Saluting five of the most skilful footballers of all time

The beautiful game of football still remains the most popular sport on the planet. From the array of passionate fanbases and their comical chants to the end-to-end action on the pitch and the managerial masterminds on the sidelines, it’s a wonderful sport to immerse yourself in. We’ve also been treated to some world-class performances from some of the sport’s best-ever players over the years, with these special individuals elevating football in their own way. 

These days, there is a strong argument to suggest that players simply don’t play with the same amount of freedom as they used to. The game has become more tactical and, therefore, more rigid as a result, with many players’ creativity being stifled in order to accommodate team shape. Of course, we’re still exposed to some immensely talented players who still manage to shine in today’s tactically-focused encounters, but it’s a lot harder given the more disciplined nature of modern-day football teams. 

In the past, footballers were generally given far more of a license to express themselves and showcase the various skills they had in their lockers. The game is still extremely popular today, though, with millions of fans enjoying the package on offer despite the more tactical aspect of it. Fantasy football is thriving everywhere, fans are still indulging in sports betting, podcasts are rising in terms of their popularity, and attendances are generally strong. 

Despite football’s evident popularity, though, there are some fans who are still pining for the good old days of when players would beat five of their opponents and pull off an array of tricks and flicks. Sure, we can still witness flip-flaps in the modern era and there have been some epic encounters in recent times between some of European football’s behemoths, but they aren’t as common as they used to be. 

So, with that in mind, let’s highlight just five of the most skilful footballers of all time, with many of them plying their trade during eras that allowed them to carry the ball more and put on a show every weekend. 

Neymar has always been a showman  

Kicking things off with a player who is still playing today, Neymar is one of the few professionals left who warrants a place on this particular list. Of course, we could focus on Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, but Neymar arguably possesses more tricks in his arsenal than two of the sport’s best-ever players do. The former Santos prodigy loves a nutmeg, rainbow flicks have been on show numerous times, and flip-flaps are another piece of skill that he has bamboozled hundreds of defenders with. While both Messi and Ronaldo could pull off something similar, they’re not solely known for their trickery, with the likes of Ronaldo being a supreme athlete who is good in the air and Messi being a ball carrier with immense vision around the penalty box. Both players possess immense skill, though, but Neymar arguably brings more to the table in terms of the diverse range of tricks he tends to attempt. Ultimately, it depends on what you like to watch, but there is no denying just how impressive the current Al Hilal player’s flashes of brilliance have been over the years. Despite his career stagnating in recent times, Neymar is one of modern football’s last remaining entertainers. 

Diego Maradona could do it all 

While modern-day fans are raving about the likes of Neymar, more senior football fans will remember watching Diego Maradona on a regular basis. The Argentine World Cup winner was as controversial as he was gifted, but that was part of his allure. His prime at Napoli was simply out of this world, with his general skill and technique for both club and country being regularly watched by millions. Maradona performed on the biggest stages on them all, he’d carry the ball with ease in the biggest moments, and he possessed the vision and leadership needed to consistently perform at the highest level. Easily one of the most beautiful players to watch in the sport’s history, Diego Maradona could do it all. 

Johan Cruyff revolutionised the game of football 

A legendary figure who is adored in his homeland, Johan Cruyff is understandably regarded as Holland’s greatest ever player for so many football fans. Turning out for the likes of Ajax and Barcelona, Cruyff was a natural with a ball at his feet. So much so, in fact, that he became a star around the world given his unique ability on the ball. Through championing Total Football, Cruyff became one of the beautiful game’s most entertaining players to watch. He also transformed clubs like Barcelona off the pitch, with his philosophy still being employed by managers like Pep Guardiola today. A Ballon d’Or winner three times, Johan Cruyff really was special. 

Ronaldinho loved to entertain 

 A player who almost certainly would have been stifled in today’s game, Ronaldinho was one of the most naturally talented footballers ever to play the sport. Always playing with a smile on his face, the Brazilian won everything from the World Cup to the Champions League, all while tormenting full-backs and pulling off regular flip-flaps. Also favouring no-look passes and dribbling in the tightest of areas, the former Barcelona star was instrumental to their success in the mid-2000s and became known as one of the most beautiful players to watch. For many fans who enjoy the more skilful side of the game, Ronaldinho is the best player to ever do it. 

Nani deserves a mention

While Nani will never be spoken about in the same breath as the likes of Diego Maradona when it comes to the sport’s greats, he was a joy to watch on occasion. The former Manchester United hero became known for his flair and creativity during his time in the Premier League, with his showboating delighting fans. From 360 spins and flicks to rabonas and stopovers, Nani was a fantastic footballer.