There's nothing quite like watching a fleet-footed dribbler in action during a football match. Sure, elite passers are also something to behold, but seeing an individual demand the ball and use a quick bit of footwork and skill to spin away from multiple defenders just hits different.
Over the years, many players who have graced the pitch have possessed the agility, skill and speed on the ball which makes them a defenders' nightmare in one-on-one situations. And to try and work out who the best dribblers have been in football history, GIVEMESPORT have enlisted X's Grok AI for help.
As there are only a limited number of spots, some huge names don't feature here, including Cristiano Ronaldo. Despite lighting up stadiums throughout his career with outrageous moments of trickery, AI simply believes that other players possessed better dribbling ability than the Portugal legend. But make no mistake about it, those who crack the list ahead of him are all deserving of their spot.
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15 Kylian Mbappe
France
Ever since Kylian Mbappe burst onto the scene as part of that incredible Monaco side, he has taken his game to new heights year upon year. What made him such an exciting prospect was not just the fact that he was lightning-quick, but that he could move the ball so effortlessly at that top speed too. His natural ability when in possession is what has made him vital to France's World Cup triumph in 2018 and why he is expected to dominate world football for subsequent years at Real Madrid.
What Grok said: Mbappe’s dribbling is built on raw speed and precision. His ability to burst past defenders, as seen in his 2018 World Cup breakout (four goals, including a slaloming run vs. Argentina), marks him as a future legend. His 50+ km/h sprints with the ball are terrifying.
14 Angel Di Maria
Argentina
Angel Di Maria will go down in history as one of the best footballers in Argentinian history and for good reason too. The tricky winger has wreaked havoc on opposition defences wherever he has gone during his career, aside from a disappointing stint at Manchester United, playing a crucial part in triumphs for his clubs and La Albiceleste through the years. Other players to pull on the famous white and blue shirt may have received more plaudits over the years, but that doesn't take away from just how incredible Di Maria was to watch.
What Grok said: Di Maria’s quick feet and ability to glide past opponents, especially on the wing, make him a modern great. His dribbling in big moments, like the 2014 Champions League final or Argentina’s 2022 World Cup run, shows his clutch ability. His versatility adds to his rank.
13 Eusebio
Portugal
Eusebio shoots for Portugal
Clinical in front of goal, but also exceptional when driving at defenders, Eusebio's ability has made him one of the most revered players in football history. Scoring 638 goals in 614 matches for Benfica, his talents saw him collect the 1965 Ballon d'Or prize, before he then dazzled fans from all nations at the World Cup the following year as he finished as the competition's top scorer.
What Grok said: Eusebio’s explosive dribbling and powerful runs made him a 1960s icon. His performances in the 1966 World Cup and for Benfica (733 goals in 745 games) showcased his ability to combine speed and skill, often leaving defenders trailing.
12 Stanley Matthews
England
Stanley Matthews in action on the wing
England icon Sir Stanley Matthews was a player before his time in many ways, possessing technical ability in abundance that would not look out of place in later years. Given the moniker "The Wizard of the Dribble", those who followed his playing days would speak about his career with the greatest of respect. Legendary manager Brian Clough hailed Matthews as "a god to those of us who aspired to play the game," while Pele even said that he "taught us the way football should be played."
What Grok said: Known as the “Wizard of the Dribble,” Matthews dominated the 1940s and 50s with his wing play. His ability to beat full-backs with pace and precision crosses was legendary. Playing until age 50, he won the first Ballon d’Or (1956) for his artistry.
11 Jay-Jay Okocha
Nigeria
Jay-Jay Okocha premier league
The man so good they named him twice. Jay-Jay Okocha has become a cult hero over the years. While he rose to prominence with Eintracht Frankfurt, Fenerbahce and Paris Saint-Germain, it was his four-year stint at Bolton Wanderers which many fans remember so fondly.
Under the stewardship of Sam Allardyce, the Nigerian spent his time in the North West of England embarrassing anyone who tried to get in his path. 'Big Sam' would later say that Okocha was the greatest player he ever coached during his career - and you only need to look at his highlight reel to understand why.
What Grok said: Okocha’s flair and trickery made him a fan favourite. His dribbling was pure entertainment, with step-overs and feints that humiliated defenders. While not as decorated as others, his influence at Bolton and PSG, plus his African Player of the Year awards, highlight his skill.
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10 Zinedine Zidane
France
Zinedine Zidane's poise on a football pitch is almost unparalleled, so it might be surprising to see the Frenchman so far down Grok's list. Your favourite footballer's favourite footballer never let his six-foot frame limit his dribbling ability, possessing a deft touch that left players in France, Italy and Spain mesmerised. 'Zizou's' flair was always on show no matter the occasion, whether that be in the 2002 Champions League final or the 1998 World Cup.
What Grok said: Zidane’s dribbling was less about speed and more about elegance and control. His “roulette” and body feints bamboozled opponents, as seen in his 1998 and 2002 Champions League performances. His ability to glide past players with minimal effort was mesmerising.
9 Neymar Jr.
Brazil
A true maverick and an absolute joy to watch, Neymar was unplayable when at his best. People knew he was going to be electric as soon as he made his senior debut at just 17-years-old for Santos, with him possessing confidence that you simply need to be one of the finest footballers in the world.
As capable with his left foot as he was with his right, Neymar's ability with both feet made him supremely difficult to stop, and he went on to dazzle under the brightest of lights for Barcelona, PSG and Brazil as he lifted multiple league titles and the Champions League in the 2014/15 season. The later years of his career have been blighted by injuries, but nobody will ever forget just how good he was in his prime.
What Grok said: Neymar’s flair and creativity make him a modern dribbling icon. His quick feet, body feints, and ability to change direction instantly have produced countless highlights, especially at Barcelona and PSG. Despite criticism for showboating, his dribble success rate (50%+ in major leagues) is elite.
8 Ronaldo (R9)
Brazil
Ronaldo Nazario is renowned for his goalscoring ability more than anything else, but he was so much more than just a clinical striker. The R9 of the 1990s was a complete forward who could do it all, and that included leaving defenders in his wake with a nimble bit of footwork.
Serious injuries would take a toll on him over the years, but a fully fit O Fenômeno was truly something to behold. His peers had the greatest respect for him, with fellow Brazilian Kaka in no doubt that he was the best player he played with.
"For me, the best players are those who are able to think of a play and execute it quickest and in the best way possible, and Ronaldo Nazario has been the best at that."
What Grok said: The Brazilian Ronaldo, at his peak, was a force of nature. His combination of speed, power, and skill saw him destroy defenders, as seen in his 1996-97 Barcelona season (47 goals in 49 games). Moves like his step-over and explosive runs defined 90s football.
7 George Best
Northern Ireland
One third of Manchester United's "Holy Trinity" alongside Denis Law and Sir Bobby Charlton, George Best was arguably the most talented of the lot. That was certainly the case in the eyes of Charlton, who described watching the Northern Irishman play football as "paradise" in reference to just how magical his teammate was with the ball at his feet. Best's ability to twist defenders inside and out earned him the 1968 Ballon d'Or and a reputation as one of the most technically gifted players of all time.
What Grok said: Best’s dribbling was electrifying, blending speed, balance, and audacity. In the 1960s, he tore apart defences for Manchester United, earning the 1968 Ballon d’Or. His ability to dribble with both feet and navigate physical defences in a rough era made him a standout.
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6 Johan Cruyff
Netherlands
Johan Cruyff was as intelligent as they come in football, and he put that to good use whenever he took to the field. Capable of changing direction at a split-second, the Dutchman was never the quickest with the ball at his feet, but could manouvre it in such a way which meant defenders still found themselves chasing shadows. His signature skill, the "Cruyff Turn", continues to be utilised by players long after the man himself hung up his boots - a demonstration of his lasting impact on the beautiful game.
What Grok said: Cruyff’s elegance and intelligence defined his dribbling. The “Cruyff Turn” is one of football’s most iconic moves, which debuted at the 1974 World Cup. His ability to change direction and manipulate defenders with minimal touches revolutionised the game, influencing modern football’s Total Football philosophy.