Football is a game that thrives on the brilliance of its players, and nowhere is this more evident than in the midfield. The greatest midfielders have the ability to control the pace of the game, create opportunities, and score crucial goals. They are the heartbeat of their teams, often orchestrating play and providing the link between defence and attack.
This list celebrates the top 10 greatest football midfielders of all time, highlighting their careers, achievements, and the unique qualities that set them apart as legends of the sport.
Paul Scholes
Paul Scholes was the heartbeat of Manchester United’s midfield for over two decades. Known for his exceptional passing range, vision, and knack for scoring crucial goals, Scholes was a key player in Sir Alex Ferguson’s dominant United sides.
Stats and Achievements:
– Two-time UEFA Champions League winner (1999, 2008)
– Eleven-time Premier League winner with Manchester United
– Four-time FA Cup winner with Manchester United
– 155 goals in 718 appearances for Manchester United
Scholes was renowned for his ability to score spectacular goals from outside the box, often changing the course of a game with his precise strikes. His intelligence on the pitch and ability to dictate the tempo made him one of the most influential midfielders of his era.
“I think Paul Scholes is the best player in England. He’s got the best skills, the best brain. No one can match him. There isn’t a player of his mould anywhere in the world. Paul is irreplaceable.” Sir Alex Ferguson
Andrea Pirlo
Andrea Pirlo was the epitome of elegance and composure on the ball. The Italian playmaker’s vision and passing accuracy made him a central figure in both AC Milan and Juventus’ successes.
Stats and Achievements:
– 2006 World Cup winner
– Two-time UEFA Champions League winner with AC Milan (2003, 2007)
– Six-time Serie A winner (two with AC Milan, four with Juventus)
– 753 club appearances and 73 goals
Pirlo’s performance in the 2006 World Cup was crucial to Italy’s victory, especially his pivotal role in the final against France. His ability to control the game from a deep-lying playmaker position earned him the nickname “The Architect.”
“His vision, what he can do with the ball, and what he’s able to create, make him a true superstar. Andrea has something which you don’t see very often.” Roberto Baggio
Steven Gerrard
Steven Gerrard was synonymous with Liverpool for much of his career. Known for his leadership, passing ability, and scoring crucial goals, Gerrard was the driving force behind many of Liverpool’s memorable moments.
Stats and Achievements:
– UEFA Champions League winner (2005)
– Two-time FA Cup winner with Liverpool (2001, 2006)
– UEFA Club Footballer of the Year (2005)
– 186 goals in 710 appearances for Liverpool
Gerrard’s performance in the 2005 Champions League final, where he inspired Liverpool’s comeback from 3-0 down against AC Milan, remains one of the greatest individual performances in football history. His ability to rise to the occasion in big matches was unmatched.
“To me he is one of the best midfielders in the world. He is an excellent player.” Pele
Frank Lampard
Frank Lampard was a goal-scoring machine from midfield, combining intelligence, work ethic, and technical skill to become Chelsea’s all-time leading scorer. His consistency and ability to perform in clutch moments were hallmarks of his career.
Stats and Achievements:
– UEFA Champions League winner (2012)
– Three-time Premier League winner with Chelsea (2005, 2006, 2010)
– Four-time FA Cup winner with Chelsea
– Chelsea’s all-time leading scorer with 211 goals
Lampard’s knack for scoring goals from midfield set him apart. He scored over 20 goals in five consecutive seasons, a testament to his consistency and goal-scoring prowess. His leadership on and off the pitch made him a Chelsea legend.
“One of my best players ever, Chelsea legend and a legend in the Premier league.” Jose Mourinho
Michel Platini
Michel Platini was a prolific goal-scoring midfielder whose technical brilliance and vision made him one of the greatest players of the 1980s. His leadership and ability to influence games were crucial for both club and country.
Stats and Achievements:
– Three-time Ballon d’Or winner (1983, 1984, 1985)
– 1984 European Championship winner
– Two-time Serie A winner with Juventus (1984, 1986)
– 312 goals in 580 career appearances
Platini’s performances in the 1984 European Championship, where he scored nine goals and led France to victory, are still celebrated. His ability to score and create opportunities made him a unique talent in midfield.
“I was a classic midfield organiser who could also score goals”, Michel Platini
Xavi Hernandez
Xavi Hernandez was the mastermind behind Barcelona’s and Spain’s midfield dominance during the late 2000s and early 2010s. His ability to maintain possession and orchestrate play with pinpoint accuracy was unparalleled.
Stats and Achievements:
– 2010 World Cup winner
– Two-time European Championship winner (2008, 2012)
– Four-time UEFA Champions League winner with Barcelona
– Eight-time La Liga winner with Barcelona
Xavi’s ability to control the game’s tempo and his vision to find teammates in tight spaces was crucial to Barcelona’s tiki-taka style. His performances in the 2010 World Cup and European Championships cemented his status as one of the best midfielders of all time.
“He is the best player in the history of Spanish football.” Lionel Messi
Andrés Iniesta
Andrés Iniesta was the perfect blend of skill, intelligence, and composure. His ability to deliver in crucial moments, such as his World Cup-winning goal in 2010, made him one of the most clutch players in football history.
Stats and Achievements:
– 2010 World Cup winner
– Two-time European Championship winner (2008, 2012)
– Four-time UEFA Champions League winner with Barcelona
– Nine-time La Liga winner with Barcelona
Iniesta’s goal in the 2010 World Cup final against the Netherlands brought Spain its first-ever World Cup title. His partnership with Xavi at Barcelona is considered one of the greatest midfield duos in football history, contributing to multiple Champions League and La Liga titles.
“When he has the ball, it’s like everything else stops – like the camera is going in slow motion.” Fernando Torres
Johan Cruyff
Johan Cruyff was not just a player; he was a revolutionary. The Dutch legend’s intelligence on the pitch, combined with his technical skills, made him a pivotal figure in the development of modern football, particularly through his role in “Total Football.”
Stats and Achievements:
– Three-time Ballon d’Or winner (1971, 1973, 1974)
– Three-time European Cup winner with Ajax (1971, 1972, 1973)
– La Liga winner with Barcelona (1974)
– 291 goals in 514 career appearances
Cruyff’s influence extended beyond his playing career as he went on to shape football as a coach and a philosopher of the game. His “Cruyff Turn” and his role in Ajax and Barcelona’s success left an indelible mark on football.
“Johan Cruyff painted the chapel. And Barcelona coaches since merely restore or improve it.” Pep Guardiola
Diego Maradona
Though often remembered as a forward, Diego Maradona’s playmaking abilities from midfield were extraordinary. His vision, dribbling, and passing made him a constant threat and a true football genius.
Stats and Achievements:
– 1986 World Cup winner
– FIFA World Cup Golden Ball (1986)
– Two-time Serie A winner with Napoli (1987, 1990)
– 312 goals in 588 career appearances
Maradona’s performances in the 1986 World Cup, particularly his “Goal of the Century” against England, are legendary. His ability to single-handedly change the course of a match made him one of the most revered players in football history.
“Even if I played for a million years, I’d never come close to Maradona. Not that I’d want to anyway. He’s the greatest there’s ever been.” — Lionel Messi.
Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Zidane is often regarded as one of the most elegant and skillful midfielders to ever play the game. His ball control, vision, and ability to perform in the biggest matches set him apart as the greatest midfielder of all time.
“For me, he’s the greatest player of the century. The best player of all time.” Fabien Barthez
Stats and Achievements:
– 1998 World Cup winner
– 2000 European Championship winner
– Three-time FIFA World Player of the Year (1998, 2000, 2003)
– 2002 UEFA Champions League winner with Real Madrid
– 125 goals in 695 career appearances
Zidane’s goals in the 1998 World Cup final and the 2002 Champions League final are iconic moments in football history. His ability to control and influence the game, coupled with his composure under pressure, made him a true maestro on the pitch.
“Zidane is unique. The ball flows with him. He is more like a dancer than a football player.” Franz Beckenbauer
Conclusion
The top 10 greatest football midfielders have not only amassed an impressive array of titles and accolades but have also redefined what it means to play in midfield. Their unique skills, football intelligence, and ability to influence the game in both defence and attack have made them legends of the sport. Check out the list of top 10 defenders of Football of all time.
