The 10 Best Football Players Of All Time

When we look at the question of who is the best football player of all time, there’s inherently injustice. Throughout history, many football players have come and left their footprints in their own way. Each has had their talents lit up the NFL grounds, inspiring and entertaining their fans and audience. So, there may not be a just answer ever!

But we would like to celebrate and cherish the greatest football players the game has seen so far, based on their achievements, dominance in their era, career milestones achieved, etc. Starting with the present, we will go back in time to make it more relevant and relatable. Mind you that we are not ranking them above or below.

This article not only lists the best NFL players of all time but also the best soccer players in the world.

Best Football and Soccer Players of All Time

Best (NFL) Football Players of All Time

Patrick Mahomes, QB (2017-present)

Patrick Mahomes has cemented his place as an NFL powerhouse, clinching two league MVP titles and three Super Bowl MVP honors. His knack for delivering under pressure has been a thorn in the side of teams like the 49ers, who’ve twice watched him snatch away Super Bowl glory.

In his initial seven-year stint as the Chiefs’ starting quarterback, Mahomes led a remarkable run. Kansas City made it to the AFC Championship Game every single season, bagging four AFC crowns and three Super Bowl victories. And his name is being argued as the best football player of all time.

He is the driving force behind the Chiefs’ shot at making history this season—the first team to secure three B2B Super Bowl wins. As his career progresses, we’ll likely see Mahomes climb even higher in the player rankings.

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Tom Brady, QB (2000-2022)

Thomas Edward Patrick Brady Jr. played in the NFL for 23 seasons- the first 20 seasons with the New England Patriots and the last three seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But there’s no exact milestone to trace when he became the NFL’s best football of all time. He definitely entered the conversation after leading the Patriots in Super Bowl XLIX against Seattle. When the Patriots made a historic comeback against Atlanta in the Super Bowl, he was held not just as the best football player of all time but as the greatest.

Then after, winning his last two titles, the last one at the age of 43 with the Buccaneers, has further established his position as the best football player of all time. He is also known among the best quarterbacks of all time.

Peyton Manning, QB (1998-2015)

Sheriff Peyton Williams Manning has ensured that he makes his mark in the NFL’s history so far, playing 18 seasons. While he was with the Indianapolis Colts for 14 seasons, his rest was with the Denver Broncos. If Brady is the Jack Nicklaus of quarterbacks, Manning is the Arnold Palmer. Brady holds more championships to be called the best football player of all time, but his legacy is laced with five league MVPs and being the first QB to win Super Bowls with two teams.

Like Palmer in golf, Manning has been a powerful NFL ambassador, both on and off the field.

Peyton Manning is one of the best football players of all time, with his exceptional football IQ, accuracy, and leadership. He also holds the record for the most passing touchdowns in a season. His consistency and ability to elevate teams set him apart in NFL history.

Jerry Rice, WR (1985-04)

With three Super Bowl titles, Jerry Rice is fondly known as “World” for his catching abilities. Arguably he is the best football player of all time in NFL’s history. Among his Super Bowl matches, his eighth career Super Bowl with the Riders at 40 stands out with glory. His list of NFL records stretches farther than a football field.

He amassed 22,895 receiving yards in his career, surpassing Larry Fitzgerald by over 5,000 yards. In 1987, Rice hauled in 22 touchdowns in just 12 games, a record that lasted 20 years. Who can’t agree on his place as one of the best football players of all time?

Barry Sanders, RB (1989-1998)

Watching Barry Sanders on the football field is an experience, especially if you were lucky enough to see him play. The former Detroit Lions star showcased a running style that was truly unique, unmatched by anyone since. A true wizard of football, he is known as the best football player of all time for the right reasons.

He transformed what looked like 5-yard losses into spectacular long runs that now loop at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. In just 10 seasons, Sanders amassed 15,259 rushing yards and claimed four rushing titles. His remarkable talent made the impossible seem routine, leaving fans and defenders alike in awe.

Reggie White, DE (1985-1998, 2000)

Reginald Howard White was associated with the NFL for 15 seasons when he garnered a Super Bowl victory. He is a two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, 13-time Pro Bowl, and 13-time All-Pro selection. White stands second all-time among NFL career sack leaders with 198.

The “Minister of Defense” crafted a Hall of Fame career with the Eagles and Packers. Known for his devastating pass rush, White made headlines in 1993 as the first big name to move teams in free agency, joining the Packers. Three years later, he led Green Bay to their first Super Bowl win in nearly three decades, racking up three sacks in the victory. White’s leadership and impact on two franchises earned him the “best football player of all time” title in the NFL’s legacy.

Lawrence Taylor, LB (1981-1993)

Lawrence Julius Taylor played 13 seasons in the NFL with the New York Giants. Taylor’s impact as a rookie was undeniable, earning him Defensive Rookie of the Year and NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Five years later, he secured MVP while leading the Giants to their first Super Bowl. His fierce pass rush changed the game, turning the left tackle into a critical position.

Lawrence’s ability to disrupt offenses with his pass-rushing skills forced teams to adapt. Consequently, his name is much discussed as the best football player of all time in the NFL’s history. He is known as the “L.T.” among his fans.

Walter Payton, RB (1975-1987)

Anyone who knows Walter Jerry Payton knows his 13 seasons with the Chicago Bears. Fondly referred to as “Sweetness”, the argument whether he is the best football player of all time in the NFL deserves a place. He’s undeniably the greatest back since the 1970 merger and the most fearless player ever. Patron’s motto, “Never Die Easy,” reflects his journey to the pinnacle.

He regularly faced eight-man fronts while playing for mediocre Bears teams. When the Bears finally became contenders later in his career, he helped lead them to a Super Bowl XX title after racking up over 2,000 all-purpose yards. Beyond his running skills, Payton excelled as a blocker, a fierce receiver, and an all-around football player.

Dick Butkus, LB (1965-73)

Butkus struck fear into opposing offenses throughout his nine-year playing career, earning the title of a true legend in sports. Known for his ferocious tackling, the iconic Chicago Bears linebacker excelled in pass coverage. He recorded at least one interception each year, including five in his standout rookie season.

He earned invitations to eight Pro Bowls over nine seasons and was named a first-team All-Pro a staggering five times! His peers recognized him twice as the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year. The term “best football player of all time” is often misused, but not in Butkus’ case.

Jim Brown, RB (1957-1965)

James Nathaniel Brown is regarded as one of the greatest runbacks of all time in NFL history. He made the Pro Bowl every season he played and claimed the AP NFL Most Valuable Player title three times. Brown’s dominance in his nine seasons with the Cleveland Browns is nearly unmatched. He’s on the same level as sports giants like Babe Ruth, Wayne Gretzky, Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, Wilt Chamberlain, Cheryl Miller, Serena Williams, Jesse Owens, and Michael Phelps.

Brown dominated the NFL by leading in rushing eight times and carrying the Browns to their last title in 1964. His career average of 104.3 yards per game is still the highest in NFL history. And his position as the best football player of all time in the NFL had to be cemented.

Best Soccer Players of All Time

Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi is the epitome of football brilliance. With 816 goals and 357 assists in 1,034 games—averaging a contribution every 73 minutes. What more should define the best soccer player of all time? Unlike many stars, Messi has never been neutralized; his adaptability has kept him at the pinnacle of the sport. His extraordinary touch and unparalleled passing make him the greatest playmaker ever.

With an awe-inspiring ability to turn defenders inside out, the Argentine’s superstar scores with artistry and precision. He exerts to turn every chance into a masterpiece. Messi embodies the magic of football, bringing joy to fans worldwide.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo is considered the greatest soccer player of all time, having scored over 800 goals in nearly 1,000 appearances. He’s the top scorer globally, surpassing legends like Messi and Pelé. His illustrious career spans the Premier League, La Liga, and Serie A. He earned five Champions League titles and a European Championship.

Known for clutch moments and a relentless drive, Ronaldo evolved from a speedy winger to a prolific striker, setting new standards in the sport. His achievements, including five Ballon d’Ors and record transfers, underscore his European dominance. Consequently, he etched his legacy as an unmatched force in football history.

Ronaldo

Ronaldo is a Brazilian phenomenon and undeniably one of the greatest center-forwards in football history. From 1993 to 2011, he dazzled fans in Brazil, Spain, and Italy with his perfect blend of pace, power, and technical brilliance. Known for his explosive dribbling and lethal finishing with both feet, he left defenders in the dust as he approached the goal with ferocity.

Despite being overshadowed by his Portuguese counterpart, R9 remains the quintessential No. 9, praised by legends like Fabio Cannavaro and José Mourinho. Injuries may have curtailed his career, but his artistry on the pitch solidifies his status as the best football player of all time.

Diego Maradona

Diego Maradona, co-winner of FIFA’s Player of the Century Award, is often hailed as the best soccer player of all time. His exceptional ability to deliver punishing passes, combined with dazzling dribbling and fearless goal-scoring, set him apart. A transformative force at Napoli, he led the team to two league titles and a UEFA Cup while also securing a World Cup with Argentina.

His low center of gravity and intense running made him a constant threat. Maradona’s talent lifted up his teammates as well. Perhaps the title “best soccer player of all time” doesn’t do enough justice. Because he is a legendary figure adored on both sides of the Atlantic, embodying the spirit of football like no other.

Pelé

Pelé is the embodiment of Brazilian football, with his spirit evident in every skillful play by modern players. With 77 goals in just 92 international matches and three World Cups, he’s often considered the greatest of all time. Critics may challenge his famous tally of “1,281 goals,” noting that many were in exhibition matches.

However, he netted an impressive 643 goals for Santos in 659 games over 18 years. While some argue his lack of regular European play diminishes his legacy, his international record and explosive talent left defenses scrambling, proving that Pelé’s greatness transcends any era in football.

Conclusion

Once again, don’t think we tried to rank the legends above. It’s just a mere chronological arrangement of the legends. While individual brilliance shines through, the true beauty of football lies in its power to unite fans worldwide. The game’s rich history is shaped not just by records and accolades but by moments of passion, drama, and joy that resonate across generations. It is equally inspiring to future stars to dream big on the pitch.

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FAQs

Who is the best football player of all time?

Pele is widely regarded as the best football player. He won three World Cups (1958, 1962 and 1970) and scored 1,279 goals during his playtime. Other contenders include Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo, each with remarkable achievements.

What is soccer vs football?

Soccer and football are the same sport in most countries. Americans call it soccer, while most of the world calls it football. Both involve kicking a ball to score goals. The game has 11 players per team.

Who is FIFA’s greatest player of all time?

Pelé and Diego Maradona have been named as joint winners of the “FIFA Player of the Century award”. So, they can now be considered FIFA’s greatest players. Pelé scored 1,281 goals in 1,363 games. Maradona led Argentina to a World Cup victory in 1986.

However, the names keep changing as talented players emerge, so the answer to the question will not be exact.

Who is the father of American football?

Walter Camp is known as the Father of American Football. He shaped the sport in the late 19th century, introducing rules like the line of scrimmage and down system. Camp’s innovations transformed rugby-style play into American football.

How many goals has Messi scored?

Lionel Messi scored 838 goals in 1,069 professional games following his last match. Additionally, he has provided 360 assists, resulting in 1,198 goals directly from his contributions.

Why is Ronaldo famous in football?

Cristiano Ronaldo is famous for his exceptional football career. In his 2007–08 season with Manchester United, he scored 42 goals and won the Golden Shoe. Ronaldo is also the all-time leading scorer for Real Madrid, labeling his status as one of football’s best forwards.