Ranking the 10 best dribblers of all time: Messi misses top spot in South American reunion

Beyond dry tactical theory, becoming a world-class dribbler demands an intense inspiration for "Joga Bonito", the beautiful game of passion and emotion. In an era where rigid systems often stifle individual creativity, every manager on Earth still dreams of owning a premier dribbler. A single player capable of bypassing two or three opponents instantly nullifies any defensive structure, rendering the most complex tactics obsolete. 

Consequently, it is no surprise that in the following list by Spbolivescore, South American stars, the keepers of the artistic football DNA, almost entirely dominate the conversation regarding the best dribblers of all time.

Ranking the best dribblers of all time

This ranking by Spbolivescore is meticulously evaluated based on several pillars: the sheer efficiency of successful take-ons, the iconic nature of signature moves, the longevity of their elite skill sets, and the tangible output in goals and assists generated from their magic feet.

10. Eden Hazard 

At number 10, we choose Eden Hazard. The Belgian icon was the nightmare of the Premier League between 2012 and 2019. Standing at 1.75m with a low center of gravity and powerful thighs, Hazard was like rubber; defenders simply bounced off him. 

During his golden era at Chelsea, where he made 352 appearances and scored 110 goals, he led the Blues to 2 Premier League titles and 2 Europa League trophies. His ability to glide through packed spaces was best seen in 2017 against Arsenal, where he dribbled from the halfway line to score. Though injuries ended his Real Madrid stint prematurely, leading to his retirement in 2023 at age 32, his peak was "unplayable."

9. Ronaldo Nazario 

At number 9, we find Ronaldo Nazario. "El Fenomeno" redefined the striker role at PSV, Barcelona, and Inter Milan. His trademark was the lightning-fast step-over, often used to round the goalkeeper, a feat he made look routine. Despite devastating knee injuries, his stats remain legendary: 372 goals in 580 club games. 

For Brazil, he won 2 World Cups (1994, 2002). At the 2002 tournament, he scored 8 goals to secure the Golden Boot. Real Madrid’s Zinedine Zidane once remarked, "Ronaldo is the greatest player I ever played with." He retired in 2011 at Corinthians, aged 34.

8. Neymar Jr 

Neymar Jr holds the 8th spot. Currently back in Brazil with Santos after a decade in Europe, Neymar remains the ultimate showman. His flair, featuring rainbow flicks and nutmegs, made him a global brand at Barcelona, where he won the 2015 Champions League. With 442 career goals and 286 assists, he is Brazil’s all-time leading scorer. 

7. Ronaldinho 

Number 7 is Ronaldinho, the "Smiling Assassin." From 1998 to 2015, the world watched him dance. His "Elastico" move became his signature, a bewildering fake that defied physics. During his peak at Barcelona (2003–2008), he won the Ballon d'Or and the Champions League. His 2005 performance at the Santiago Bernabéu, where Real Madrid fans stood to applaud him after he tore their defense apart, remains the gold standard for dribbling. He retired in 2018 at age 37, having won the 2002 World Cup with Brazil.

6. Pele

The "King of Football," Pele, ranks 6th. Known primarily as a goal machine with 1,281 career goals, Pele was also a sensational dribbler. His "drible da vaca" (the cow’s dribble) showed his immense tactical wit. Winning 3 World Cups (1958, 1962, 1970), Pele’s balance and vision allowed him to create openings out of nothing. He played nearly his entire career at Santos (1956–1974) before retiring at the New York Cosmos in 1977.

5. Johan Cruyff

In 5th place is Johan Cruyff, the architect of "Total Football." His signature "Cruyff Turn," first seen globally in the 1974 World Cup against Sweden, revolutionized the game. Cruyff’s slender frame masked a deceptive acceleration. He played 369 games for Ajax, winning three European Cups, before transforming Barcelona as both player and coach. He retired in 1984, leaving a legacy that remains the foundation of modern football philosophy.

4. George Best 

George Best takes the 4th spot. The Manchester United icon was perhaps the first "celebrity" footballer. His ability to leave defenders in a "tangled mess" was legendary. Pelé once famously called him "the best player in the world." Best led United to the 1968 European Cup and won the Ballon d'Or at just 22. His career burned bright but fast due to off-field struggles, eventually retiring from top-flight football after a nomadic later career.

3. Lionel Messi 

Number 3 is Lionel Messi. The Argentine genius is often cited as the GOAT. His "La Pulga" (The Flea) nickname stems from his small 1.70m stature, allowing for a "velcro-like" ball control. With over 800 goals and 400 assists, Messi has won everything, including the 2022 World Cup. He currently plays for Inter Miami in the USA, having joined in 2023.

2. Diego Maradona 

The runner-up at number 2 is Diego Maradona. The Argentine hero was a force of nature. At the 1986 World Cup, he recorded 53 successful dribbles, the most in history. His "Goal of the Century" against England, where he bypassed 5 players, is the ultimate testament to his skill. A hero at Napoli, where he won 2 Serie A titles, Maradona’s low center of gravity made him impossible to dispossess. He retired in 1997 at Boca Juniors.

1. Garrincha

Finally, number 1 is Garrincha. The "Little Bird" is the undisputed king of the wing. Despite being born with deformed legs, he turned his physical disadvantage into a weapon of mass confusion. 

In 1962, he single-handedly led Brazil to World Cup glory. Defenders knew he would go right, yet they could never stop him. His peers deemed him "unplayable." He spent his prime at Botafogo (1953–1965) and remains the most beloved figure in Brazilian football history.

Top 10 dribblers of all time

Garrincha

Diego Maradona

Lionel Messi

George Best

Johan Cruyff

Pele

Ronaldinho

Neymar Jr

Ronaldo Nazario

Eden Hazard

It is fascinating to see that even Messi, despite his magical runs and the iconic moment he destroyed Real Madrid’s entire defense for Barcelona, must still take a backseat to 2 earlier legends. Do you agree with this ranking of the best dribblers of all time by Spbolivescore?

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