CLASS OF 23
NEW FOR FIFA 23
GERD MÜLLER
A truly prolific striker, Gerd Müller had an astonishing record in front of goal that more than earns him ICON status. The German striker broke Bundesliga records for fun: most career goals, most hat tricks, most top scorer crowns, and most goals in a season to name just a few. He did it on the international stage too, with an incredible 68 goals in just 62 games for West Germany that included the Golden Boot after 10 goals at the FIFA World Cup 1970™ in Mexico. That was followed four years later by the winning goal in the final at his home stadium in Munich that saw him become the highest FIFA World Cup™ scorer of all time, a title he held for 32 years before being surpassed by Ronaldo Nazário in 2006. An all-time great of the game, Müller’s legacy and legend live on through his records that only a handful of players have ever come close to touching.
XABI ALONSO
Midfielders don’t come much more elegant than Xabi Alonso. The Spaniard’s remarkable technique and ability to pick out his team mates led to his hallmark - a raking, pinpoint long pass from deep that put the ball on a plate for the attacker. It was a talent he used on multiple occasions to send the ball over the keeper’s head and into the goal from behind the halfway line. Alonso was the midfield heartbeat of some of the biggest teams in Europe and picked up the trophies to match. At Liverpool, he scored the equalising goal in the legendary 2005 UEFA Champions League Final, then won another at Real Madrid. That’s not to mention an FA Cup, two Copa del Reys, a LaLiga title, three Bundesligas, and a decisive role in winning Spain’s first ever FIFA World Cup™ trophy. The work of a true ICON.
JAIRZINHO
Brazil’s FIFA World Cup 1970™ squad is widely considered one of the best international teams ever to set foot on a football pitch. At that tournament, Jairzinho did something no player had ever done before and has never done since - scoring in every FIFA World Cup™ finals match from group stage to the final as Brazil lifted the Jules Rimet trophy for the third time. The Hurricane, as he was called, was a proven goalscorer from the wing with pace to burn and a frightening mix of strength and dribbling ability that took him past defenders with ease, followed by pinpoint finishing that goalkeepers couldn't do much to stop. His second goal against Czechoslovakia in 1970 shows all that makes Jairzinho the ICON that he is: combining power and speed to drive past three defenders before rounding things off with a precise finish into the bottom corner. In a nation known for its skillful wingers, Jairzinho is undoubtedly one of the Seleção’s finest.
ATTACKERS
ROBERTO BAGGIO
The diverse, creative Italian sometimes known as Il Divin Codino (The Divine Ponytail) led his national team in three FIFA World Cup™ tournaments and picked up numerous accolades, despite never lifting the famous trophy. The midfielder took his talents to nearly all of the top clubs in Italy, often finding himself to be the finest player on the pitch no matter who he was playing with or against. Baggio possessed killer instincts on the ball, finding space or passes that few others would have even noticed, and his curling free kicks still show up in highlight reels around the football world.
DENNIS BERGKAMP
Having been schooled in the art of Total Football by fellow ICON Johan Cruyff during his days in the academy (and later the first team) of Ajax, Bergkamp had experience at nearly every position. This meant that the Dutchman was just as strong of a teammate as he was an individual, and he thrived in a number of attacking partnerships for club and country as the main forward, as well as in a ”number 10” playmaking role behind another striker.
GEORGE BEST
The greatest player to ever hail from Northern Ireland, Best was a superstar without equal for much of his career. He was perhaps one of the most naturally-talented dribblers in the history of the sport, combining speed, technique, and an uncanny balance on the ball that forced defenders to constantly guess what he would do next.
EMILIO BUTRAGUEÑO
A core member of the Real Madrid squad that dominated the Spanish first division in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Butragueño is still one of the most prolific strikers in club history.
ERIC CANTONA
From a King to an ICON. Eric Cantona was a player who made history every time he stepped onto a pitch. A stylist, wily, maverick talent with a ferocious competitive drive, his approach to the game was totally unique in England. Four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, some larger than life moments, and 73 goals later, his impact is still felt today in Manchester and beyond. All hail King Eric.
HERNÁN CRESPO
A productive scorer for several clubs and the Argentina national team, Crespo was one of the most accomplished strikers of his generation. Whether popping up and poaching on mistakes by defenders or blazing into the box with the ball at his feet, Crespo always found a way to put the ball in the back of the net—even when it seemed impossible.
JOHAN CRUYFF
The Dutch playmaker had a strong career for both club and country, picking up important trophies with Ajax, Barcelona, and the Dutch national team. Known for his incredible technique and creativity, Cruyff created one of the most popular skill moves in the game, the Cruyff Turn. His style also became synonymous with the Dutch style of play called “Total Football,” which he helped to pioneer and perfect during his time as a player and coach.
KENNY DALGLISH
Widely regarded as one of Liverpool and Celtic’s greatest players of all time, Kenny Dalglish was part of a Liverpool squad that enjoyed an astonishing level of dominance both domestically and in Europe. In his 13 years as a Red, ‘King Kenny’ won eight League and three European titles, alongside a stack of domestic cups, making himself an Anfield legend in the process.
ALESSANDRO DEL PIERO
Regarded as one of the best Italians to ever play the game, Alessandro Del Piero enamoured football fans around the world for over two decades with his flawless technique, lethal finishing, and accurate free-kicks. A 2006 FIFA World Cup™ winner, Del Piero will be remembered as a prolific goal scorer who was able to convert in every tournament he participated.
DIDIER DROGBA
Didier Drogba made his breakthrough in 2003/04 with Marseille, where he added goal-scoring ability to his phenomenal physique to net 32 times in 55 matches and win the Ligue 1 Player of the Year award. The Ivorian moved to Chelsea in 2004, where his goals helped the club to four Premier League titles, four FA Cups, and three League Cups, cementing his status as a Blues icon with the deciding penalty to win Chelsea’s first ever UEFA Champions League title.
SAMUEL ETO’O
Widely regarded as one of the greatest African players of all time, Samuel Eto’o was a titan. Devastating finishing, coupled with pace, trickery, and crafty tactical nous, Eto’o preceded his own reputation. Goals wherever he went vaulted his teams to UEFA Champions League glory on three occasions, with Eto’o scoring in two finals. A marksman on the pitch and an arrow for humanitarian causes off it, Eto’o was more than just a striker. He was a creator, facilitator, and leader. An ICON, in the truest sense.
EUSÉBIO
One of the earliest legends of the game, Portuguese striker Eusébio da Silva Ferreira (known only as Eusébio), dominated at the club and international level at a time when his country was not particularly known as a football powerhouse. He led Portugal to a third-place finish in the only World Cup™ they qualified for during his international career, and helped Benfica shock the world by scoring two goals in their 5-3 win over Real Madrid in the 1962 European Cup (now the UEFA Champions League) final.
GARRINCHA
Garrincha joined Botafogo in 1953 and quickly made a name for himself, scoring a hat-trick on his debut against Bonsucesso. After developing a reputation for his flair and incredible dribbling activity, he resisted numerous attempts from major European clubs to sign him, remaining with Botafogo for 13 seasons and playing a starring role for the Brazilian national team that won back-to-back FIFA World Cups™ in 1958 and 1962. Incredibly, Brazil never lost a match with Garrincha and fellow ICON Pele in the lineup.
THIERRY HENRY
One of the Premier League’s all-time great strikers, Henry’s incredibly elegant yet unbelievably deadly finishing won him the Golden Boot four times in his eight years in North London. A FIFA World Cup™ winner on home turf in 1998, the Frenchman became his country’s top scorer with 51 goals in 123 caps on the international stage.
LUIS HERNÁNDEZ
Although thriving at many of the clubs he played for in Mexico, Argentina, and the United States, Hernández truly thrived on the international stage. Nicknamed “El Matador,” Hernández holds the joint record for most goals scored by a Mexican player at the World Cup™ after notching four in the 1998 tournament in France.
MIROSLAV KLOSE
Even though Klose had a long and prolific career for multiple clubs throughout Europe, he’s best known for his exploits with the German national team. Klose appeared in four World Cups™ for his country, finally winning the prestigious tournament in 2014. The lanky striker is the second most-capped German international in history, and still holds Die Mannschaft’s scoring record after securing it prior to his retirement in 2014.
PATRICK KLUIVERT
Even though Dutch forward Kluivert looked the part of a traditional forward thanks to his height and strength, his world-class status was due to the combination of those physical gifts with a deft first touch and raw speed. His partnership with fellow ICON Rivaldo on the club stage was perhaps the most feared attacking duo in world football at the time, with the pair complementing each other’s styles perfectly.
HENRIK LARSSON
One of the most prolific strikers in Celtic history, Swedish goalscorer Larsson excelled at nearly every club for which he suited up. Larsson was tremendously well-rounded, combining speed, vision, intelligence, and composure to a world-class scoring touch.
GARY LINEKER
While Lineker stood out with consistent goalscoring at club level in both England and Spain, the shrewd striker is most remembered for his exploits on international duty with the Three Lions. Not only was he the first Englishman to earn the FIFA World Cup™ Golden Boot, but Lineker still holds the record for most FIFA World Cup™ goals scored for his country – 10 across the 1986 and 1990 tournaments.
LUÍS FIGO
The Portuguese winger is notorious for his switch between the two giants of Spanish football in the middle of his career, but his full tenure in Spain shows why he’s one of the best non-Spanish players the league has ever seen. Figo was an assist machine for club and country, utilising quick movement and world-class dribbling ability to fly down the flank and curl beautiful crosses in for his teammates.
MICHAEL OWEN
One of the most prolific English goal-scorers, Michael Owen's rise to stardom came at a very young age during the 1998 World Cup™. Blinding speed, intelligent movement, accurate passing, and lethal finishing were some of the attributes that made Owen a goal-scoring machine.
PELÉ
The only player to score more goals for Brazil than Ronaldo Nazário, Pelé was quite simply one of the greatest footballers of all time. Six Brazilian Championships, three World Cups™ and over 600 competitive goals in a career spanning 21 years justify his status as one of the all-time legends of the game.
FERENC PUSKÁS
There are few players who stand as tall as Ferenc Puskás in football history, let alone Real Madrid’s near-fictional club lineage. Widely recognised as one of the greatest forwards ever, Puskás drove Madrid to three European Cups, with his dribbling ability, movement and perfect timing contributing to some of Real Madrid’s most glorious moments. He also carried Hungary to a FIFA World Cup™ final - amassing 84 goals in 85 appearances for his nation. The FIFA ‘’Puskás’’ Award is given to the scorer of the best goal each year. You can only imagine what the man it’s named after’s goals were like.
RAÚL
Madrid native Raúl Gonzalez Blanco (known simply as Raúl) broke into the Real Madrid first team at only 17 to become the youngest ever to play for the club. The Spanish striker went on to earn numerous honors with Real Madrid, including six LaLiga titles and an impressive three UEFA Champions League trophies. Raúl also topped Real Madrid’s all-time scoring chart for a number of years before being surpassed by Cristiano Ronaldo.
RIVALDO
The Brazilian’s technique played a big part in his versatility, allowing him to thrive in numerous offensive positions for both club and country. An unstoppable attacking threat during his time in Spain, he highlighted his tenure by becoming LaLiga’s top scorer in the 1998-99 season with 24 goals, leading his club to their second consecutive league title. In 1999, Rivaldo won the Ballon d’Or and was crowned FIFA World Player of the Year. He also shone for his national team for a number of years, winning the FIFA World Cup™ with Brazil in 2002 after a second-place finish in 1998.
RONALDINHO
One of the last true bohemians of football, Ronaldinho personifies what Jogo Bonito is all about. With endless creativity and superb technique, the Brazilian attacking midfielder was equally capable of scoring a beautiful goal or serving the perfect pass for his teammates to shine. Ronaldinho won the biggest trophies in the world and he did so while playing beautifully and with a smile on his face.
RONALDO
The legendary Brazilian striker's deadly mix of explosive pace, lethal finishing and dazzling skill made him one of the most feared strikers in the world. A two-time Ballon d'Or winner, Ronaldo Nazário became one of Real Madrid's famed galácticos when he joined the club.
WAYNE ROONEY
After exploding onto the scene as a teenager playing for his boyhood club, the world woke up to a new English superstar. His prodigious talent led him to one of the most storied teams in English football, scoring a hat-trick on his debut in the UEFA Champions League. Rooney was a pure goalscorer, of all kinds of goals. But he was also a world class playmaker and team player, mucking in wherever he was needed. Rooney won five Premier League titles, three League Cups, an FA Cup, a UEFA Champions League, a UEFA Europa League and a FIFA Club World Cup™. He ended his playing career as his club and England’s leading scorer. He would’ve become ICON in any era.
IAN RUSH
After a relatively slow start to life at Liverpool, Ian Rush’s second season for the Reds saw him hit the 30 goal mark, after which point the goals just kept flowing for the Welshman. His clinical finishing earned him the Division One and European Golden Boot awards in 1983/84, as part of a Liverpool squad that won five league titles, three FA Cups, and a Champions League during his time at Anfield.
HUGO SÁNCHEZ
After rising through the ranks at UNAM while studying for a degree in dentistry, Hugo Sanchez won his first league title in 1977 just days before his 19th birthday. After five seasons in Mexico, Sanchez spent four years at Atlético Madrid before making the move across the city to rivals Real. With Los Blancos, the Mexican striker amassed over 200 goals, along with five consecutive LaLiga titles, three domestic cups, and a UEFA Cup, before returning to Mexico for a spell at Club América.
ALAN SHEARER
The quintessential English target man-style striker, Shearer was a big, bruising presence in the box who was just as likely to plow through a defender as he was to blast the ball into the back of the net. Shearer still holds the all-time goalscoring record in the English Premier League, having notched 260 total goals for Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United over 14 seasons.
ANDRIY SHEVCHENKO
Ukraine’s all-time leading goalscorer led the line for Dynamo Kyiv, Milan, and Chelsea throughout his accolade-drenched career. An old school striker whose technique was as effective as his raw power, Shevchenko’s ability to finish with both feet and head terrorized defenders in Italy and around Europe.
HRISTO STOICHKOV
The best Bulgarian player in history, Stoichkov earned his country’s only Ballon d’Or nod in 1994 after multiple successful LaLiga seasons. Part of Johan Cruyff’s dream team, Stoichkov’s prolific goal scoring helped his team to four LaLiga titles and a UEFA Champions League trophy.
DAVOR ŠUKER
Croatia produces many stars, but Davor Šuker might be the most iconic of them all. After pulling up trees at Sevilla, he moved to Real Madrid and firmly planted himself as one of his generation's best strikers. Firing Los Blancos to a league and UEFA Champions League double in the 1997-1998 season. Šuker also fired Croatia to the FIFA World Cup™ semi-finals in 1998, winning the Golden Boot with six goals in seven games. He remains Croatia's all-time top scorer with 45 goals. Šuker inspired a nation.
FERNANDO TORRES
Fernando Torres stands as one of the most feared strikers of his generation. Bursting onto the scene at Atlético de Madrid scoring 82 goals in 214 apps, it was at Liverpool where El Niño set the game alight. Fusing strength, skill and killer instinct, Torres terrorised defences for club and country. Scoring in two UEFA European Championship finals in addition to a vital goal for Chelsea on their way to winning the UEFA Champions League, Torres was a striker of the ages, for big occasions.
DAVID TREZEGUET
French striker Trezeguet was an absolute terror during his 20-year career, especially during his decade-long stay in Italy. Trezeguet earned multiple titles in Serie A, as well as with Monaco in his native France, but also helped his country to their first World Cup™ win in 1998. His striking talents were wide and varied; Trezeguet could score with either foot or his head with ease, and his ability to pop up and smash a loose ball into the net was legendary.
MARCO VAN BASTEN
The former Ajax and Milan striker is one of the most prolific in history, despite having his career cut short by injury. A three-time Ballon d’Or winner along with numerous club and country accolades, Van Basten was known for consistently scoring seemingly-impossible goals using his uncanny finishing and penchant for on-field acrobatics.
RUUD VAN NISTELROOY
A traditional, yet complete forward at the height of his game, van Nistelrooy was one of the most consistent strikers of his generation. Whether in the Premier League, or LaLiga, van Nistelrooy always posted impressive scoring numbers. Despite his size and stature, the Dutchman also boasted impressive speed that he would exploit against offside traps or to shake his marker when running onto a through ball.
ROBIN VAN PERSIE
In Robin van Persie’s long career, he was known world over as a deadshot number 9 with highly refined technical ability that saw him score some incredible goals. Van Persie started his career with Feyenoord, where he won the UEFA Cup at just 18 years old. North London would be his next destination, linking up with fellow ICON Thierry Henry to devastating effect. A Premier League classic goal against Charlton saw his legacy light up. But his last two years in North London saw van Persie become the player he dared to be. In the 2010-2011 season, he scored a career high 18 goals. The next season, he hit an unprecedented 30 goals in 38 games. A move to Manchester followed - where van Persie would win the Premier League title in dramatic fashion. Van Persie also ended his career as the record scorer for the Netherlands - the perfect way to cement his undoubted legacy.
CHRISTIAN VIERI
The Italian striker played for 12 clubs across Europe in a career spanning 18 years, bagging goals for fun at nearly every one. Once the world’s most expensive footballer, Vieri is a two-time winner of the Serie A Italian Footballer of the Year and Italy’s joint-highest goalscorer in the FIFA World Cup™ with nine goals.
IAN WRIGHT
Ian Wright was a relative latecomer to professional football, but that didn’t stop him from racking up the goals for both Crystal Palace and Arsenal, where he picked up the Golden Boot with 29 goals in his debut season for the North Londoners. His consistent goal-scoring talents helped lead the Gunners to a league and cup double in 1998, confirming his status as a club icon.
GIANFRANCO ZOLA
Technical and skillful, Zola was a fan favourite wherever he went, leaving his mark on the pitch with attacking play and an eye for the spectacular in front of goal. His contribution to Chelsea was such that he was once voted their greatest ever player.
MIDFIELDERS
MICHAEL BALLACK
An imposing, yet inspiring figure on the pitch, German midfielder Ballack was as complete and well-rounded as they come throughout his decorated career for club and country. His physical abilities and aggressive style were complemented by a ferocious shot – he scored more than a handful of goals from distance over the years. Ballack also had an extremely high football intelligence, able to set the flow and tone of a match from his midfield vantage point.
JOHN BARNES
Blessed with incredible speed and trickery, John Barnes played a key role for a Watford team that finished second in the league and FA Cup runners-up before transferring to Liverpool. Barnes terrorised opposition defenders throughout his time at Anfield, helping his team to two league titles and two FA Cups, with his performances in 1988-89 seeing him named as both PFA Players’ Player of the Year and Football Writers’ Footballer of the Year.
DAVID BECKHAM
From dominating England and picking up six Premier League titles and a UEFA Champions League medal, to dovetailing with the greatest players of his generation like fellow ICON Zidane with Real Madrid where he scooped a LaLiga trophy, Beckham’s proximity to greatness was never a coincidence. Devastatingly accurate from set-pieces with that slanted, whip technique, he ended a trailblazing career that also took him to MLS, Serie A, and finally Ligue 1 with 17 major honours and 115 caps for his country. Many have tried, but only one can bend it like Beckham.
MICHAËL ESSIEN
A dynamic midfielder whose playing style earned him the nickname of ‘The Bison’, Michaël Essien began his career in Ligue 1 before becoming Chelsea’s record transfer in 2005. Over nine seasons at Stamford Bridge, the Ghanaian scored a number of vital goals to help his team to two Premier League titles, six domestic cups, and the UEFA Champions League, before enjoying spells at European giants Real Madrid and AC Milan.
GENNARO GATTUSO
The aggressive, passionate midfielder was famous for his hard tackles, near-unlimited energy, and ability to read the game from midfield and make quick reactions. Gattusso played a big role in the era of massive Milan success in the 2000s, and was a key member of Italy’s 2006 World Cup™-winning squad.
STEVEN GERRARD
Perhaps the most important player in the history of Liverpool Football Club, local boy Gerrard rose through the academy before breaking into the first team and cementing his place for more than a decade. Gerrard’s list of accomplishments and highlights is rather long, but he is perhaps best remembered for his performance in the 2005 Champions League final, where he masterminded his team’s historic comeback after going down 3-0 to AC Milan.
RUUD GULLIT
A complete, versatile and dynamic player, Ruud Gullit had the ability to play admirably in multiple attacking positions. A key member of legendary AC Milan and national Dutch teams, Gullit's unmistakable quality and look remain fan favourites.
GHEORGHE HAGI
The greatest Romanian footballer of all time and one of the best midfielders in the world during his career, Hagi was a creative, unpredictable force of nature on the pitch. Hagi was a perfect number 10 at his best, capable of playmaking from just about anywhere in midfield with keen tactical intelligence, inch-perfect passing, and mazy dribbling ability.
XAVI HERNÁNDEZ
Xavi Hernández is one of the most storied midfield players of all time. Able to dictate the pace of a game on his own or in a double-pivot, the indelible honours list speaks for itself. His ability to control a midfield and shape attacking patterns transformed the idea of what a midfielder should be. His game has been analysed and dissected but never quite emulated. Few could pull strings finely as ‘’The Puppet Master’’ did.
KAKÁ
An elegant attacking midfielder, Kaká showed glimpses of his superb dribbling and passing ability before Milan fought off strong competition to bring him from Brazil to Europe. Following six seasons of dazzling displays for the Italian club during which he won Serie A, the UEFA Champions League, and the Ballon d’Or, Kaká made the move to Real Madrid, providing nine assists as Los Blancos broke the 100 point barrier in the 2011-12 LaLiga.
ROY KEANE
The heart of a Manchester United team that enjoyed incredible Premier League dominance for a decade, Roy Keane was a tenacious, no-nonsense presence at the heart of midfield. Renowned for his aggression on the pitch, a Keane tackle was not something many players wanted to be on the receiving end of.
FRANK LAMPARD
Despite starting his career with West Ham United, London-born midfielder Lampard became a Chelsea legend after 13 years and 429 appearances for the club. A versatile midfielder, Lampard was as proficient in his tackling and defending as he was at creating chances and scoring goals at the other end of the pitch. Lampard picked up a number of trophies during his Chelsea tenure, including three Premier League titles and a UEFA Champions League medal.
MICHAEL LAUDRUP
Danish playmaker Laudrup played for some of the most storied clubs in the world, highlighted by his stint in LaLiga as part of Johan Cruyff’s “Dream Team”. One of the best passers in the history of the game, Laudrup was also highly technical on the ball – his feints and skill moves are spoken of in hushed tones, like modern myths.
JARI LITMANEN
Part of Ajax’s famous 1995 Champions League-winning squad, Litmanen is considered by many in his home country to be the greatest Finnish footballer of all time. The crafty playmaker’s international career lasted 21 years, and he secured the records for most caps and goals for Finland, both of which he still holds today.
CLAUDE MAKÉLÉLÉ
Considered by many to be the greatest defensive midfielder, if not of all-time, then at least of his generation. The French international thrived in LaLiga with Real Madrid, but it was after he joined Chelsea in the English Premier League that Makélélé truly cemented his status as an all-time great. His marking of opponents and reading of the game were revolutionary, and all defensive midfielders since have been held to the Makélélé standard.
LOTHAR MATTHÄUS
The former German World Cup™-winning captain played a big role in shaping the definition of midfielders for decades with his flexibility and varied skill set. Whether it was putting a pinpoint pass into the path of a teammate or flying into a tackle to dispossess an opponent outside the penalty box, Matthäus was the perfect example of a midfielder who could do anything on both sides of the ball.
PAVEL NEDVĚD
A world-class talent, Nedved is widely considered to be one of the best players in Czech football history. His eye for a cross from the flank or an incisive pass from midfield helped him rack up the assists for both club and country.
EMMANUEL PETIT
A defensive midfielder for some of the world’s top clubs, Petit formed powerful partnerships in the center of the pitch at every stop. His ability to break up attacks and shield his defense also played a massive role in France’s 1998 World Cup™-winning run, in which Petit appeared in all but one match.
ROBERT PIRÈS
A key member of Arsenal’s famous “Invincibles” squad, Pirès was a multi-faceted attacker who spent most of his time on the left wing. In addition to numerous accolades at club level, Pirès also earned a FIFA World Cup™ winner’s medal with France on home soil in 1998.
ANDREA PIRLO
An elegant deep-lying playmaker known for his incredible vision and passing, Pirlo was an integral part of the AC Milan midfield that won the UEFA Champions League in 2003 and 2007. His domestic performances also transferred to the international stage, where he helped Italy to win the 2006 FIFA World Cup™, picking up the Man of the Match award in the final. Pirlo ended his career in Serie A with four consecutive Serie A triumphs before finishing his career with a move to MLS.
FRANK RIJKAARD
Despite his status as a bruising and hard-tackling defensive midfielder, Rijkaard was quite versatile and able to play in just about any outfield position when called upon. The Dutchman’s most prominent strengths were his tackling and vision, but he showed his shrewd creativity and incisive passing when moving further forward in midfield. It was this flexibility that earned Rijkaard a long list of accolades for club, country, and as an individual.
JUAN ROMÁN RIQUELME
Legendary Argentine playmaker Riquelme's eye for a pass made him one of the most elegant attacking midfielders of his generation. A Boca Juniors legend, Riquelme won the CONMEBOL Libertadores twice with the club before bringing his talents to Europe where he was nominated for the 2005 FIFA World Player of the Year Award after excelling for Villarreal. His return to Boca led to him playing a defining role as the CONMEBOL Libertadores Most Valuable Player, with three goals across the two legs of the 2007 final inspiring his team to their sixth Libertadores title.
RUI COSTA
Nicknamed “El Maestro” for his ability to conduct a match from midfield, Costa was a perfect “number 10”-type attacking midfielder who organized the players in front of him and had the vision to send laser-beam passes to them anywhere on the pitch. Unselfish and usually more likely to put in a seemingly-impossible pass to a teammate before taking a shot himself, the Portuguese legend actually had a brilliant finishing touch that showed up whenever the time was right.
PAUL SCHOLES
Scholes entered the hallowed group of one-club men after his two decades in midfield with Manchester United, where he was part of the most successful squads in the club’s history. His versatile abilities made him more than fit to play any midfield role, which is why he was often shuffled around as players came and went around him during his tenure.
BASTIAN SCHWEINSTEIGER
A vital cog of Germany’s golden generation, Schweinsteiger’s solidity, technique and craft created a new template for German midfielders. Initially a winger, after moving into the centre of midfield his ingenuity and drive earned him eight Bundesliga titles and one UEFA Champions League trophy - as well as the honour of winning the FIFA World Cup™ with Germany in 2014.
CLARENCE SEEDORF
A true superstar of the UEFA Champions League, Dutch international Seedorf is still the only player to ever win the world’s biggest club competition with three separate clubs—Ajax (1995), Real Madrid (1998), and AC Milan (2003 and 2007). A versatile midfielder who was asked to play many different roles throughout his career, Seedorf thrived with the ball at his feet in the final third, where he could break down defenses with his footwork or an incisive pass to a teammate.
SÓCRATES
The Brazilian playmaker was a technical genius, crafting and molding matches around him through his careful, thoughtful passing and vision. Sócrates could slow a match down at will, forcing both opponents and teammates to play at his desired pace. Though he did well at club level, the myth of Sócrates has always been much more pronounced regarding his extensive tenure with Brazil, for whom he appeared in two World Cups™ and two Copa America tournaments.
JUAN SEBASTIÁN VERÓN
The talented Argentine playmaker’s career took him to a number of clubs in England, Italy, and Argentina, where he was prized for his creative passing and tactical vision. Though his physical traits might suggest a more defensive style of player, Verón was best with the ball at his feet, where he could use his technical ability and, when the opportunity was there, break out his clinical finishing.
PATRICK VIEIRA
With a powerful and tenacious style of play, Patrick Vieira was able to control a football match from the midfield with few equals. The combination of his physicality, athleticism and technique allowed Vieira to become one of the most complete midfielders of the modern era.
ZINEDINE ZIDANE
One of the most talented players of all time, Zinedine Zidane’s world-class skill and technique made football look unnaturally easy. His performances on the biggest stage - two goals in the 1998 FIFA World Cup™ Final and one of the greatest volleys of all time in the 2002 UEFA Champions League Final - gave “Zizou” legendary status for both France and Real Madrid.
DEFENDERS
FRANCO BARESI
Universally-lauded defender Baresi was a one-club man, spending his entire club career marshaling the backline for Milan. The Italian’s tenacity and raw defensive talent allowed him to play at the highest level for two decades, earning multiple scudettos, UEFA Champions League titles, and even a World Cup™ winner’s medal with Italy in 1982.
LAURENT BLANC
The large French defender was a rock in the back for the many clubs he played for over the course of his career, as well as the French national team with whom he won the 1998 World Cup™. In addition to world-class defending, Blanc’s leadership skills made him highly respected at the highest levels of football.
CAFU
A key cog in some of Brazil and Europe’s greatest sides, Cafu’s attacking play down the right of the defence made him a legend of the game and inspired all his sides to triumph. Playing in Brazil, he won an incredible 11 domestic titles in just four years. After a stint in LaLiga, his time at AC Milan from the 2003-2004 season would bring him a Serie A title, and a famous UEFA Champions League title in 2006-07. There, he forged iconic partnerships with players like Maldini and Costacurta in a feared defensive backline. Cafu has the honour of being Brazil’s most-capped player with 142 appearances for the Seleção, in addition to being the only player to appear in the final of three FIFA World Cups™ - winning two of them in 1994 and 2002. A truly unique set of honours, for a truly unique ICON.
SOL CAMPBELL
A key figure in Arsenal’s famous “Invincibles” squad that went undefeated in the 2003-04 Premier League season, Campbell was one of the most commanding and intimidating center backs in English football.
FABIO CANNAVARO
A defender whose individual accolades could fill multiple pages, Italian center back Cannavaro is one of the few defenders who stood out so far above the rest that he even outshone those in flashier attacking roles. He captained Italy’s only World Cup™-winning side in 2006 and capped the year off with his incredible Ballon d’Or win—he is still the only defender to receive the illustrious award since 1996.
CARLOS ALBERTO
Carlos Alberto came to prominence at Fluminense where he showcased his skills as a technically-gifted defender, known for his ball skills as well as his defensive capabilities. After three years at Fluminense he joined Santos, during which time he captained Brazil to FIFA World Cup™ glory in 1970 and scored one of the greatest goals in the history of the tournament in the Final. After spending 14 years playing in Brazil, Carlos Alberto linked up with Pele at New York Cosmos, helping them to four league championships in his four years at the club.
ASHLEY COLE
After being a part of the record-breaking Invincibles, Ashley Cole moved to Chelsea to continue his legendary career. Known for bombing forward and contributing to the attack in his early days, later on he became more diligent and tactical. Cole excelled at both sides of the game, which is why he played 107 times for England - becoming the most capped full-back in English history, earning himself a claim to being the nation’s greatest ever left back.
MARCEL DESAILLY
A defensive cornerstone no matter which team he was on or what position he played, Desailly never wavered from his strong, non-nonsense style on the pitch. His physicality, aerial ability, and knack for accurate, crunching tackles meant that he spent much of his career as a central defender, but the French World Cup™-winner also thrived as a defensive midfielder. In that role, he could use his ball-winning abilities to regain possession, then show off passing and dribbling skills by kicking off counter-attacks quickly and accurately.
RIO FERDINAND
Considered by many as one of the best English defenders of all time, Rio Ferdinand combined relentless, hard-nosed defending with unique elegance, technical ability and precise ball distribution. Ferdinand's leadership and excellent vision helped him win numerous trophies with Manchester United and become a staple of the England national team for over a decade.
FERNANDO HIERRO
With a career spanning multiple eras of Real Madrid dominance, Hierro’s tenure in the Spanish capital was packed with success. Hierro was a hard-nosed, steadfast defender who also spent plenty of time in midfield—which explains the 102 goals he scored during his long career.
RONALD KOEMAN
A defender with a goalscoring record to envy most of those playing in front of him, Ronaldo Koeman began his career in the Eredivisie with Groningen and Ajax before netting 51 times to lead PSV to three consecutive titles and the European Cup. He bettered the feat in Spain, with four consecutive LaLiga trophies to go alongside a second European Cup, reaching double figures for goals in all six seasons at the club.
PHILIPP LAHM
A consistent, technically complete footballer, Philipp Lahm’s name is associated with excellence. His tactical versatility, whether deployed in his native role of full-back, or pushed further into midfield, Lahm’s diligence, grit and grace made him a competitor who led by example. Over 20 career titles including the FIFA World Cup™ and UEFA Champions League make Lahm a player who will be studied for years to come.
PAOLO MALDINI
With five UEFA Champions League winners’ medals and countless other trophies, one-club man Maldini led Milan to greatness for 25 decorated seasons. Versatile enough to play all across the backline, Maldini put on a masterclass in defending every time he stepped onto the pitch.
BOBBY MOORE
Renowned for captaining England to their only World Cup™ triumph in 1966, Moore was a tough-tackling, natural leader who inspired those around him. Though his all-time appearances record has since been broken, Moore remains one of the most famous and respected players in English football history.
ALESSANDRO NESTA
The imposing and intimidating Italian defender racked up numerous accolades during his 20+ year career, including two UEFA Champions League wins and three Serie A titles at club level and a World Cup™ winners’ medal. His hard-tackling ferocity was complemented by impeccable tactical vision and a quiet elegance on the ball not often seen in center backs.
CARLES PUYOL
Sobering defending and long curly locks were Carles Puyol staples throughout his career. A hard-nosed defender, Puyol's grit, determination, and leadership inspired those playing around him and earned him the respect of his rivals. Puyol was a key cog in teams that won the biggest trophies in the world. With ample success at club and international levels, the Catalonia native will go down in the history books as one of the best defenders of his generation.
ROBERTO CARLOS
One of the best attacking left backs in the history of the game, Roberto Carlos' privileged left foot delighted at both club and international levels. The Brazilian’s iconic free-kick goals transcended the game itself making him one of the most successful footballers ever.
NEMANJA VIDIĆ
Nemanja Vidić took his time to settle in the Premier League, but once he had, he became one of the most feared defensive combatants the league has ever seen. A typical ‘’front-foot’’ defender who liked to get ahead of the attacker - employing a combination of grit, guile and tactical balance to ensnare any threats. Forming a legendary partnership with fellow ICON Rio Ferdinand, Vidic’s commitment to the team, warrior's spirit and sound technique led to more than 15 honours in a glittering career.
GIANLUCA ZAMBROTTA
One of Italian football’s greatest full backs, Gianluca Zambrotta formed a key part of a formidable Italy defence that conceded just two goals on their way to winning the 2006 FIFA World Cup™ trophy. Zambrotta’s performances during the tournament were so influential that they earned him a place in the 2006 FIFA World Cup™ All-Star squad.
JAVIER ZANETTI
The multitalented defender nicknamed El Tractor spent nearly his entire career flying up and down the wing for Inter Milan, with short stints in midfield whenever the club needed his particular talents in a different role. The Argentine thrived on both sides of the ball, able to send in a flawless cross in one moment and come flying in with a tackle the next. A consummate leader and professional, Zanetti also captained both club and country for many years and famously only earned two red cards in his 22-year career.
GOAL KEEPERS
IKER CASILLAS
The most successful goalkeeper in Real Madrid’s grand history, the story of ‘’San Iker’’ is a classic football fable. A lifelong fan, he joined Real’s youth team in 90-91 and rose through the ranks. Casillas was an integral part of some of Madrid’s greatest ever sides, regularly pulling off extraordinary saves that would rival the exploits of Madrid’s attackers. Eventually, Casillas would rise as Real Madrid’s captain, leading them to La Decima, the feat he described as ‘’bigger than the FIFA World Cup’’ - another trophy he picked up in his illustrious career along with two UEFA European Championships as Spain's number 1. In an amazing 25 years at Madrid, Casillas won three UEFA Champions Leagues, three FIFA Club World Cups, two UEFA European Super Cups, five LaLiga trophies, two Copa del Rey and four Spanish Super Cups. There will only be one Iker Casillas.
PETR ČECH
Petr Čech’s incredible consistency between the sticks laid the base for Chelsea to win four Premier League titles, four FA Cups and a UEFA Champions League trophy. Čech was famed for his concentration, leadership and he always had a bit of magic in his gloves for the right occasion. It’s no surprise he holds the record for most clean sheets in Premier League history.
PETER SCHMEICHEL
A tremendous physical presence in the box, Peter Schmeichel is regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers to ever play the game. A two-time winner of the IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper, Schmeichel became a revered Manchester United icon. With 24 trophies and 11 goals to his name, many will consider the Danish keeper to be the best of all time.
EDWIN VAN DER SAR
A decorated goalkeeper with few equals in the modern era, van der Sar racked up trophies and broke records on a regular basis throughout his career. The Dutchman was a complete and versatile goalkeeper, as his traditional traits like height and agility combined well with his technique and incisive passing abilities.
LEV YASHIN
Arguably the greatest goalkeeper in the history of the game, the “Black Spider” remains a Dynamo Moscow icon, the club where he spent his entire 20 year career. Estimated to have kept 270 clean sheets and saved over 150 penalties, Yashin remains the only keeper to ever win the Ballon d'Or.
