Jose Augusto is one the greatest wingers in Europe during the mid-1960s. He went on to be part of the Benfica's legendary attacking unit that won 2 European Cup and 3 finalists. He was also a part of 1966 Portugal World Cup Third Place. José Augusto was known for his speed, His overlapping runs and dangerous service from the flank were integral to the team's success. and ability to deliver dangerous crosses and his scoring ability including his exceptional heading ability that he scored 3 goals by his head in 1966 World Cup. Jose Augusto scored 24 goals in 56 European cup games. He is named in World Soccer team of the year twice in 1964, 1965. He was nominated Ballon Dor twice in 1961 and 1967.
1992 Dutch Talent Footballer of The Year
Marc Overmars is one of the greatest wingers in the world during the mid-1990s. He was a rising star who helps Ajax to achieve 2 times UEFA Champion League finals. He then spent his peak with Arsenal and decline with Barcelona. Marc Overmars's skill is best described by his explosive pace and razor-sharp technique, which he combined to devastating effect as a winger. He was not a player known for unnecessary tricks, but for his directness and intelligence, comfortable with both standard clinical finishing which made him a nightmare for defenders. He was voted 8th Ballon Dor in 1995. His best domestic season is considered to be the 1997 - 1998 season in premier league.
Height : 183 cm, Caps : 44 Games
2 Times SFWA Footballer of The Year (1995, 1997)
Brian Laudrup is
one of the greatest wingers in Europe during the mid-1990s. He was a key
attacking player who led Denmark made a victory in 1992 Euro champion. Laudrup
was an elegant, technical and creative player who was gifted with tremendous
pace and ball control. He used this talent, offensive capabilities and
acceleration to dribble at speed and beat players with relative ease to create
openings for teammates. A versatile player, Laudrup was capable of playing in
several attacking and midfield positions; his preferred position was in a free
role, as a winger on either flank, or in the centre, as an attacking midfielder
behind the forwards, with licence to roam. He was also deployed as a
midfielder, as a deep-lying forward, or even as a striker on occasion
throughout his career. He was nominated in Ballon Dor 3 times and finished best
place at 6th in 1992 which he also finished 5th place FIFA World player of the
year.
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2 Times FWA Footballer of The Year (1988, 1990)
“The Monster of The Colombes” Estanislao Basora Brunet is one of the most skillful Spanish wingers ever, who spent most of his career at FC Barcelona and was marked as the best winger in history of Latin Cup. He was best known for his high speed and agility and exceptional dribbling ability. In 1974, during the club’s 75th anniversary celebrations, he was included in their all-time best XI. Basora also played for both Spain and the Catalan XI. During nine seasons at FC Barcelona he played in 301 games, scoring 112 goals in all competitions. He was a prominent member of the team during one of the club’s most successful eras, won five trophies during the 1951–52 season. He is regarded as the best winger in the 1950 FIFA World Cup, which Spain won fourth place, alongside Alcides Ghiggia by international press. However, injury got him out of two seasons discontinuously.
Date Of Birth : 10 April 1992
Sadio Mane is the greatest African winger of all-time and also the best Sub-Saharan African player after Geore Weah. Mane was the anchor player of Liverpool that played in 3 UEFA Champion league finals and won once. Mane led Senegal to qualify for 2022 World Cup but injury impeded him from participating. A versatile forward, Mané is a prolific goalscorer, whose main traits are his finishing, speed, technique, and trickery in possession, as well as his decision-making, tactical awareness, creativity, agility, balance, control, touch on the ball, and dribbling skills. Beyond his offensive, technical, and creative qualities, his high defensive work-rate has also been noted by pundits, as well as his ability in the air, despite his modest stature. Mané usually plays as a winger on the left flank, a position which allows him to cut into the centre and shoot on goal with his stronger, right foot. He won 4 times PFA team of the year. He also finished top 5 FIFA best men player in 2019 and 2020. He was chosen in IFFHS and ESM team of the year in 2019. He totally appeared in ESM team of the month 4 times.
Position : Left and Right-Winger, Height : 187 cm
Major Club : FC Metz, Arsenal
Caps : 79 Games (14 Goals)
World Cup Participation : 1998 (3 Games)
Club Honours : 2 Times Premier League
3 Times FA Cup, 1 Time French League Cup
International Honour : 1998 FIFA World Cup Champion
2000 European Championship Winners
2 Times FIFA Confederation Cup (2001, 2003)
Individual Achievement :
2002 FWA Footballer of The Year
2001 Golden Ball FIFA Confederation Cup
3 Times PFA Team of The Year (2002, 2003, 2004)
Robert Pires is one of the greatest wingers in the world during the late-1990s to early 2000s. He is considered as one of the most underrated wingers of all-time as never got vote in Ballon’Dor although got nominated in 2001 and 2003. He was one of the proverbial trio with Patrice Vieira and Thierry Henry in both Arsenal – Invincible team and France national team in its glory era. He is famous for his elegant control and step, inventive flair, and exceptional intelligence in attacking positions. A technically gifted and creative left winger, his ability to glide past defenders and deliver decisive passes or goals. His perfect partnership and adaptability is also crucial for his teams. He was also voted 3rd in 2001 Onze’Dor. He is named in ESM team of the month five times.
1988 European Cup Top Scorer
1 Time Spanish La Liga, 2 Times Copa Del Rey
5 Times French Ligue, 5 Times French Cup
Individual Achievement : 2014 Argentinian Footballer of the Year
2014 World Cup All Stars Team
"El
Angelito" Angel Di Maria is one of the best wingers in the World during
the mid-2010s. He is famous for his world-class contribution to Argentina
national team in 2014 and 2022 World Cup and 2015, 2021 Copa Americas. His best
year is 2014 when he finished top ten in FIFA Ballon'Dor for his great performance of being La Liga top assist provider, man of the match in UEFA champion league final and a key player to lead Argentina reach final match in World Cup. Di Maria is quick,
strong, tricky and talented winger including being agile, creative and highly
technical player who possesses excellent dribbling skills and ball control as
well as a great pace, movement and acceleration. Although he is predominantly
left-footed player, he can player in either side of the pitch. Di Maria
is named in Frech Ligue team of the year twice and ESM team of the month 9 times and team of the year twice times.
Bernard Vukas is one of the all-time greatest footballers of former Yugoslavia, great goalscorer, excellent technical player with very good stamina. He could score in every angle, or change his mind and assist player in better position. Although he was basically a forward, He could be found every position during the game to run away his marker, always trying to do what’s best for the team. In 1953 he played in Wembley for the "Rest of the World" team against England. In 1955 he was invited to play for the UEFA-team in Belfast against Great Britain. The game ended 4:1 with a hat trick by Bernard Vukas. In 2000 he was elected from famous Magazine's poll for the best Croatian football player of all times. Vukas got compliments with many great legends in the 1950s that he was one of the best attackers in the World at that era, and was regarded as the greatest European footballer in the 1954 - 1955 season.
Height : 183 cm, Position : Right-Side Midfielder
David Beckham is
one of the most famous sportsmen in the World because of his symbolic
characteristic. He is notable for his precision crossing as one of the best
ever in this skill and is a free-kick specialist but lack of high speed and
technical ability. He compensated it with his great teamwork, vision to pass
the ball and his work rates. Especially, Beckham is one of the most important
players helping Man Utd won the only triple major champions in history of
British football, created many assists from his crossing. Beckham captain
England during the early 2000s and became the important role for his soul as an
Englishman after being received the red card in 1998 FIFA World Cup
Quarter-Final match. After a decade for Man United, He leaved the club to Real
Madrid. Beckham is selected in four times PFA Player of the Year He is
currently England's most-capped outfield player. However, Beckham was not rated
in any world-class domestic season according to media rating and was named as
Premier League player of the month only once in 1996. As a free-kick
specialist, he is all-time free-kick top scorer in Premier League and totally
scored 54 free-kicks in his overall career. Beckham also finished second place
BBC Sports Personality of the Year twice in 1999 and 2002. Beckham is
named in ESM team of the month 14 times and team of the year once time. According
to Ballon'Dor ranking, he is the greatest European winger twice times.
Height : 174 cm
1948 South American Club Championship Top Scorer
"The
Chaplin" Felix Loustau is regarded by many as the greatest Argentinian
left-winger of all-time and was the greatest winger in the World during the 2nd
half 1940s, he played in "La Maquina" that set total football style
of play. He basically played as left-winger in this formation system and
sometimes interchange position with Angel Labruna in inside-forward role.
Loustau had a great physical constitution, peculiar motion of dribble and high
quality of defense as he played as side-back in his early career, was known as
an all-round players, great crosser, creator and dribbler. He played for River
Plate for 15 seasons and retire at his 36 years old with Estudientes. Because
the peak of his career was during the Second World War, his international
career was limited to play inside the continent only. He is one of a few
players in history of South American football to win 3 Copa America Titles.
Date Of Birth : 1 February 1949
Carlos Peucelle was the best South American attackers in the second half 1930s, was one of the renowned legends in history of Argentinean football. He was a versatile players, could switch to play well in several attacking positions and mainly played as outside right and is considered one of Argentina's most technical players in their history as well as being the catalyst for starting 'La Maquina" with River plate who went on to dominate football in South America in the 40's. He possessed a great strange dribble skill. Peucelle scored 143 goals in 307 games during his ten seasons for River Plate, scored at least 10 goals in consecutive nine seasons. Peucelle also played for the Argentina national football team he was in the squad of the 1930 FIFA World Cup, where he scored three goals in four games, and played in the final match against Uruguay.
Position : Left-Right-Wing-Forward
4 Times UEFA Champion League (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018)
2014 FIFA Club World Cup
International Honours : None
Gareth Bales is the greatest winger in the World during the mid-2010s as well as the best British player in the same period. He started his great performance in left-back position at Tottenham and his quality of attacking brought him to switch to winger position conveniently. Then, he moved to Real Madrid by World Record transfer value. Bale is the youngest player ever to debut for Wales and became a key man who led Wales got success in the 2016 European Championship that is its first participation in major international tournament in the last 58 years and achieved its best place ever. Bale is renowned for his ball striking from distance, swerving free kicks, and his ability to get past defenders with pace ans also possesses great crossing ability and exceptional physical qualities. He was named in PFA team of the year three times and UEFA Champion League squad of the season once. He was named in ESM team of the month 10 times and team of the year once.
Bruno Conti is
the greatest Italian winger of all-time, was the best pure winger in the World
during the early 1980s and one of the top players in history of AS Roma club.
He was famous with his performance in World Cup 1982, was the second best
attacker only to Paulo Rossi in that team. He could play as both left and
right-winger well due to his great in both feet. Among the best in the world
during his time, Conti was extremely fast, a great passer and a phenomenal
dribbler. Conti received highest rating of his performance in Series A by
Italian media in 1984 - 1985 season. However, he spent time in Series B twice
seasons with Genoa. In the late career. He was chosen as a starter in All-Time
AS Roma and Italy national team by many journalists in www.channel4.com. He was
voted 5th European footballer of the year in 1982.
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29. Gezegorz Lato
Height : 175 cm, Position : Right-Wing-Forward
2 Times Polish Player of The Year (78, 81)
‘Icke’ Thomas Hassler was recognized as the impressive finest German playmaker during the 1990s. He was reputable for his professional mind, agility, tireless stamina and dazzling dribbling sprees. Hassler was a playmaking free-role who tired to create assist in everywhere of the front line in the pitch with his work-rate. He was also a free-kick specialist. He never won any trophy in club level, finished runner-up Bundesliga with FC Koln twice times plus once time UEFA Cup Runner-Up. Moreover, He reached Copa Italia final in 1993 with Roma but lost again. Then, He played for two unsuccessful clubs in Germany. All was opposite in international level that he got successful career. In 1992, He also won 4th of Ballon d’Or. Kicker rated him 1.5 world-class seasons and 7.5 seasons of international-class. He was also named in Bundesliga team of the season is times. According to German footballer of the year voting, he was German midfielder of the year for twice times.
"The Boss" Helmut Rahn is one of the great legends in history of German football and the greatest German winger in history of World Cup, was the greatest German forward in the mid-50s, was sparked by the heroic antics of the German team during the 50’s. Particularly, a right-winger, Rahn showed his great performance in World Cup 1954 final, scores important twce goals and an assist help West Germany to win the game 3-2 over the apparently unbeatable Hungarian team. Rahn was notable for his mentality, team work ability and his powerful shooting. He was rated by kicker since 1955 in 2 World-Class seasons and 3 seasons of International-Class. Rahn also finished in top ten Ballon'Dor in 1959. In 2004, 50 years after the Bern match, a life size statue of him was put up near Georg-Melches-Stadium.
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2 Times UEFA Euro Winners (2008, 2012)
The King of
Sideline" or "The Argentinian Garrincha" Omar Corbatta is
considered as the greatest Argentinian winger of all-time. Critics used to say
he didn´t control the ball with his feet, he used to "fondle" it. His
skills were so sharp, he used to make defenders develop a hate based only in
his footballing abilities. It was the desperate in situations that he could
created simply by playing his artistical football and dribble. But, none of
this glorious gifts had any chance with his penaltie scoring ability. He was
one of the best players there ever was from the 11 meters marc, was almost
infallible in that area, especially due to his impeccable shooting technique
and elegance. Corbatta was much tend down after his 26 years old, retired from
National team career and played a few games in club level due to bad physical
condition caused by alcoholism.
Jimmy Johnstone was the best right-winger in the Europe in
the late 1960s, was voted as Celtic’s greatest player ever by their football
fans in 2002. He is the shortest player as we could see in the Europe with 155
cm. It is for sure leading the advantage of agility and acceleration. Johnstone
was a superb dribbler and excellent in passing as well. However, His status of
legend in domestic club is not much high because he never won any individual
award in Scottish league although he was the most outstanding player led Celtic
won their only European Cup in 1967. In 2007 Celtic announced that they would
erect a statue of Johnstone outside Celtic Park. Johnstone capped only 23 times
for Scotland after unwilling to be antagonized by Rangers' fan.
2007 UEFA Champion League Top Assist
UEFA Champion League Most Assists
Date Of Birth : 25 February 1935“The Cannon Village”
Jose Macia Pepe is one of the most decorated club footballer in history of
Brazilian football. He played as a left winger and made a large number of
scores more than 400 goals in 750 games during his career for Santos, is the
third highest scorer in history of Brazilian football club. His nickname was
sourced from his potent kick with his left leg and free-kicks is one of his
main strengths, most notably scored a decisive goals by free-kicks in both two
1963 intercontinental match. He claims to be "the greatest human striker
in the history of Santos FC - because Pelé is not human" Pepe was named in
both the 1958 and 1962 World Cup squads. However, he did not appear in any
matches in both tournaments due to preference of coach in tactical ability of Mario
Zagallo.
Eden Hazard is
the most talented midfielder in the World during the mid-2010s and is the best
Belgian footballer since the 2000s. He gains his reputation with Lille where
his performance attracts Chelsea to offer the contract. He finally reached his
prime career with Chelsea. However, Hazard is inconsistent, was disappointed in
his performance in the 2014 World Cup. Two of Hazard's most common exemplary
traits are his pace and technical ability, which is described as astonishing
and mesmerizing, respectively. He is also known as a superb passer, operating
the game between left-wing and attacking midfield area. Hazard is named in PFA
team of the year 4 times, ESM team of the month 10 times and team of the year once including UEFA Team of the year once
in 2015 which he also finished his best place in FIFA Ballon Dor at 8th and
UEFA best player in Europe at 6th.
2012 - 2013 UEFA Best Player In Europe
2013 Bronze Ball FIFA Ballon'Dor
2013 Bronze Ball World Soccer Player of The Year
Franck Ribéry is one of the best attackers in the World in his prime at Bayern Munich during the late 2000s and early 2010s, is described as a player who is fast, tricky and an excellent dribbler who has great control with the ball at his feet. His international reputation of playing was began when he establish himself as an extraordinary player of Olympic Marseille and played there for twice seasons before move to Bundesliga where he has been rated in World-Class 3 seasons and 4 seasons of international-class. In 2012 -2013 season, he played as an important role to help Bayern Munich to win triple champion successfully. Ribery is twice times top assisters in Bundesliga and was named in Bundesliga team of the season four times and is the most weekly appearances in four seasons. Contrary to club level performance, he never reached World-Class with France national team in major tournaments partially due to an internal problem of the team in Domenech era. Ribery was named in UEFA Team of the year twice and FIFPro World XI once times including ESM team of the month 8 times and team of the year once. According to Ballon'Dor ranking, he is the greatest European winger twice times.
1934 FIFA World Cup All-Stars Team
“Mumo” Raimundo
Orsi was the greatest outside forward in the world during the early 1930s. He
was an outstanding left winger with great speed and control and a powerful
shot. A winger of such grace, pace and phenomenon dribbling ability he
illuminated all competition. He is one of Argentinians footballer to be
transferred his race to be European later like Alfredo Di Stefano, Luis Monti
or Omar Sivori. He won three consecutive three Argentinian cups in the
mid-1920s. Then Orsi achieved as one of the best players in the 1928 Olympic
games, he transferred his nationality to be Italian before World Cup 1930.
Hence, He did not participate in that tournament that Argentina won runner-up. Orsi
played as outside-left in seven seasons during his career in Italy and scored
more than 100 goals. Orsi was famous for his classy dribbling ability. He sometimes
switched to play as center-forward.
Nation : Holland, Caps : 88 Games (30 Goals)
2014 FIFA World Cup Third Place
2013 -2014 Bronze Ball UEFA Best Player in Europe
2014 FIFA World Cup Bronze Ball
2014 Dutch Sportsman of the Year
Zoltan Czibor is one of the greatest left-wingers in Europe during the first half 1950s, as a part of Magyars” Hungary
golden team, rated as Hungary’s best winger ever, played as a left-winger and
was notable for having a powerful shot, world class finishing and resulted in
scoring 1 goal per game ratio in 1955 and 1956 and know for his unpredictable
and superb dribbling. He was also known for his ability to score goals in major
finals. During his playing career in Hungarian club football, Czibor scored 100
goals in 175 matches. Afterwards, He played for Barcelona in their great years
for three seasons and this induced him stop to play for Hungary just at 27
years old with disappearances in two seasons due to injury. Aside from
Barcelona, He played outside his country for six teams such as AS Roma,
Espanyol and Austria Vienna.
Kurt Hamrin is
considered as the best winger in history of Scandinavian football, is one of
the great Swedish footballers of all-time but was overshadowed by the famous
trio like Nordahl, Liedholm and Gren. He was a right-winger who liked to induce
the ball into the inside forward area and make scores on his own. He was best
known for his elegant ambidextrous dribbling, deadly finishing, light and fast,
is the great opportunist and had a great vision and imagination. Hamrin
is currently the sixth highest goalscorer of all-time in Italy's Serie A,
playing 289 Serie A games and scoring 150 goals. Also, Hamrin played for
Padova, AC Milan and Napoli for a few seasons a club. Hamrin . In 1958, He was
voted 4th European Footballer of The Year. In 1967, He was selected as a
starter FIFA World XI against Champion of Europe “Spain”.
Tom Finney is
one of the most talent English footballers ever, was a notable English football
in the post-war era. His total mastery of all the techniques triumphed over the
lack of medals. He was versatile, playing in all the orthodox five forward
positions of the day for Preston and appearing for England at right-wing,
left-wing and centre-forward. He was a genuine two-footed player, packing an
explosive shot in either his right or his left. He had speed, balance, was a
pin-point passer and, for a man of no great height, could head with awesome
power. Whilst Finney's ability was great many will remember him for his
gentlemanly conduct on the game which ensured he never received a booking
throughout his entire career. There were two seasons he played in second
division. Finney is the best player ever
who never won any trophy in the whole career,closest at twice times second
place English Top Division and once time FA Cup runner-up. He was selected by
Mundo Esportivo in 1950 FIFA World Cup best XI.
1982 Polish Sport Personality of The Year
Julinho Botelho
was the best winger in the World during the mid-1950s. He was not only a
superbly skillful winger but also full of aggressive and shot power. His
performance for Brazil national team was rather shot due to play outside
country, led him as one of the most underrated player in history of Brazil
football. He played the first World Cup in 1954 and was praised by media as one
of the best performers in the tournament and had he chose to go to WC 1958
instead of staying with Fiorentina, He was the first choice winger instead of
Garrincha but he spent most of his time in Italy and did not play the
qualifiers. In club level, Julinho was the only Brazil star during 1950s to
play in Europe, was able to show his prime and finally was voted as the best
player in the history of Fiorentina in 1996. He was chosen by Mundo Esportivo
in 1954 FIFA World Cup best XI. In 1961, he was selected in Wold Soccer
Magazine Team XI.
9. Pavel Nedved
Nation : Czech Republic, Caps : 91 Games (18 Goals)
Position : Left-Side Midfielder, Major Club : Lazio, Juventus
World Cup Participation : 2006 (3 Games/1 Assist)
Club Honours : 4 Times Italian Series A
1999 Cup Winners Cup, 2 Times Copa Italia
2003 UEFA Champion League Runner-Up
International Honours : 1996 UEFA Euro Runner-Up
Individual Achievement : 6 Times Czech Player of The Year
2003 Czech Player of Decade, Czech Athlete of The Year
2003 Italian Series A Footballer of The Year
2003 UEFA Champion League Best Midfielder
2003 Ballon'Dor - World Soccer Player of The Year
2004 UEFA Euro Best XI
"The Czech
Canon" Pavel Nedved is the greatest Czech Republic footballer of all-time.
His impressive performance in EURO 96 led him about the offering from Lazio.
Nedved occasionally played as left-winger and sometimes as central midfielder
there. He was known for his energy, tireless running as well as his goal
scoring ability from the long-range. Moreover, He was also very good in
dribbling and playmaking abilities. Nedved helped Lazio won their second
Italian League trophy in their history. His prime was reached after he was
signed to Juventus. Particularly, He was rated by kicker as the best player in
the 2000 UEFA Euro group stage. He could be considered in three world-class
domestic seasons according to media rating. Nedved was chosen as a starter in
All-Time Lazio XI by many journalists in www.channel4.com. Nedved is
named in ESM team of the month 14 times and team of the year twice times.
Nedved was named in UEFA Team of the year three times He was
also voted in 4th placee FIFA World Player of the Year in 2004.
The Strom of Cantabria” Francisco Gento is the most club
decorated footballer of all-time, is the best left-winger in the World between
the late 1950s to early 1960s, is the most successful footballer in club level
hold the all-time record the most champions of Spanish La Liga with 12 and the
most European Cup Winners with 6, additionally holds with Maldini the record
most appearances in European Cup final with 8. Gento was noted not only for
having great speed. He used to be an athlete in his youth and could run 100
metres in 11 seconds flat and was almost as quick with a ball at his feet, but
also for his skills with the ball and his relatively high scoring capabilities
given his position. In 1963, He was selected as a start FIFA World XI against
England. Gento totally played for Real Madrid 605 games and scored 183 goals.
He was one of the best players in Europe in the 1959 -1960 season and finished
his best place in Ballon'Dor in 1959 at 8th place. According to Ballon'Dor
ranking, he is the greatest European winger four times.
2 Times Campeonato Carioca Best Player (1967, 1968)
2 Times Brazil League Player of The Year (1964, 1966)
1970 FIFA World Cup All-Stars Team
Jairzinho was
the best player in South Americas in the late 1960s and is considered by many
as the greatest player in the 1970 World Cup, He was the best right-winger
in the World between late 60s and the early 70s. A powerful high
speed winger, During World Cup 1970, He scored in every six game Brazil
played and this is the record most consecutive games scorer in history of World
Cup. He became one of only 3 players - the others being Alcides Ghiggia and
Just Fontaine - in the history of the World Cup to have scored in every game of
the tournament. Jairzinho was a worthy successor to Garrincha for both the
Botafogo and Brazil team although his style was not elegant but full of his
devastating bursts of speed combined with lethal shooting and also superb
passing. He never complained and performed his duties impeccably. His
scintillating pace turned defenses inside out, exposing the opponent’s
goalkeepers. Jairzinho primarily played as a second striker in his club career
and always switched to right-winger role under Brazilian shirt. Jairzinho also
finished 8th South American Footballer of The Year in 1971 and 1973.
Luis Figo is the greatest winger in the World in the last three decades. He was a playmaking right-winger who was average in speed but remarkable in dribbling, ability to make pinpoint passing and his imagination to create assists. Figo started his famous with playing in Portugal “Golden Generation Team”, was notable for their beautiful style of play in midfield. Figo also was one of the most important roles helping Portugal reached semi-final round in EURO 2000 and FIFA World Cup 2006. Figo is one of the few footballers to have played for both the Spanish rival clubs FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. Within 10 seasons in Spain, he was named La Liga team of the season four times. He also played for Sporting Lisbon in his early career and Inter Milan in Late career. He played almost 800 games during his club professional career and scored more than 100 goals. In 1999, He also finished 5th place in Ballon'Dor. According to Ballon'Dor ranking, he is the greatest European winger three times. He was named in ESM team of month 12 times and team of the year twice.
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2 Times Eastern European Footballer of the Year (1968, 1970)
Dragan Dzajic is
one of the most underrated footballers ever to play the game despite being one
of the greatest left-wingers the world has ever produced. Dzajic is also the
best player ever to come from Yugoslavia group of nations, is renown as one of
the greatest crossers of all-time, unstoppable dribbling with great pace,
natural technique and some of the best left footed free kicks ever. His most
famous match was likely the 1968 UEFA Euro semifinal against England, in which
his lob over goalkeeper Gordon Banks gave Yugoslavia a 1-0 victory against the
defending world champion. The British press dubbed him "The Magic
Dragan," In that year, Beckenbauer mentioned Dzajic should win Ballon’ Dor
instead of George Best without doubt. Pelé was moved to say: "Džajić
is the Balkan miracle – a real wizard. I'm just sorry he's not Brazilian
because I've never seen such a natural footballer." Dzajic is regarded by
many as one of the greatest players in history of European Championship
competition.
“The Magician”
or “The Wizard of The Dribble” Sir Stanley Matthews is one of the great legends
in history of British football. He is the only player to have been knighted
while still playing, as well as being the first winner of both the European
Footballer of the Year and the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the
Year awards. A vegetarian teetotaller, he kept fit enough to play at the top
level until he was 50 years old, the oldest player ever to play in England's
top football division. He played his final competitive game in 1970, at the age
of 55, holds the record longest span career in history of football wtih almost
33 years The Second World War interrupted his career. After the war, he fell
out with Stoke and was transferred to Blackpool at the age of 32. He was
famous as one of the most skillful dribblers and one of the most accurate
crossers ever. Matthews was a right-side midfielder who assisted many
goals after done his great speed, stamina and dribble. He was voted 11th and
17th World player of the century by IFFHS and World Soccer’s poll, respectively.
2012 Brazilian League Footballer of The Year
FIFA Confederation Cup Greatest Player Ever
Ronaldinho is widely regarded as one of the most gifted footballers of all-time. He was famous for his exciting technical abilities especially dribbling, agility and making score. Ronaldinho was known as a versatile attacker but he always base on the left-side of the field as a midfielder. He started his career with Gremio before moved to Europe to play for Paris Saint-Germain. After his impressive performance in the 2002 World Cup as the fifth best player of th etiurnament, He was wanted by many big club in Europe. Ronaldinho decided to join with Barcelona and he finally became the best player in the world during the middle of the 2000s, won so many individual awards in that time, was expected to become a top world-legend in the future. On the other hand, His legend status such incredibly failed down that becoming an average international footballer because of his unprofessional attitude as athletic. He also finished 5th place in the 2007 FIFA World Player of the Year. As a free-kick specialist, he scored about 54 free-kick goals in his overall career. He is named in ESM team of the month 22 times and team of the year three time. Ronaldinho was named in UEFA Team of the year and FIFPro World XI three times.
Manchester United Greatest Player Ever
English Top League Greatest Player Ever
BBC Sports Personality Lifetime Achievement
“Soccer Beatle”
George Best is one of the most talent footballers of all-time. If consider only
his prime, he would be the greatest player in history of British football
without any hesitation but he was known for his unprofessional behavior as an
alcoholism effected his career not consistency. George Best was a left-winger
who was tremendously skilled an innovative footballer. Unsurpassed on dribble
and penetration, would often pass off the score after rather than take the goal
himself. He was one of few players with virtually ambidextrous ball control
with both feet. Best scored 185 goals in 465 matched for Manchester United. In
his native Northern Ireland the admiration for him is summed up by the local
saying: "Maradona good; Pelé better; George Best. He was one of the world
legends never participated in World Cup. He finished second place BBC Sports
Personality of the Year in 1971 and third place i 1969. According to
Ballon'Dor ranking, he is the greatest European winger three times. He was
voted 8th,12th and 16th World player of the century by World Soccer, France
Football and IFFHS’s poll, respectively.
2 Times Brazil National Championship
2 Times Rio Sau-Paolo Tournament
1963 Paris Intercontinental Tournament
“The Little Bird” Garrincha is regarded as the greatest
winger and dribbler the World has ever seen. Many eminent football historians
in Brazil and around the world refer to him being at least the equal of Pelé,
is rated by many as the second greatest Brazil national team footballer of
all-time. He grew up in poverty with high right leg 6 cm shorter than the left.
Rather than shying away from soccer after a childhood illness left his right
leg bowing inward while the left bowed outward, he developed a devastating body
swerve that mocked his body’s special anatomy. He was known for his remarkable
ball control, imagination, acceleration, crossing, dribbling skills and ability
to create something from nothing, He also possessed a ferocious shot with
either foot and was a gifted dead ball specialist known for free kicks and
corners taken with the outside of his foot, Garrincha’s best career highlight
was happened in World Cup 1962, is regarded as one of the greatest individual
performers in histroy of World Cup. For his all matches in World Cup, Brazil
only lost one match with him on the pitch. He was voted 8th and 20th the
greatest footballer of the century from IFFHS and World Soccer’s poll,
respectively, was voted 6th the best player in world cup history by France
Football.
Istvan Nyers was
the greatest left winger in the world during the late 1940s to early 1950s and
is one of the best players ever who is lack of international opportunity. Nyers
was born in France by immigrant parent but return to his homeland in his
teenage. Nyers began to perform as left-winger in Hungarian league and soon his
21 years old found to win his first and last caps of his NT career owing to a
communist policy to exclude all players played outside their country. Nyers had
a peak career with Inter Milan club where he sometimes switched to
center-forward position. He was rated by Italian Media as the best left-winger
of Series A in 1951 and 1952. Nyers was agile and fast as he ran 100 meters in
11 seconds approximately, was classy in aerial game. He could accurately and
powerfully shot by his two feet and possesses an exceptional dribbling ability.
Later, he was signed for AS Roma and played there for twice seasons.
Yugoslavia : 4
Germany : 4
Italy : 3
Holland : 3
Northern Ireland : 1
Belgium : 1
France : 1
2010s : 4.5
Class : Crown
None
|
||
Class : King
|
||
Gold
None
|
Silver
None
|
Bronze
Garrincha |
Class : Queen
|
||
Gold
George Best, Dragan Dzajic, Jairzinho, Stanley Matthews
Luis Figo, Francisco Gento, Ronaldinho,
|
Silver
Tom Finney, Kurt Hamrin,
Raimundo Orsi, Zoltan Czibor
Bernard Vukas, Zbigniew Boniek
, Pavel Nedved, Ryan Giggs, Julinho, Pepe, Omar Corbatta Carlos Peucelle Jimmy Johnstone, Arjen Robben Piet Keizer, Franck Ribery, |
Bronze
David Beckham, Brian Laudrup,
Felix Loustau, Hans Schafer, Amancio Amaro, Gzegorz Lato,
Rene Houseman,
Eden Hazard, Dejan Savicevic Franco Causio, ,
Giampiero Boniperti, ,Marc Overmars
Jurgen Grabowski, Helmut Rahn,
Coen Moulijn, Bruno ContiMilos Milutinovic, Pierre Littbarski, Estanislao Basora, Gareth Bale, Angel Di Maria, , Sadio Mane, John Barnes, Michel Gonzalez, Robert Pires |
Left-Side
|
Right-Side
|
1. George Best
2. Ronaldinho
3. Dragan Dzajic
4. Francisco Gento
5. Pavel Nedved
6. Zoltan Czibor
7. Ryan Giggs 8. Franck Ribery 9. Raimundo Orsi
10. Jose Macia Pepe
|
1. Garrincha
2. Stanley Matthews
3. Jairzinho
4. Luis Figo
5. Julinho
6.
7. Kurt Hamrin
8. Arjen Robben 9. Jimmy Johnstone 10. Omar Corbatta |
9. Jairzinho
Where are Zagallo?
ReplyDeleteZagallo was seen to be very effective in his role with his team work ability, close control and accurate crossing as a left-side midfielder. He was fortunately selected for both Brazil squad of championship due to preference of managers who dropped superstar like Cantoheiro and Pepe. In NT career, he is also named in Brazilian Football Hall of Fame. In only NT, Zagallo is undoubtedly superior to the two, less superior to Pepe who was even more capped.
DeleteZagallo’s club career is a big question when he was never chronologically selected in Placar Flamengo all-time XI. For Botafogo, he was selected in Placar’s first selection but then he was replaced by Amarildo. Reference : http://www.rsssf.com/miscellaneous/brzcallt.html
I rate Pepe and Canhoteiro ahead of Zagallo for their higher peak performance in large number of club games.
George Best has to be in front of Ronaldinho according to the Evaluation Result.
ReplyDeleteEnrique Hormazabal? He is one of the greatest winger in 50s
ReplyDeletePeucelle has to be Queen Silver class. Rahn and Basora have to be Queen Bronze class.
ReplyDeleteIn the Substitution Group you have to erase Robben and add Enrique García.
ReplyDeleteI think Giggs was a better footbaler than Robben. And Djazic was a awesome player but no so good to be in the 6º position. Figo, Gento, Boniek and Giggs were too much better than Djazic. My top 10:
ReplyDelete1. Garrincha
2. Best
3. Ronaldinho
4. Mattheus
5. Jairzinho
6. Gento
7. Giggs
8. Figo
9. Boniek
10. Djazic
Giggs is renown for his consistency and longevity as a excellent team work player, not impact the team as much as Dzajic and Robben made. He is also limited in opportunity in major international country tournament is one of the main disadvantage. I guess you put "Matthews" in 4th place not Matthaeus.
DeleteWhy did Bruno Conti and Michel placed so high? I think it is not realistic.
ReplyDeleteSorry for late reply. Michel was an effective useful side midfielder not skillful and spectacular one. He is very productive and even performed as a cross-functional role well thanks to his defensive quality.
DeleteWhen look at the name behind Bruno Conti, they are rather inconsistent and most of them are lack of international success.
i'm missing ernst lehner, one of the best wingers in the 1930's dominant in the world cup 1934
ReplyDeleteHe is already named in top 100 wingers in the 9x100 positional ranking list. Although articles described as a advanced skillful players and his name is honored as the home stadium of Augburg. He is also the most capped players in Breslau XI. Honesty, it is too difficult to rate him in top 50 since he participated in Gauliga Bayern (First tier of regional liga) with Augsburg just five seasons during his capped years due to the club's relegation and spending in the second tier.
DeleteHazard?!? Is or not an offensive lateral?
ReplyDeleteIn which year Cristiano Ronaldo became a forward???
Hazard has not collected great seasons enough as there are many seasons left. Please study definition of each position. Forward list includes side-forward position belonged to C.Ronaldo also. His main approach is to score and not remarkable enough in creativity and he is clearly not a midfielder (offensive lateral required some midfielder status).
DeleteHave you checked Gareth Bale's status after this season? He is surely qualified for the list.
ReplyDeleteSure but the result is not what I have expected since he has not collected enough due to his injury. He is now closed to top 50 and will be qualified when the next half of season will have finished if there is nothing wrong.
DeleteBale is loosing a lot of time because of injuries and C.Ronaldo's longevity in Madrid... because definitely he has or maybe had the potential to reach top 15...
DeletePara muitas pessoas daquela época Garrincha foi melhor que Pelé!
ReplyDeleteNão no quesito títulos. Mas porque Garrincha era imprevisível, impossível de ser parado.
Em 1958 e 1962 ele foi o principal criador de jogadas do Brasil.
Em 1958 ele era reserva, mas os próprios companheiros pediram que o escalassem no time titular.
Em 1962 Pelé estava machucado, e Garrincha mais uma vez foi o principal jogador do Brasil.
Garrincha chegou a jogar por 4 anos sem receber o devido salário e necessitando urgentemente de uma cirurgia no joelho.
Isso mesmo. Ele era o melhor jogador do mundo machucado e sem receber seus pagamentos.
Infelizmente não é reconhecido como deveria. Ele não possui um museu particular, não recebeu premiações nem enquanto vivo, nem póstumas, e seus descendentes estão na pobreza.
Recentemente seus restos mortais foram roubados do túmulo.
Um triste e ingrato fim para aquele que foi um dos maiores jogadores de todos os tempos.
Bale is more a Right-Wing Forward in my opinion
ReplyDeleteI think Naratorn will update it :). Right-Wing oriented for sure.
DeleteWhat about Fredrik Ljunberg, Mac Manaman, close to be in the 9x100 list ?
ReplyDeleteNot close and lack of 2 international seasons at least.
DeleteMichel, former Real Madrid, is a true midfielder, and Ronaldinho, like Savicevic and Boniperti, they were attacking midfielder or second strikers, the same for Boniek
ReplyDeleteMichel played in both position. Let me watch more games to identify his role properly. Boniek will be moved to attacking midfielder position for sure as I watched he is always at central area. Savicevic, Ronaldinho and Boniperti often operate the game in the wings.
DeleteCould G.Best be classified as Left-Wing forward ? What about his defensive workrate ?
ReplyDeleteGeorge Best does not specialize in positional off the ball and shooting skill. He even played in free-role position with N.Ireland. In overall, He is best at pure winger.
DeleteAnd what about his defensive work rate ? Was he working to take the ball back ?
DeleteWhat about florent malouda ?
ReplyDeleteMay D.Silva get a better ranking after this season ?
ReplyDeleteInstead of ranking players for which I imagine we don't have nearly any materials except reputation. In this list I think about Puc, Morton, Meredith, Peucelle, orsi ...
ReplyDeleteWouldn't it be better to mention them outside of the ranking and put players for which we have enough materials : Corso, Michel, D. Silva...
I will use this thread to give my opinion about ability rankings :
ReplyDeleteFirst Bale is only 9 at speed while he is one of the fastest player ever ?
So what is speed for you ?
Maybe speed should be divided in explosion power and top speed.
Once again even if he needs more space Bale is explosive
My speed definition includes both acceleration and top speed and I agree I underrate Gareth Bale. He really dominates in speed.
DeleteSaw you upgraded bale to 9.4.
ReplyDeleteWhen you put 9.5 to Garrincha is it 9.5 in the context he was playing (relative to players he was facing ) ?
Why I say that, because I have seen a few world cup games of him and videos of his best moments. If he seems to have a great acceleration/explosion power I am not sure it's better than players we see today and his top speed doesn't seems so amazing because I could see him caught and forced to dribble several times.
In such siutation Bale or Robben would be able to go alone using speed.
- Bale 9.4 has for sure a greater top speed than Garrincha and explosion power/acceleration is also probably better even if he needs more spaces.
- Robben 9.4 has for sure a greatest top speed than Garrincha and this time for acceleration/explosion power he can do it in short spaces.
From my point of view wit the metrics systems
10 - 15 m : explosion power/acceleration (with the ball) : Garrincha ~= Robben > Bale
15 - 25 m : Acceleration + speed (with or without the ball) : Robben ~= Bale > Garrincha
25 - 40 m : Acceleration + top speed (with or without the ball): Bale ~= Robben >> Garrincha
40 m and more without the ball (nearly neved used in football) : top speed : Bale > Robben >>> Garrincha
So if you do a mix of acceleration and speed, in my opinion, either bale or robben 9.4 is not enough or Garrincha 9.5 is too much.
Always a pleasure :)
You have made very great point. I give more weight of acceleration than top speed as football is mainly played with limited space. Even so, I agree that Garrincha is a bit overrated.
DeleteI'm Agree. Gaybe garrincha has more driblble and cheating skills, while robben or bale has more constant speed.
DeleteDoes Hazard deserve a slight boost after his World Cup 2018 performance? Latest club season wasn't his best though.
ReplyDeleteHi everyone! I think Marc Overmars should deserve a spot in the list. If he hadn't suffered from a persistent knee injury he would be regarded as one of the greatest wingers of all time.
ReplyDeleteOvermars is superbly fast and is very great dribbler but he is too limited in his creativity and team work, is more a wing-forward but not score much enough as well.
DeleteShouldn't D.Silva replace Milutinovic if we trust 9x100 list ?
ReplyDeleteBy the way even if he plays both on the side and as a playmaker, I think his qualities suit better playmaker role even if it mayb easier to be in the offensive lateral top. Have you ranked him in the total skill page ? If yes, from how much does he miss ?
DeleteDavid Silva is definitely categorized in offensive lateral list. I haven't apply scoring system in top 50 for him yet. Now Milutinovic is preferable for higher peak. Note that 9x100 list does not apply conditional margin score. Anyway David Silva is likely to achieve top 50 in the near future. I'll be reviewing David Silva the end of this year again.
DeleteIn the 9x100 list have you evaluated vladimir jugovic ?
ReplyDeleteYes, his rating in series A is rather low and far insufficient.
DeleteMy top 25:
ReplyDelete1. Garrincha
2. George Best
3. Ronaldinho
4. Stanley Matthews
5. Francisco Gento
6. Jairzinho
7. Luis Figo
8. Dragan Dzajic
9. Ryan Giggs
10. Jimmy Johnstone
11. Zoltan Czibor
12. Tom Finney
13. Arjen Robben
14. Kurt Hamrin
15. David Beckham
16. Eden Hazard
17. Pavel Nedved
18. Julinho
19. Franck Ribery
20. Gareth Bale
21. Raimundo Orsi
22. Zbigniew Boniek
23. Robert Pires
24. Amancio Amaro
25. Bruno Conti
Giggs was indeed a really good footballer, and I know his longevity is a great part of his raking, but in terms of pure ability he should be much lower on the list. Plus, I think Bale should be a little bit higher, at least above Beckham, that despite being a very good footballer, couldn't quite match Bale's dominance, his match winning abilities shouldn't be understated
ReplyDeleteBest was also played on the right side or as second striker.
ReplyDeleteMay narator update it in the description ?
DeleteAlexis Sanchez is not from serbia
ReplyDeleteThis is a nice list (I mean, is impossible to rank footballers objectively), but I don't think Robben deserves to be that higher. He was fast and a nice dibbler, but a very very limited footballer. No work-rate, no great vision, and especially no great personality. I don't think he was overall better than Ribery let alone better than Giggs, who contributed to his team and football in uncountable ways. And I agree with the comment about Overmars, he definitely should be in the top 50. I mean, Sanchez? C'mon!
ReplyDeleteAnyway, great list.
Why are there 14 players from the 1950s and so much less from the 80s to 2010s?
ReplyDeleteWere players back then really that much better?
Why are there 14 players from the 1950s and so little from 80s to 2010s? Were players really that much better back then?
ReplyDeleteI think the 1950s is the glory era of wingers position. In the list of world positional ranking of the era shows the 1980s to 1990s has much less competitive in this position partially because tactic 5-3-2 sweeper was adopted for many teams across Europe. Since 2000s, this tactic become distinctive but a relative few world-class wingers have been produced.
DeleteHäßler never played as a winger, but as an offensive midfielder.
ReplyDeleteAs definition that was written above, include free-role attacker. Hasler switched to wing area often enough to be categorized in this position. In some important matches, he even played as right-winger.
DeleteHassler may be seen at some point as a wide-playmaker
DeleteIt could be interesting if you could give the player stronger foot and the prime position when there is several positions. (Maybe also wrong foot usage and frequency even if it's harder to find...)
ReplyDeleteEspecially it could be interesting to know when a player role is "Inverted winger" and I would add it as new role/classification/position.
For exemple Ribery, Robben are said to be Left/Right winger while their prime is Inverted Winger so left winger for ribery on his right foot and right winger for robben on his left foot.
More over Bale is said to be a left-side forward while in his prime he plays more as an inverted winger/right-side forward, it maye be a little mistake to correct/complete.
I understand your idea. Bale is capable of playing very well in both sides.
Deleteyou say "Conti was extremely fast" but he has only 8.8, is it normal ?
ReplyDeleteAny remarks ?
DeleteWas looking for Overmars and Andrei Kanchelskis on this list. Both should make a top 50 surely. Check out a Kanchelskis showreel on YouTube and you will remember how good he was.
ReplyDeleteLol, I actively watched Kanchelski in his prime at Man Utd and he is one of my favorite but he is too limited in creativity. He was a mold of traditional winger with high speed and technical ability but the idea of coordination with teammates are below expectation.
DeleteKanchelski is not even in the top 100 in the minor hall of fame.
ReplyDeleteWhere is Haesler's class? He is rated highly in this list but his class is missing.
ReplyDeleteIt would be interesting to mention Di Maria can be an Amazing box to box midfielder, he has an incredible stamina and is able to multiply high pace intensity run during a game. In 2014 he was playing this way and it is his best year for you. Moreover you say it in the description but he can play on both sides and is probably even greater on the right side.
ReplyDeleteVery good remark! In my opinion he was even better playing box to box.
DeleteKylian Mbappé？
ReplyDeleteDoes Skoglund deserve an honourable mention ?
ReplyDeleteHe was very decent, but no where near nyers level, let alone anybody in the top 70 or 80
DeleteI wouldn't insist on the fact Robben can use both feet because most he conducts the ball with his left foot and use his acceleration to dribble with his left foot.
ReplyDeleteGreat work! Good job and thank you for sharing! I have to disagree though woth the order of first 3:
ReplyDelete1) Ronaldinho
2) Best
3) Garincha