For as long as any of us can remember, football has been the most popular and beloved sport across the world, this is because the game is full of such passion from everybody involved, from fans to players. Fans can get more involved by betting on footy tips. Throughout history, the sport has produced some of the most talented and famous athletes who names are known around the world, let’s take a look at some of those football players whose names are written in history and even some that are currently pathing the way for the same universal respect that will last forever. 

Lionel Messi 

Not yet a player of the past, Lionel Messi is still considered one of, if not the most talented players in the history of the sport and its clear to see exactly how. Messi holds the record for most goal scored in La Liga’s history, not to mention holding the record for most goals scored in a single calendar year – 91 goals.

Messi does not only have records for his skill but also has won his fair share of awards that show his true talent, with sic Ballon d’Or awards, which are one of the oldest awards in football and is considered the most prestigious single award a player can win. 

Diego Maradona 

Making his debut at the age of 16, Maradona is considered one of the best player to have ever graced the football field, his career saw him play an instrumental part in winning many prestigious events, such as the World Cup, UEFA cup and two Sudetti.

His talent was made evident by many suggesting that his team mediocrity leading to him having to carry them on his back and so their victories being very much due to Maradona himself.

Pele

Kickstarting his professional career back in 1956 in which went on to last two decades and score a total of 1283 goals, along with winning three World Cups with his team – Brazil – making him the only player to ever do so. As well as his success in the World Cups, Pele is also the most successful goalscorer in the world, with 92 hat tricks and even once scoring 8 goals in a single game.

Cristiano Ronaldo 

Another modern-day footy hero, Ronaldo is still making history as his career as a professional player is still ongoing. Along with Lionel Messi, Ronaldo is one of the greatest athletes to grace the field in years and possibly one of the best ever, his talents have not gone unrewarded as he has five Ballon d’Or awards and he doesn’t look as though he is going to be slowing down anytime soon as his book of records continues to grow. The all-time top scorer for both Portugal and Real Madrid has made his mark on the sport and will go down in history for his abilities, but although it is disputed whether he is the greatest player on the field today, it is impossible to deny that he is the most well-known athlete across the world and therefore possibly the most famous footballer in history.