Who Truly Deserves a Spot Among the Top 100 Football Players of All Time?

As someone who has spent over two decades analyzing football statistics and historical player performances, I’ve always found the debate over the "Top 100 Football Players of All Time" both thrilling and deeply subjective. Let’s be honest—every fan has their own list, and every generation believes their era produced the finest talents. But when you dig into the numbers, certain patterns emerge that can’t be ignored. Take, for instance, the progression of scores across key historical periods: 22-20, 44-37, 63-52, and 84-70. These figures aren’t just random; they tell a story of evolving standards, shifting dominance, and the relentless rise in competitive intensity. In my view, any credible top 100 list must reflect not just raw talent, but also consistency, impact on the game, and the ability to elevate those around them.

I remember poring over match footage from the mid-20th century, marveling at how players like Pelé and Diego Maradona didn’t just play the game—they redefined it. The quarter scores—22-20, for example—might seem modest by today’s standards, but they represent an era where individual brilliance often had to overcome tactical rigidity and limited resources. For me, that’s why legends from that time deserve their spots. They set the foundation. Fast forward to the 44-37 and 63-52 periods, and you see the game opening up. Icons like Johan Cruyff and Franz Beckenbauer didn’t just score or defend; they introduced philosophies that changed football forever. I’ve always had a soft spot for Beckenbauer—his elegance on the ball and visionary defending feel almost timeless, and his influence is still evident in modern sweeper roles.

Then there’s the modern era, symbolized by that 84-70 benchmark. This is where debates get heated. Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are obvious inclusions, but what about players like Luka Modrić or Andrés Iniesta? In my opinion, their impact goes beyond goals and assists. I’ve watched Modrić control games with a calmness that borders on supernatural, and Iniesta’s 2010 World Cup-winning goal is etched in my memory as a moment of pure artistry. Yet, I’ll admit my bias: I lean toward players who blend technical mastery with emotional intelligence. That’s why I’d argue for including someone like Zinedine Zidane, whose 1998 World Cup final performance alone cements his legacy, even if his stats don’t always leap off the page.

But let’s talk numbers for a second. Those quarter splits—22-20, 44-37, 63-52, 84-70—aren’t just abstract; they hint at the escalating demands of elite football. In the early days, a player might dominate with 30 goals a season. Now, we’re seeing forwards net 50 or more, and midfielders racking up 20 assists. Does that mean today’s players are inherently better? Not necessarily. It means the criteria for greatness have expanded. When I compile my personal top 100, I factor in things like longevity ( shoutout to Paolo Maldini, who played at the highest level until he was 40) and versatility. Think of Thierry Henry, who transformed from a winger to one of the most lethal strikers the Premier League has ever seen. Or Steven Gerrard, whose leadership dragged Liverpool to miracles—yes, I’m talking about Istanbul in 2005.

Of course, there are players who often get overlooked. Gerd Müller, for instance, scored 68 goals in 62 appearances for West Germany—a staggering rate that still feels almost mythical. Yet, in many lists, he’s overshadowed by flashier names. That’s a shame, because his efficiency in front of goal was a masterclass in precision. On the flip side, I’ve never been fully convinced by arguments for purely "statistical" giants who lacked big-game temperament. For me, football is as much about moments as it is about metrics. Didier Drogba may not have the cumulative numbers of some contemporaries, but his ability to decide finals—like the 2012 Champions League—makes him an automatic pick in my book.

Wrapping this up, I believe the top 100 shouldn’t be a rigid hall of fame but a living conversation. The quarter benchmarks—22-20, 44-37, 63-52, 84-70—serve as reminders that football is always evolving. New talents will emerge, and old legends might be reevaluated. But at its heart, this list is about celebrating those who gave us magic. From Pelé’s audacious creativity to Megan Rapinoe’s fearless leadership on and off the pitch, greatness comes in many forms. So, as you ponder your own list, remember: it’s not just about who was the best, but who made us fall in love with the game. And for me, that’s what truly deserves a spot.