achieve true greatness in football, Van Basten’s opinions command significant respect. When he shares his thoughts on the sport’s greatest players—a conversation that often captures the imagination of fans—he provides a perspective that is both authoritative and insightful.
In 2022, during one of these conversations, he candidly expressed his views on who among the footballing elite deserves a place in the “greatest of all time” conversation. Notably, he opted not to include Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo directly in his top picks but acknowledged both players as worthy contenders in that lofty discussion.
When you think of football royalty, Pele is often the first name that comes to mind. Venerated as the greatest player of the 20th century, his accomplishments are nothing short of legendary. Imagine being the youngest player ever to step onto the pitch in a World Cup final at just 17 years old, scoring two goals along the way—a feat that still leaves fans in awe. Pele didn’t stop there; he went on to collect three World Cup trophies and played an integral role in the 1970 squad that mesmerized the world with their brilliance.
His international records might never be matched, and as a testament to his influence, FIFA named him the Player of the Century in 2000, narrowly edging out Diego Maradona. Interestingly, because he spent the majority of his club career in Brazil and the United States, Pele was ineligible for the Ballon d’Or during his playing days, a rule that has since changed. Recognizing his unparalleled talent, France Football eventually awarded him seven Ballon d’Ors in remembrance of his extraordinary career performances.
While the Guinness Book of World Records recognizes Pele as the all-time leading goalscorer in football history, it’s important to note the controversies surrounding the exact count of goals—1,283 in 1,363 games, including friendlies. Regardless of the debate, Pele transcended mere statistics; he became a global icon and continues to inspire fans and players across generations.
Diego Maradona
Before Lionel Messi became the face of Argentine football, there was Diego Maradona—a player whose talent stood above the rest. Known for his unmatched skill and flair, Maradona’s career was steeped in both brilliance and controversy. You can’t talk about Maradona without mentioning the infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal, but just moments later, he scored what many consider the ‘Goal of the Century’—a breathtaking display of talent that will forever echo in football history.
During his time at Napoli, Maradona cemented his legacy, leading them to their very first league title in 1987 and becoming their all-time top scorer—a record he held until 2017. After his passing, the Napoli stadium honored his memory by bearing his name, a fitting tribute to a player whose influence was felt around the globe. In 2000, FIFA named him a joint-winner of the Player of the Century award alongside Pele, solidifying his place among the greatest of all time.
Maradona was blessed with an ability that remains unmatched; he delighted fans by weaving through defenders with grace, and his performance in the 1986 World Cup is often hailed as the best in tournament history. His dazzling style and undeniable charisma make it clear: there may never be another player quite like Diego.
Johan Cruyff
Johan Cruyff redefined what it meant to be a footballer—both on and off the pitch. This Dutch maestro was more than just a player; he was a symbol of innovation and creativity in the game. With three Ballon d’Ors and a host of titles, including the European Cup with Ajax and Barcelona, Cruyff’s prowess was extraordinary.
Under the guidance of Rinus Michels, who introduced the concept of ‘total football,’ Cruyff embraced this approach and later became pivotal in shaping it further as a coach. His style of play inspired countless future generations, influencing legends like Pep Guardiola, whose own football philosophy echoes Cruyff’s ideals. The impact of his legacy is felt deep within the footballing community—his vision and strategies have helped sculpt modern football as we know it today.
Lionel Messi
When Lionel Messi led Argentina to victory in the 2022 World Cup, many believed that the debate over who is the greatest of all time (GOAT) was settled. After all, Messi’s career is nothing short of extraordinary. With seven Ballon d’Or awards and an overflowing trophy cabinet that makes him the most decorated player in football history, it’s tough to argue against his status as the best ever.
Messi’s greatness transcends mere statistics. Sure, he’s broken records in every conceivable way, but it’s his on-pitch performances that truly tell the story of his legendary status. Not only does he have an uncanny ability to score breathtaking goals, but his playmaking skills might also place him at the pinnacle of footballing talent. His ability to deliver in clutch moments—scoring memorable goals, leading his teams to trebles, European triumphs, and multiple league titles across different countries—paints a picture of a player who has truly done it all. Simply put, if you want to witness football brilliance in its purest form, just watch Messi play.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Interestingly, Cristiano Ronaldo is the only player on this list who hasn’t lifted a World Cup trophy. Yet, when you look at his overall career, it becomes clear he deserves to be in the same discussion as the best of the best. As he approaches the mind-boggling milestone of 1,000 career goals for both club and country, it’s a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence, evidenced by the 33 trophies adorning his impressive collection.
Ronaldo’s journey from an eager young winger to one of football’s most prolific goalscorers has captivated fans worldwide. Alongside Messi, he dominated the landscape of football during their primes, setting new standards for what it means to be a complete athlete. With five Ballon d’Or trophies to his name, he continues to be a major point of contention in the GOAT conversation; his incredible training regime and physical prowess have kept him competing at the highest levels well into his 30s.
Ronaldo’s versatility is remarkable—he can score every type of goal imaginable, whether it’s a powerful header, a delicate free-kick, a cheeky penalty, or a stunning long-range shot. He is a showman who has made defenders look powerless, and many insist he deserves to be considered the greatest to ever play the game.
Zinedine Zidane
When it comes to defining elegance and precision in midfield, Zinedine Zidane stands out as a beacon of excellence. His legacy is unparalleled, brimming with iconic moments that capture the essence of football at its finest. Think about that stunning volley in the European Cup final or the two goals he scored in the World Cup final—a true masterclass in football artistry.
Despite the accolades—including a Ballon d’Or and three FIFA Player of the Year awards—Zidane’s trophy haul, while admirable, feels a bit insufficient for a player of his caliber. Yet, the mark he has left on the sport is immense. The grace, quality, and presence he brought to the game are things that players aspire to emulate. Zidane isn’t just remembered for his trophies; he’s celebrated for the magic he brought to the field every time he played.
Michel Platini
As a creative force in the midfield, Michel Platini was nothing short of a phenomenon. He was an artist with the ball at his feet, known for his ability to score and set up goals alike. At the 1984 Euros, he lit up the tournament, earning top-scorer honors and leading his squad to victory. Platini reached the semi-finals in both the 1982 and 1986 World Cups, solidifying his standing among football’s elite.
At one point, he was France’s all-time leading goalscorer, a title he held until 2007, and he held the record for most goals (nine) in Euros history until Cristiano Ronaldo surpassed it in 2021—all while only appearing in a single tournament! His blend of elegance and domination in midfield inspired countless players. Three consecutive Ballon d’Or awards aren’t just an accolade—they symbolize a man who truly defined greatness during his career.
These players—Pele, Maradona, Cruyff, Messi, Ronaldo, Zidane, and Platini—each share a connection through their unique talents and records that have undeniably changed the sport. Their legacies are a reminder of the beauty of football, a game that brings people together across cultures and generations, showing us that greatness can be defined in many ways.
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