2026 World Cup: Even CR7 and Mbappe Lost! Netizens Vote for the Top 10 Greatest Football Players – The Champion Is Him: Unstoppable Low-Center Dribbling, Led National Team to Legendary Glory

The dazzling skills on the football field, the ability to score in crucial moments, and personal charisma off the pitch can all be reasons why fans love a player. A Japanese ranking website conducted the 'All-Time Footballer Popularity Ranking,' inviting netizens to select their favorite male footballers from history.

This list includes both active and retired players, ranging from World Cup champions and European football legends to stars renowned for free kicks, dribbling, and speed. The top 10 players are Roberto Carlos, Pelé, Luka Modrić, David Beckham, Takefusa Kubo, Ronaldinho, Neymar, Kylian Mbappé, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Lionel Messi. Who is the most beloved player among fans? Let’s reveal the rankings from 10th place onward.

All-Time Footballer Popularity Ranking – 10th Place: Roberto Carlos

Brazilian legend and left-back Roberto Carlos ranked 10th. He was known for his explosive power, speed, and powerful left foot. During his playing days, he anchored the left flank, capable of quick defensive recoveries and aggressive forward runs. What fans remember most is his high-speed free kicks that curved dramatically in mid-air, earning him the nickname 'The Devil’s Left Foot' and making him one of the most recognizable left-backs in football history.

Fans described Roberto Carlos as the 'greatest left-back of all time,' praising his speed and kicking power, which far surpassed that of ordinary players. One comment noted his incredible pace and powerful shots that often broke deadlocks. Others hailed him as the 'tallest left-back in the world' and 'free kicks too insane to describe,' showing his legendary left foot remains etched in fans’ memories. Some specifically mentioned his iconic free kick that seemed to defy physics, saying words can't fully capture it—you have to see it to believe it.

All-Time Footballer Popularity Ranking – 9th Place: Pelé

Brazil’s 'King of Football,' Pelé, ranked 9th. He is one of the most iconic figures in football history, rising to fame at a young age on the World Cup stage and helping establish Brazil as a football powerhouse. Comments highlighted Pelé’s astonishing stats: 606 goals in 647 appearances. As a playmaker with strong scoring ability, he redefined the role of the number 10 jersey, now symbolizing a team’s ace.

Fans called Pelé the 'eternal king,' noting that his records during his prime were unimaginable and earned universal respect. One fan wrote, 'Only Yashin could stop him.' Others thanked Pelé for elevating football globally, with one comment reading, 'Rest in peace.' Another noted that few players can be compared to Pelé, and while Messi and Ronaldo have achieved historic greatness, Pelé’s era and legacy remain irreplaceable.

All-Time Footballer Popularity Ranking – 8th Place: Luka Modrić

Croatian midfielder Luka Modrić ranked 8th. Despite his modest stature, he possesses exquisite ball control, wide vision, and exceptional rhythm management, allowing him to orchestrate attacks from the most pressured midfield zones. During his time at Real Madrid, he won numerous major titles and led Croatia—home to only a few million people—to two consecutive World Cup semifinals, reaching the final in 2018 and winning the Golden Ball award.

Some recalled aspiring to be like Modrić as children, calling him their ultimate football idol. Others placed him alongside Messi and Ronaldo, calling him the 'greatest midfielder of all time' and a true GOAT. Supporters praised his countless honors at Real Madrid, his leadership in taking Croatia to two World Cup semifinals, and his admirable conduct on and off the pitch.

All-Time Footballer Popularity Ranking – 7th Place: David Beckham

English legend David Beckham ranked 7th. Renowned for his precise crosses, long passes, and free kicks, he became one of England’s most iconic footballers. Playing for elite clubs like Manchester United and Real Madrid, he amassed a massive fanbase. His signature curved shots remain football classics. Beyond his on-field performance, his looks, fashion sense, and cultural influence kept him relevant in global sports and pop culture long after retirement.

Fans called Beckham the 'English gentleman' and 'king of the right flank,' praising his pinpoint crossing accuracy and the aesthetic beauty of his free-kick stance. One fan wrote, 'His playing style is mesmerizing, and he’s handsome—basically the ultimate combo.' Others noted that while his style was elegant, he also played hard, defended fiercely, and fought for every ball, proving he wasn’t just popular for his looks. Many believe his curved free kicks remain a model for younger players to emulate.

All-Time Footballer Popularity Ranking – 6th Place: Takefusa Kubo

Japanese player Takefusa Kubo ranked 6th, the only Japanese player in the top 10. Known for his dribbling breakthroughs and rhythm changes, he frequently uses his delicate touch and acceleration to break through defenses on the left flank for Brighton in the Premier League. He is also praised for his ball control, passing, crossing, shooting, and defensive commitment. Some fans believe Kubo lacks only a more suitable teammate and tactical environment to fully shine, noting that his positioning, dribbling, feints, passing, and crossing are all world-class, qualifying him for a top-tier Premier League left winger spot.

Fans believe Kubo’s value goes beyond just dribbling, citing his controlled shot against Leicester, as well as his passing, defensive work, and chance creation, proving his worth. His fluid movements, speed, and ability to evade tackles through body control and rhythm changes, even under pressure, are highly praised.

All-Time Footballer Popularity Ranking – 5th Place: Ronaldinho

Brazilian legend Ronaldinho ranked 5th. Famous for his imaginative dribbling, passing, feints, and free kicks, he often played with a smile, blending competition and entertainment. He helped Brazil win the World Cup and had a glorious era at Barcelona. Though his peak was relatively short, his technical brilliance and creativity at his best are seen by many as irreplaceable in football history.

Fans called Ronaldinho the 'world’s best player with both skill and entertainment value,' believing his prime might have surpassed even Messi and Ronaldo. Some lamented that had he maintained more discipline and focus, his career achievements could have been even greater. Others expressed gratitude for the joy he brought to Brazilian football. One memorable anecdote mentioned his arrest due to passport issues, yet he played futsal in jail—an amusing story fans still talk about.

All-Time Footballer Popularity Ranking – 4th Place: Neymar

Brazilian star Neymar ranked 4th. With fast, fluid, and unpredictable attacking style, he excels as a dribbler, playmaker, and finisher. At Barcelona, he formed a feared attacking trio with Messi and Suárez; at Paris Saint-Germain, he became a key figure. Fans hoped he’d lead Brazil to another World Cup and break through in individual awards, but frequent injuries and career choices have led to polarized opinions.

Some fans call Neymar the 'glass ace,' believing better injury resilience could have unlocked a fuller peak. A PSG fan admitted, 'When he was at Barça, I disliked his tendency to fall easily, but once he joined my team, I realized how reliable he is.' Comments noted his ability to dribble, pass, and score, and that the team noticeably suffers without him. Others praised his fluid movements and skill in using speed variations and body feints to evade defenders.

All-Time Footballer Popularity Ranking – 3rd Place: Kylian Mbappé

French star Kylian Mbappé ranked 3rd. He emerged as a World Cup champion at a young age, gaining attention for his explosive speed, goal-scoring ability, and sharp in-game decision-making. In the 2022 Qatar World Cup final, he scored a hat-trick—though France ultimately lost, his individual performance stunned global fans. Now seen as a successor to Messi and Ronaldo, he’s poised to compete for football’s highest status.

Fans called Mbappé a 'monster of the new era,' believing his individual talent rivals even prime Messi and Ronaldo. One compared him to sprinter Bolt, saying once Mbappé pushes the ball forward, he’s already past defenders the next second. His delicate touch and shot selection are also praised. He’s seen as one of the most well-rounded players today, combining good looks and approachability, and he’s known for long-term donations and supporting sick children. His multilingual skills and musical talent further boost his popularity.

All-Time Footballer Popularity Ranking – 2nd Place: Cristiano Ronaldo

Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo ranked 2nd. Known as CR7, he played for Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and others, winning the Ballon d'Or five times and becoming top scorer in the Premier League, La Liga, and Serie A. He’s renowned for his finishing inside the box, heading ability, long-range shooting, and clutch performances in key matches.