Art that disappeared from the green stubble! Check out TOP 10 greatest playmakers in football history

The position of the pure “number 10”, who was the key figure of the whole team on the pitch, is gradually disappearing from today’s football. So let’s take a look at the ten best playmakers in football history.

In the ever-evolving world of football, the traditional figure of the pure playmaker is becoming rather rare. The position of “number 10” used to be one of the main components of every team’s attacking arsenal. These playmakers controlled the entire game and orchestrated most of the balls from underneath the forwards, which they then supplied to their colleagues in attack.

But today’s managers increasingly prefer players with physical and running dispositions, relegating the traditional playmaker to the past. One of the players who has paid the biggest price for this trend in recent years has been the star James Rodríguez.

“Nowadays everyone plays in 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 formations, ” the Colombian star complained, according to the Football Tweet Twitter account. “Every kid wants to be a number 10, but that position doesn’t really exist anymore. No coach plays with the playmakers anymore.”

🎙️ James Rodriguez: "Today, everyone plays in 4-4-2 or 4-3-3. Every kids wants to become a No. 10 but that position doesn't really exist anymore. No coach plays with playmakers anymore.

Now they only want fast players who have one-on-one qualities." pic.twitter.com/kcxsYF81pt

— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) September 29, 2023

So in this article, we look back at the ten best playmakers in football history. We celebrate their artistry, vision and the unforgettable impact they left on the world of sport.

Alfredo di Stéfano: Real Madrid legend

Di Stéfano’s versatility allowed him to excel in various positions in the team. In addition to scoring and arranging many goals, his leadership and creativity at Real Madrid laid the foundation for the club’s success. He was a true pioneer of football in the second half of the twentieth century.

George Best: The Irish dynamo

George Best, also known as the “Fifth Beatle,” was an Irish football genius. His incredible talent on the pitch, especially at Manchester United, dazzled the world and not just the British Isles. Best’s ability to dribble past defenders and score incredible goals made him a football icon.

Johan Cruyff: The football brain

Johan Cruyff revolutionised football with his philosophy of ‘Total Football’. His stints at Ajax and Barcelona introduced him to the world not only as a brilliant player, but also as a coach with an incredible vision that influenced football at the turn of the century. His ability to read the game made him a legend that is still revered today.

Zico: Brazil’s Samba Maestro

Arthur Antunes Coimbra, commonly known as Zico, was the epitome of magic and creativity on the pitch. His illustrious career, particularly with the Brazilian Flamengo, showcased his astounding dribbling skills and ability to send the perfect pass. His vision and ability to exploit standard situations made him a legend in Brazilian football.

Michel Platini: The King of France

Platini’s elegance in midfield was unrivalled in his time. During his time at Juventus and with the French national team, fans saw him set up his team’s goals with such calm and grace that he could be an inspiration to modern midfielders in today’s football.

Diego Maradona: Argentine God

Maradona was more than just “God’s hand”. He had an innate ability to outflank any player on the opposing team, whether with an incredible dribble or a brilliant assist, from almost nothing. His unforgettable career in Naples, when he turned a mediocre team into the terror of the whole of Italy, remains the ultimate example of what a playmaker can achieve.

Zinedine Zidane: The French Magician

The legendary Zinedine Zidane left an unforgettable imprint on football with his elegance and grace. His rich career included playing for Juventus and Real Madrid, where his exceptional ball control and flawless decision-making made him a true artist of the modern era.

Juan Román Riquelme: Argentine toreador

The name Riquelme is synonymous with finesse and precision. With his beloved Boca Juniors and Barcelona teams, he performed with unsurpassed footballing intelligence and beauty. His ability to dictate the tempo and deliver precise passes to his offensive colleagues earned him a place among the greatest playmakers in football since the turn of the century.

Ronaldinho: The smiling executioner

Ronaldinho brought sheer joy to the world of football with his playful style. His time at Barcelona was characterised not only by winning valuable titles, but especially by his breathtaking ability with the ball or passing without looking. His infectious smile was a testament to the joy of the game, but he was not so joyful for the opponents.

Lionel Messi: The one holding the torch

Lionel Messi and his spectacular career at Barcelona can be called simply brilliant in every way. His dribbling ability, vision and the added skill of finishing the most beautiful actions of the last decade on his own make him a living legend. They are also testament to the enduring value of the playmaker in today’s football.

The playmakers listed are just a list of those who, with their own style and skill, remind us of the true art that can unfold on football lawns. Although the role of the traditional ‘ten’ is gradually fading, their legacy endures as a testament to the enduring beauty of the sport.

Source: UEFA, Twitter