Top 20 greatest midfielders in football history [Ranked]

1. Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Zidane, a maestro in the truest sense, dazzled with his elegance on the ball, vision, and technical brilliance. His performances for Juventus, Real Madrid, and the French national team cemented his status as one of the all-time greats.

2. Andrés Iniesta
Andrés Iniesta’s ability to glide past defenders and pick out precise passes made him a key figure for Barcelona and Spain. His unforgettable goal in the 2010 World Cup final is a testament to his impact on the game.

3. Xavi Hernández
Xavi Hernández was the conductor of Barcelona’s tiki-taka style of play. His passing accuracy and ability to control the tempo were second to none, earning him numerous titles with Barcelona and Spain.

4. Johan Cruyff
Johan Cruyff’s influence on football extends beyond his playing days. As a midfielder, he was known for his intelligence, vision, and technical prowess. His contributions to Dutch football and his role in the development of “Total Football” are legendary.

5. Michel Platini
Michel Platini’s elegance and goal-scoring ability made him a standout midfielder for Juventus and France. He won three consecutive Ballon d’Or awards in the 1980s and remains a revered figure in football history.

6. Zico
Zico, often referred to as the “White Pelé,” was known for his creativity and goal-scoring ability. As a playmaker for Flamengo and Brazil, he dazzled fans with his technical skills and free-kick prowess.

7. Lothar Matthäus
Lothar Matthäus was a versatile midfielder known for his stamina, tackling, and leadership. He played a pivotal role in Germany’s 1990 World Cup victory and enjoyed a successful club career with Bayern Munich and Inter Milan.

8. Frank Lampard
Frank Lampard’s goal-scoring record from midfield is remarkable. A key player for Chelsea and England, Lampard’s ability to arrive late in the box and his precise long-range shots made him one of the Premier League’s greatest midfielders.

9. Steven Gerrard
Steven Gerrard was the driving force behind Liverpool for over a decade. Known for his powerful runs, leadership, and crucial goals, Gerrard’s loyalty to Liverpool and his impact on the game are widely celebrated.

10. Andrea Pirlo
Andrea Pirlo’s vision and passing range made him a maestro in midfield. His ability to dictate play from deep-lying positions was crucial to Italy’s 2006 World Cup win and his success with AC Milan and Juventus.

11. Paul Scholes
Paul Scholes’ technical ability, vision, and passing accuracy made him a key figure for Manchester United. Known for his ability to control the game, Scholes is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders of his generation.

12. Clarence Seedorf
Clarence Seedorf’s versatility and strength made him a valuable asset for clubs like Ajax, Real Madrid, and AC Milan. He remains the only player to have won the Champions League with three different clubs.

13. Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Zidane’s elegance on the ball, vision, and technical brilliance made him one of the greatest midfielders in football history. His performances for Juventus, Real Madrid, and the French national team are legendary.

14. Luka Modrić
Luka Modrić’s ability to control the tempo and his vision have made him a key player for Real Madrid and Croatia. His 2018 Ballon d’Or win is a testament to his impact on the game.

15. Kevin De Bruyne
Kevin De Bruyne’s creativity, passing, and goal-scoring ability have made him a standout midfielder for Manchester City and Belgium. His contributions to City’s success in recent years have been immense.

16. Patrick Vieira
Patrick Vieira’s physical presence and leadership were crucial to Arsenal’s success during the late 1990s and early 2000s. His ability to break up play and drive forward made him one of the Premier League’s best.

17. Ronald Koeman
Ronald Koeman was known for his powerful shots and ability to score from free-kicks. As a midfielder for Barcelona and the Netherlands, Koeman’s contributions to the game are widely respected.

18. Roy Keane
Roy Keane’s toughness and leadership made him a key figure for Manchester United. His ability to dominate the midfield and inspire his teammates were crucial to United’s success under Sir Alex Ferguson.

19. Sócrates
Sócrates, known for his intelligence and technical skills, was a key player for Brazil during the 1980s. His ability to read the game and create opportunities made him one of the most influential midfielders of his time.

20. Edgar Davids
Edgar Davids’ tenacity and energy made him a standout midfielder for clubs like Ajax, Juventus, and Barcelona. His ability to break up play and drive forward made him a valuable asset on the field.

These 20 midfielders have not only left their mark on football history but also inspired countless young players to follow in their footsteps.

Their contributions to the game will be remembered for generations to come, cementing their legacy as some of the greatest to ever grace the pitch.