Football has and always will be a team game, but the beauty of a successful team is the unique skill sets that combine to be the sum of its parts. With every position possessing different ways of being utilised, the players who fill in those roles all have individual talents and traits.
From inverted fullbacks to second strikers, the list of roles on a football pitch has never been so vast. Yet despite football continuing to advance and reach new levels of tactical mastery, fans continue to gravitate towards a type of player that has been around since the dawn of football.
With plenty of footballers growing up playing on fields, in cages, on the streets, some more than others took to the professional game with an added element of flair and skill. With those players being easy on the eye and bringing personality to a game that can often be robotic, they are adored by football purists all over the globe.
From silky South Americans to energetic Englishmen, football has been blessed with a litany of skilful players over the years. With the help of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the 15 most skilful players in football history have been ranked and ordered, with Cristiano Ronaldo unable to grab a mention.
A custom image of Xavi Hernandez, Andrea Pirlo and Paul Scholes Related
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No room for Cristiano Ronaldo, Ronaldinho or David Beckham in a list topped by a player with more than 400 career assists.
15 Rivelino
Rivelino
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Starting off AI's list is Brazilian talent, Rivelino. Maybe not the go-to name when searching for South American legends, but Rivelino was a classic product of Brazil, bringing flair to football in the '60s and '70s. The star of Brazil's 1970 World Cup campaign, a tournament in which they won, he was known for his ferocious left foot, bending free-kicks, elastico flicks, long-range rockets, and, of course, his moustache. Making the list over more modern names, AI cites his 26 goals in 92 caps for Brazil as a vital reason.
14 Andrés IniestaAndres Iniesta Barcelona
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Moving over to Spain, it is Andrés Iniesta who finds himself on the list. A product of the iconic La Masia youth system, an academy set-up that has platformed some of the greatest footballers, Iniesta became a midfield stalwart for the Blaugrana, notching over 400 appearances for the side.
Described by AI as Spain's silent maestro, his tight control, 360-degree vision, and ability to glide through defences were poetic, with his 2010 World Cup-winning goal being evidence of this. Racking up over 100 assists during his time in Spain, Iniesta isn't thought about often enough when mentioning football's most skilful acts.
13 Juan Román RiquelmeJuan Roman Riquelme
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An icon of the beautiful game, Juan Roman Riquelme isn't the most dazzling and flashy player on this list, but he was surgically precise during his heyday, ending his career with over 80 goals and 200 assists to his name across all appearances.
Remembered for his legendary vision and sublime touch, his slow-motion passing, drag-backs, and free-kicks were one of a kind. Bringing his A-game to the Copa Libertadores in 2007 for Boca Juniors, his three goals over two legs were a microcosm of his immense talent.
12 Ángel Di MaríaAngel di Maria Champions League
Ángel Di María Club Statistics - as of 05/02/2025
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The first active player on the list and Ángel Di María's career history tell the tale of a man that every club desired. Having showcased his talents at elite clubs in England, Spain, France and Portugal, he shone wherever he went.
As per AI, the Argentine’s slinky dribbling, pinpoint crosses, and clutch moments define his skill. Mentioning moments such as his 2014 Champions League final assist and 2021 Copa América goal, Di Maria has a knack for popping up when needed, the true definition of a clutch player. A versatile and quiet genius, the game will remember his brilliance when he hangs up his boots.
11 Jay-Jay OkochaJay-Jay Okocha
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Bolton Wanderers, Qatar SC, Hull City,|
Just missing out on a spot in the top ten, it is a man who defines Barclaysman, Jay-Jay Okocha. Never truly reaching the pinnacle of the game, unlike previous entrants, Okocha did bring an unreal amount of flair to all the leagues he performed in.
Nigeria’s flair master. His step-overs, sombrero flicks, and free-kick artistry, seen at the 1998 World Cup, were electrifying. Less prolific than others on the list, his skill inspired a generation, especially in Africa and at Bolton.
10 NeymarNeymar
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Another active player, finding himself in tenth, is Neymar. One of the most skilful players of his generation, Neymar brought a unique level of flair to modern-day football, doing so at the highest level and on the most important stages.
A modern samba star, his flicks and tight-space dribbling are circus-like, according to AI. A career that sees him with over 400 goals and 200 assists, despite not being retired, he has dealt with his fair share of criticism over the years, but no one can deny just how skilful he is.
9 GarrinchaGarrincha
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Flamengo, Sacrofano. Olaria|
Unsurprisingly, following Neymar is another Brazilian, this time one from the '50s through to the '70s. Garrincha is another name that modern football fans might not be too familiar with, unless they have played the FIFA video game series, but the Brazilian was a dribbling wizard.
Dubbed 'Little Bird', his bowlegged magic and unpredictable runs humiliated defenders for years. Helping Brazil to World Cup glory in 1958 and 1962, AI considers these achievements and his career goals tally for Botafogo, that being 232 goals in 581 games, a perfect representation of his raw flair and legendary status.
8 George BestGeorge Best at Manchester United
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A rare European entrant, George Best played all over the world during his career, but he is best remembered for his stint on the red side of Manchester. A troubled soul off the pitch, on the pitch, Best was a magician. An apt surname for someone of his talent, his quick feet, balance and audacious dribbling tore defences apart in the 1960s. His 1968 European Cup heroics and 179 goals in 470 games for United show his skill thrived in a rough era.
7 RonaldoRonaldo Nazario
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Real Madrid, AC Milan, Corinthians|
Although AI didn't believe Cristiano Ronaldo was worthy enough of this list, they did find space to include the Brazilian Ronaldo, also known as R9. A career that saw him play for two sets of rivals, the lack of hatred for the Brazilian speaks to just how talented he was.
A phenomenon on the pitch, his skill was explosive. His step-overs, lightning-fast dribbles, and feints shredded defenders, all seen in his 1996 Barcelona hat-trick against Valencia. Despite injuries, his 414 goals in 616 games in all competitions reflect his lethal flair.
6 Zinedine ZidaneZinedine Zidane
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A player who is somehow just as good on the pitch as he is on the side of it, holding a remarkable record as a manager. Regardless of any achievements produced in a suit and tie, Zinedine Zidane will always be held in higher regard for his talent and skills seen on the pitch.
As stated by AI, Zidane embodied grace under pressure. His velvety first touches, pinpoint passing and roulette's were remarkable. Coming up with legendary goals in high-stakes games such as the 1998 World Cup final and the 2002 Champions League final, he made the impossible look effortless.