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Top 10 Best Dribbler in the World: All Time Ranked

13 min
Top 10 Best Dribbler in the World - All Time Ranked

Summary

Garrincha tops the list of the greatest dribblers in football history. The article ranks the top 10 based on skill, impact, and legacy, featuring legends like Lionel Messi (3rd) and Diego Maradona (2nd). Neymar (8th), Ronaldinho (7th), and Pele (6th) also make the list for their flair and creativity. Rankings considered consistency, style, stats, and performance in key matches. Garrincha’s unmatched dribbling ability earned him the top spot, despite his shorter peak compared to others like Messi and Maradona. Each player’s career highlights and major achievements are summarized, showcasing their influence on the game.
Table of content

Before the emphasis on stats, tactics, formations, and passing through the opponent, there were times when football was much simpler and more enjoyable to the eye. World football has seen numerous fantastic ballers across history, earning shouts for being the best dribbler in football history. From Legendary players like Pele, Maradona, to modern-day heroes Lionel Messi, Hazard, Neymar and more.

As a best dribbler in the world would paint their pretty pictures, dribbling through the opposition with a certain flair and panache that has long gone missing from the modern game. Whilst some of them will forever be held in high regard by fans of their clubs, some transcended to global recognition as world beaters and Ballon d’Or winners. As such, let’s list 10 of the best dribblers in football history, ranking them based on their stats, reputation, longevity, and overall impact on the sport throughout their careers.

List of Best Dribblers in Football History

Picking the best dribblers was not an easy task for us. Everyone has their favourites; some might prefer Maradona, while for some it will be Messi. But these 10 players stood out from the rest. They all had one thing in common: they could make dribbling look easy when the ball was at their feet.

RankPlayerCountryCareer Years
10Eden HazardBelgium2007–2023
9Ronaldo NazarioBrazil1993–2011
8Neymar*Brazil2009–Present
7RonaldinhoBrazil1998–2015
6PeleBrazil1956–1977
5Johan CruyffNetherlands1964–1984
4George BestNorthern Ireland1963–1984
3Lionel Messi*Argentina2003–Present
2Diego MaradonaArgentina1976–1997
1GarrinchaBrazil1951–1972
Top 10 Best Dribbler in the World

How We Ranked the Best Dribbler in Football History?

There are a host of the best dribblers in football history. Therefore, to determine our list of who is the best dribbler in the world, we have considered a few ranking factors to rank these players based on: the factors are listed below:

  • Impact of Dribbling: The first factor that was considered while ranking the best dribbler in football is their impact with dribbling in crucial games. Players who used dribbling to create a spark in crunch games were prioritised on our list.
  • Style & Creativity: Unique dribbling techniques with style and technique, including signature moves like the “Cruyff turn” or “elastico,” and the ability to entertain the fans and leave them speechless with their flair.
  • Longevity & Consistency: Maintaining elite dribbling skills over a long career, consistently outwitting defenders across seasons for both club and country, was a significant factor.
  • Career Stats & Competition: Their stats, like career goals and assists, were considered while ranking these players and determining who is the best dribbler in football of all time. Along with performing against top defenders in top leagues or international tournaments carries more weight and gives an edge while ranking the players on our list.

Who is the Best Dribbler in Football of All Time?

Some might not agree that Garrincha was the best dribbler in football history. But remember, he was called “The King of the Dribble.” Even with physical problems, he could make any defender look foolish. Here are our top 10 picks for the best dribblers of all time.

10. Eden Hazard (2007-2023)

Eden Hazard at Real Madrid (Image Credit: X/@hazardeden10)

The Belgian icon, Eden Hazard is regarded as one of the best wingers in Premier League history. Eden Hazard was one of the best dribblers of the 2010s and hit his peak with Chelsea. He wasn’t flashy like some others on this list, but he was incredibly effective at beating defenders and gliding past packed spaces with his footwork. At Stamford Bridge, he was simply unstoppable.

The former Chelsea forward had a low centre of gravity, which made him hard to tackle and catch. He could change direction without losing speed. Defenders bounced off him like he was made of rubber. However, his move to Real Madrid didn’t work out due to a series of injuries. But at his peak with Chelsea, he was unplayable. He led them to two Premier League titles. He announced his retirement in 2023 after the FIFA World Cup.

GamesGoalsAssistsMain ClubsMajor Wins
749200189Lille, Chelsea, Real Madrid2 Premier Leagues, 1 UCL, 2 Europa Leagues
Eden Hazard Career Stats

9. Ronaldo Nazario (1993-2011)

Ronaldo Nazario for Brazil (Image Credit: Instagram/@Roanldo)

Up next is a man who took the world by storm, making defenders look silly while defending and catching him. The Legendary Brazilian Ronaldo Nazario made a habit of rounding out the keeper before slotting in to score. With an abundance of technical ability, flair, power, and strength, Ronaldo was quite literally the perfect striker and the perfect example of Joga Bonito.

He is widely considered one of the greatest Inter Milan players due to his stellar spell at San Siro. However, Ronaldo's career was marred by injuries, which, despite all that he has already achieved, made people wonder about his unbridled talent and potential. He was a two-time world champion with Brazil. However, he is still easily one of the most gifted players of all time, and undoubtedly deserves his place among the best dribbler in the world.

GamesGoalsAssistsMain ClubsMajor Wins
580372107PSV, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Real Madrid2 World Cups, 1 La Liga title
Ronaldo Career Stats

8. Neymar (2009 - Present)

Neymar Jr for Santos (Image Credit: X/@neymarjr)

Next on our list is the Prince of Brazil, who was meant to be the crown jewel. Currently back in Brazil with Santos FC, the forward first burst onto the scene at Santos and became a certified world-beater at Barcelona. The world was at his feet. Following a world-record transfer to PSG, Brazil's all-time top scorer Neymar continued to dazzle and daze his opponents, becoming the main man at the club.

Despite showing signs of being one of the best dribblers in football and becoming the best player in the world at his peak at Barcelona. The string of repetitive injuries finally caught up to the Brazilian at PSG, resulting in Neymar's departure to Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal in the summer of 2023, effectively calling an end to his European aspirations. However, soon his injury forced him to remain on the sidelines in Riyadh.

GamesGoalsAssistsMain ClubsMajor Wins
731442286Santos, Barcelona, PSG1 UCL, 5 Ligue 1 titles
Neymar Jr Career Stats

7. Ronaldinho (1998–2015)

Ronaldinho for Brazil (Image Credit: X/@10Ronaldinho)

One of Brazil’s most important and storied players who left his mark on the sport with his magic and flair. The Barcelona legend Ronaldinho, aka ‘The Smiling Assassin’ as many know him, tantalised audiences worldwide with his wide array of skills. Ronaldinho's bag of tricks, and joyful exuberance every time he took to the pitch. His popularity was immense during his peak of power, playing for Barcelona and AC Milan at the club level.

Embodying the Joga Bonito spirit, the winger experienced the highest of highs as a player and some very low lows in his personal life. Despite this, the world will forever remember Dinho as the man who’d dance with the ball at his feet and make a mockery out of defenders at the highest levels of the game. With Brazil, he lifted the FIFA World Cup in 2002 and played a key role.

GamesGoalsAssistsMain ClubsMajor Wins
743269210Gremio, PSG, Barcelona, AC Milan1 World Cup, 1 UCL, 2 La Liga titles
Ronaldinho Career Stats
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6. Pele (1956–1977)

Pele for Santos (Image Credit: Instagram/@Pele)

The man who can only be referred to as ‘The King of Football’, the legendary Pele, is known for his goal tally for both club and country. In a career that saw him put up unthinkable numbers and run rampant on the global stage. He was as skilled with the ball at his feet as he was prolific in front of goal. With a mix of technical flair and a goal-scoring eye to back it up, there was very little anyone could do to deny Pelé on his day.

Whilst many feel that the legendary forward, who claimed three World Cup titles, possesses quality in front of goal, which made him a one-dimensional goalscorer, the Brazilian could create such openings on his own that truly went under the radar. Regardless, his list of achievements and the ability to beat players mean that he is also part of our list of the best dribblers in the world. Not only was he an exceptional dribbler, but also a goal machine, making him one of the best dribblers in football.

GamesGoalsAssistsMain ClubsMajor Wins
739683N/ASantos, New York Cosmos3 World Cups, 2 Copa Libertadores
Pele Career Stats

5. Johan Cruyff (1964–1984)

Johan Cruyff (Image Credit: X/@JohanCruyff)

The Dutch icon Johan Cruyff blessed the world with not only his ideas but his talents on the ball, which was a legend from before much of our time. However, his philosophy, skills, and ideology live on even today. The creator of the ‘Cruyff Turn’ and an ingenious creator of the ball, the Dutchman mesmerised audiences at home and around the world throughout his career. He was widely considered the best dribbler in the world of his era.

Not only was the Dutchman Johan Cruyff an outstanding player, but he furthered his legacy as well, and to date, is regarded as one of the best FC Barcelona coaches throughout the club’s illustrious history. Cruyff was not only one of the most gifted players who ever played for Ajax and Barcelona. Subsequently, claiming the tag of the greatest Dutch players of all time.

GamesGoalsAssistsMain ClubsMajor Wins
654378273Ajax, Barcelona3 European Cups, 1 La Liga, 8 League titles
Johan Cruyff Career Stats

4. George Best (1963–1984)

George Best
George Best (Image Credit: X / @ManUntd)

Northern Ireland’s most prominent contribution to football is the ever-so-charismatic was Manchester United icon George Best. One of Sir Matt Busby’s most important players, Best’s ability to leave defenders in a tangled mess was unparalleled. He was one of the best dribblers in football during his time; not even the likes of other great dribblers were safe from his mischievous brilliance on the pitch.

While playing for Manchester United argubaly the best dribbler in the world, best, accomplished domestic and European glory at a very young age, and Geroge was hailed as one of the best footballers ever by the likes of Pelé. However, at the same time, Best was also the embodiment of the phrase, “Those that shine brightest often burn fastest”. Notably, he was among the youngest Ballon d'Or winners at 22, becoming the best player in the world.

GamesGoalsAssistsMain ClubMajor Wins
56019865Manchester United1 European Cup, 2 First Division titles
George Best Career Stats

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3. Lionel Messi (2003–Present)

Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi for Barca (Image Credit: X/@Barcelona)

A boy hailing from Rosario went on to take the entire world by storm, and when all is said and done, will likely go down as perhaps the best to ever grace the game. The Argentine icon Lionel Messi stands out above many, not just as one of the best dribblers in football, but quite possibly the best footballer ever, owing to the sheer weight and amount of his accomplishments.

The greatest Blaugrana player in history is a direct, tricky attacker, with close control and a small-touch dribbling style. Messi’s ability to weave through defences and deliver breathtaking moments has been one of the greatest pleasures of those lucky enough to have witnessed him. Some might argue that his place should be at first, considering all the wonders he has done at Barcelona.

GamesGoalsAssistsMain ClubsMajor Wins
1130872424Barcelona, PSG, Inter Miami1 World Cup, 4 UCLs, 12 League titles
Lionel Messi Career Stats

2. Diego Maradona (1976–1997)

Diego Maradona for Argentina (Image Credit: X/@AFASeleccionEN)

Quite possibly responsible for drawing more fouls than anyone on the list, Diego Maradona was a menace and quite a handful to deal with in his time. Blessed with technical ability, speed, and a cutting edge much ahead of his time, Maradona was rightfully awarded the FIFA Player of the 20th Century award, as there is quite literally no other way to describe him.

Low centre of gravity, and the ability to manoeuvre past defenders as though they were in slow motion, Maradona is said to have managed 53 dribbles during the 1986 World Cup. While Maradona is a true great for both country and club, his off-field activities also regularly made headlines. One of the greatest players from Argentina, Maradona, was no less than a hero for Napoli and Argentina.

GamesGoalsAssistsMain ClubsMajor Wins
431192136Boca Juniors, Barcelona, Napoli1 World Cup, 2 Serie A titles
Diego Maradona Career Stats

1. Garrincha (1951–1972)

Garrincha (Image Credit: X/@Friedenreich__)
Garrincha (Image Credit: X/@Friedenreich__)

When Garrincha stepped up for his country at the 1962 World Cup as the ‘Little Engine that Could’, he showed the world exactly why he belongs in the top spot on this list. Covering for an injured Pelé at the time, the little Brazilian battled hardships, deformities, and countless other struggles to stamp his name in the annals of football history. On our list, Garrincha is the best dribbler in the world.

Twisting and turning to leave defenders in a heap, the Brazilian legend was unanimously seen as the best dribbler in football, with many of his peers, opponents, and managers deeming him ‘too good’ and ‘unplayable’ at times. Garrincha’s individual achievements may undoubtedly fall short of some of the other players mentioned in this list. He won two World Cups for his country.

GamesGoalsAssistsMain ClubMajor Wins
316+102+N/ABotafogo2 World Cups, 3 State Championships
Garrincha Career Stats

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who is ranked as the best dribbler in football history?
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Garrincha is ranked as the best dribbler in football history.
Who is the best English dribbler of all time?
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George Best is the best English dribbler of all time.
For which club did Garrincha play in his career?
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Garrincha played for Brazilian club Botafogo during his entire career.
Who are the best dribblers in football history?
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Johan Cryuff, Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona, George Best, and Pele.
Who is the Best Italian Dribbler of All Time?
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Roberto Baggio is the best Italian dribbler of all time.
Was Diego Maradona the greatest dribbler of all time?
+
Diego Maradona was one of the greatest dribblers of all time.
How good was Ronaldinho at dribbling?
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Ronaldinho was one of the best when it comes to dribbling.

Who is the best dribbler in the world?

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Lionel Messi is the best dribbler in the world.

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Edited by- Ashu Ranjeet
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