Soccer has seen plenty of exquisite dribblers in history. From Pele to Lionel Messi, fans witnessed magicians who could trick several players without ease.
The 20th century was indeed a golden era of technical play. Almost every forward could outmanoeuvre defenders and score fabulous goals. In this article, 20Bet presents the top 10 dribblers of the previous century.
10. Georgi Kinkladze
Georgian midfielder Georgi Kinkladze is still remembered at Manchester City. He was a joy to watch during his three seasons at the club. Kinkladze could easily maraud 4-5 players and then hit a screamer.
It’s 24 years to the day since this brilliant Georgi Kinkladze solo goal against West Ham in the FA Cup.
Made even better by that glorious sound as the ball whacks the old post.
Hugely satisfying from start to finish.#MCFC pic.twitter.com/w3ufbVN4MA
— Stu’s Football Flashbacks (@stusfootyflash) January 25, 2022
Sadly, he failed to live up to the expectations after his spell at City and his talent was mostly wasted both at the domestic and international levels.
9. Roberto Baggio
Italian icon Roberto Baggio is often remembered for his missed penalty in 1994 against Brazil in the World Cup final. This heartbreaking moment was a sad ending to an otherwise brilliant tournament for him.
A young Roberto Baggio fine-tuning his free-kick technique at Fiorentina in 1988/89.
Divine. Absolutely divine.
— A Funny Old Game (@sid_lambert) November 10, 2024
However, Baggio’s legacy goes far beyond that single moment. Known as Il Divin Codino (The Divine Ponytail), the forward was revered for his creativity and flair. Baggio was a natural playmaker with a keen eye for goal. Additionally. the Juventus legend was a skilled dribbler, hard to get off the ball in tight spaces with his quick footwork.
8. Dennis Bergkamp
Dennis Bergkamp was a key part of Arsenal’s legendary 2004 “Invincibles” squad. The Dutchman could do things on the pitch that you usually only see when playing video games. Find the goal against Newcastle on YouTube, which stands as one of the most beautiful goals ever scored to this day.
02/03/02 – Newcastle vs Arsenal
Dennis Bergkamp did this pic.twitter.com/1uNvlS9d1s
— My Greatest 11 (@MyGreatest11) March 2, 2024
In just a few seconds, Bergkamp could trick the defenders and score a goal out of nowhere. With his immaculate first touch and unmatched vision, there were plenty of moments in his career that remain etched in soccer history.
Thierry Henry, Bergkamp’s teammate at Arsenal, said Bergkamp was the best player he ever played with, while Dutch legend Johan Cruyff once stated: “In every dictionary, next to the word footballer, should be a picture of Dennis Bergkamp.”
7. Alfredo Di Stefano
Alfredo Di Stefano can be deservedly called a complete soccer player. He could defend, create, score and produce unforgettable moments for fans of the game. At Real Madrid, he won five consecutive European Cups. He tricked opponents with his feints to get passed them and find his way to the goal.
6. Johan Cruyff
Johan Cruyff was known as the Flying Dutchman, a nickname he earned after scoring a legendary goal for Barcelona in a game against Atletico Madrid, where he soared to neck-height to score a stunning goal.
✨️🧠Johan Cruyff: “Footballers from the streets are more important than trained coaches”
𝐁𝐎𝐍 𝐃𝐈𝐀 𝐂𝐔𝐋𝐄𝐑𝐒 🔵🔴 pic.twitter.com/kLIqmZYGX6
— Blaugranagram (@Blaugranagram) November 9, 2024
However, scoring legendary goals was not the only thing the Dutchman excelled at. Cruyyf, known for his grace and innovation, could take matters into his own hands and decide the fate of a match instantly. And if that’s not enough, his evasive dribbling move, the “Cruyff turn,” is still one of the most celebrated manoeuvres in soccer.
5. Zinedine Zidane
For me, Zinedine Zidane is the embodiment of elegance on the pitch. The former French international and Real Madrid legend won everything possible in his career with a style that few could replicate.
Zidane waslike seeing pure artistry in motion. As a technically gifted player, he could trick any defender and provide unimaginable assists to his teammates.
4. George Best
The Northern Irish soccer player George Best was one of the most talented athletes to ever grace the pitch. He was technically gifted and produced magic at Manchester United.
Today we remember Manchester United icon George Best, who tragically passed away on this day in 2005 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/lI0pEqozTz
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) November 25, 2021
Although his lack of discipline and inconsistent lifestyle eventually caught up with him, and he left the Red Devils at age 26, he is still considered one of the best dribblers ever seen.
3. Diego Maradona
To understand how perfect Maradona was at dribbling, you have to see his second goal against England at the 1986 World Cup. El Pibe de Oro picked up the ball from the centre of the pitch, slalomed past nearly the entire English team, and scored a goal that became an instant classic.
Only a few of us on here witnessed Diego Maradona scoring the GOAT Goal EVER!
He is the Greatest! Messi had modern day rules and facilities and FIFA help….
Diego had everything against him.— Billy Meredith (@BillyMeredithMU) November 9, 2024
Maradona’s dribbling was out of this world, something he showed on a regular basis during his unforgettable spell at Napoli. His play was a blend of artistry and grit, unmatched and iconic.
2. Garrincha
Despite his physical defect, caused by a shorter leg, Garrincha single-handedly won Brazil the 1962 World Cup. His performance on the pitch mirrored his lifestyle. The Brazilian winger was distinguished for his nutmegs, feints, and creative play.
Sadly, his career ended too soon, and eventually, Garrincha, like George Best and Maradonna, suffered difficulties in his personal life as well and had problems with alcohol abuse.
Garrincha y Ray Wilson. 🇧🇷 🏴 Mundial de Chile. Estadio de Sausalito. Viña del Mar. 10 de Junio de 1962. pic.twitter.com/pQrYKHtWs0
— Nostalgia Futbolera ® (@nostalgiafutbo1) November 7, 2024
1. Ronaldo
At the top of the list stands the original “Fenômeno,” Brazilian Ronaldo. For those who have witnessed Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, it could be difficult to imagine how unstoppable Ronaldo was in his prime years.
He was physically strong, agile, and fast. In an era of defensive giants, he bulldozed past defenders with ease, and it’s no wonder he takes the number one spot.
Ronaldo vs Buffon pic.twitter.com/WDQlUeIE3N
— Former Footballers (@FinishedPlayers) November 11, 2024
