15 most skilful players in football history [Ranked]

15. Sergio Busquets

Sergio Busquets, as a defensive midfielder, might not be the first name to come to mind when considering the most skilful players in football, but his technical ability cannot be overlooked. During his prime with Barcelona, Busquets was a crucial part of their success, his composure and elegance on the ball often going unnoticed.

Pep Guardiola once described him as a player who could “solve any problem with his brain,” showcasing his deep understanding of the game. Guardiola also believes Busquets will become “an exceptional coach” after retiring, high praise from one of football’s greatest managers.

14. Hatem Ben Arfa

Despite questions about his consistency, Hatem Ben Arfa is one of football’s most naturally gifted players. He found form with Newcastle United and later rediscovered his talent at Nice. As a mazy dribbler, Ben Arfa could effortlessly glide past defenders.

His skill was perhaps best demonstrated during a match against Bolton Wanderers in April 2012. Ben Arfa picked up the ball inside his own half and weaved through four Bolton defenders before scoring, showcasing immense control at full speed. This “moment of genius” epitomized his career, which continued until his retirement in 2022.

13. Jay-Jay Okocha

Okocha was famously described as “so good, they named him twice.” The Nigerian star spent the 90s with Eintracht Frankfurt, Fenerbahce, and Paris Saint-Germain, but gained the most attention at Bolton Wanderers.

Under Sam Allardyce’s management, Okocha joined Bolton at 29 and reinforced his reputation as one of the game’s silkiest players. His ball control, passing range, and eye for goal ensured he remained unforgettable.

12. Michael Laudrup

“I just can’t believe he hasn’t won the title as best player in the world,” said current Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola about Michael Laudrup a few years ago.

The Danish playmaker spent most of his career in Spain with Barcelona and Real Madrid but shone brightest with the former.

Laudrup, who also played in Denmark, Italy, and the Netherlands, was a gem, making the hardest parts of the game look simple and easy. Many Barcelona players, past and present, have praised Laudrup’s extraordinary talent, despite his move to their rivals in 1994 after five years in Catalonia.

11. George Best

Controversy surrounded George Best throughout his career, partly due to his public interests in alcohol and women.

Despite his off-pitch antics, Best was a technically brilliant winger, often regarded as one of the best dribblers and chance-creators football has ever seen. Many who played with or watched Best declared him the best player they had ever seen, including Brazilian legend Pelé.

A Daily Telegraph reader recalled that during a 1960 friendly between Manchester United and the New Zealand national team, Best “gave them all dancing lessons.”

10. Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo is often compared to Lionel Messi in virtually every aspect of their games, given their status as two of the greatest players ever. Many see Messi as the epitome of talent and flair, while Ronaldo embodies hard work.

While it may be true that Messi’s technique seems more natural, it would be unfair to say Ronaldo isn’t one of football’s most skilful operators.

For years, Ronaldo terrorized defenders with his wide array of tricks and flicks, combining quick feet with blazing speed to routinely trouble any opponent marking him.

9. Ricardo Quaresma

Quaresma’s career can be measured by his skill and his temperament. As a young, dynamic winger, he became known for his trickery, frequently using moves like rabonas and trivelas.

His temper was problematic at times, such as when he refused to play for Barcelona as long as Frank Rijkaard was manager after moving there in 2003.

However, Quaresma matured with age. By the 2016 Euros, a tournament where he played in the final, Quaresma had moved beyond his youthful indiscretions, establishing himself as a reliable veteran still capable of awing fans, teammates, and opponents alike.

8. Neymar

An ACL injury struck Neymar just five games into his tenure with Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, the club he joined in 2023. This, along with his departure from Europe in his early 30s, has skewed some people’s perceptions of Neymar. However, his technical prowess is undeniable. Neymar has been, and remains, one of the most gifted players of his generation and in football history.

During his time with Barcelona, Neymar consistently amazed fans and neutral spectators alike, forming a formidable attacking trio with Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi. Making his debut for Brazil at 18 is a remarkable achievement, as is becoming their all-time leading goalscorer, highlighting his immense talent.

7. Thierry Henry

It may seem unbelievable now, but at the time of Thierry Henry’s £11 million transfer to Arsenal, many questioned the price tag. It was under Arsene Wenger’s guidance that Henry reached his peak, with Wenger converting him into a striker, a move that significantly benefited Arsenal.

Henry was a dynamic forward, capable of weaving past defenders with his skill or outpacing them with his speed. Former Gunner Alan Smith once noted that he had never seen a player like Henry. While Henry preferred playing up front, he often drifted wide, contributing numerous assists and maintaining his reputation as a lethal goal-scorer.

6. Zinedine Zidane

Zidane, known as Zizou, is regarded as one of the best players of his generation and all time. His effortless elegance on the ball, his precision in passing, and his eye for goal set him apart. Zidane is one of just nine players in history to have won the Ballon d’Or, Champions League, and World Cup.

Countless icons have praised Zidane’s skill. Former Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan remarked that he had “never seen a player quite like Zidane,” while ex-West Germany captain Franz Beckenbauer called him “one of the greatest players in history.”

5. Diego Maradona

Diego Armando Maradona, as controversial as he was talented, captivated fans throughout his career. A supremely gifted number 10, Maradona’s prime years were spent with Napoli, where his impact was so significant that the club retired his number soon after his departure.

Maradona was known not only for his footballing prowess but also for his leadership on and off the pitch. His technique, ball striking, passing range, and overall skill helped him become a football legend.

4. Johan Cruyff

Johan Cruyff, who spent most of his domestic career in Europe with Ajax and Barcelona, firmly established himself as a legend at both clubs.

The Dutchman revolutionized football, and his technical ability was admired by many. A practitioner of Total Football, Cruyff’s sharp mind and remarkable technique set him apart as one of the best.

The football world mourned Cruyff’s passing, recognizing the profound impact he had on the sport.

3. Lionel Messi

With eight Ballon d’Ors, four Champions League titles, 10 La Liga titles, two Ligue 1 triumphs, and a World Cup victory, Lionel Messi’s resume now matches his extraordinary abilities.

A mercurial dribbler and lethal goalscorer, Messi’s technique is nearly impossible to replicate. His natural talent has led many to consider him the best player of all time, especially after his 2022 World Cup win.

2. Ronaldo Nazário

Il Fenomeno, Ronaldo Nazário, played for PSV, Inter Milan, Barcelona, Real Madrid, and AC Milan during his European career, establishing himself as a complete forward. Ronaldo was lethal in front of goal, possessed lightning speed, and was one of the best dribblers in football history.

Many footballers, past and present, have regarded Ronaldo as the best technical player they have seen, an attacker whose explosive dynamism redefined the role of a number nine.

1. Ronaldinho

Ronaldinho Gaucho is perhaps the closest a footballer will ever come to truly epitomizing skill within an individual. For many, Ronaldinho is the first face that comes to mind when hearing the phrase “Jogo Bonito.”

Ronaldinho’s flair, no-look passes, flashy skill moves, and consistent goal contributions made him a legend. With 373 goal contributions in 561 games, Ronaldinho played for PSG, Barcelona, and AC Milan in Europe, with spells in Brazil bookending his 10-year stint in Europe. His spellbinding style of play made him nearly impossible to defend against at times.

All stats are taken from Transfermarkt and are correct as of 05/02/2025.