In football, the strikers may score the goals, but the center forward would seem lonely without the support of the team’s wingers. One of the most crucial players on the pitch is one who has the ability to run with the ball, create opportunities, and cope with the hard-tackling defenders. Defenders play defense, and attackers score, but it’s the magic a winger works that decide games. Find the list of the top 10 wingers of all time below.
10. David Beckham
David Beckham, one of the most successful English wingers of all time, is probably known to most football fans across the world. At Manchester United, where he first gained notoriety, Beckham made his team debut at the age of just 17 and went on to become a world-renowned athlete. Beckham’s high-profile transfer to Real Madrid in 2003 further solidified his place among the all-time great midfielders. With a right foot that could put the ball on a teammate’s head from 80 yards out, Beckham had incredible crossing ability. Beckham scored 97 league goals in 523 League games, many of which came from free kicks.
9. Garrincha
One of the most well-known Brazilian soccer players in history, Garrincha is hailed as the best dribbler of all time. Garrincha, who played a key role in Brazil’s triumphs in the 1958 and 1962 World Cups, was well-known for his ball control, quickness, and flair.It was sometimes claimed that Garrincha had a juvenile outlook on life, perhaps as a result of his lack of schooling but surely as a result of his passion for football. Garrincha was so skilled at set pieces that during his career, he scored four goals straight from corners and was widely considered as one of the greatest free-kick takers ever which makes him enter the list of the top 10 wingers of all time.
8. Stanley Matthews
With Stanley Matthews, the renowned English winger who competed at the highest level of football until he was 50 years old, the proverb “if you’re good enough, you’re old enough” surely applies in both directions. At 42 years and 104 days old, Matthews is also the oldest player to have ever played professionally for England. Many people are unaware that Matthews participated in two World Cups, in 1950 and 1954, and that he spent most of his career at Stoke City, where he played for the team for 15 seasons. He is frequently referred to as one of the greatest ball crossers in history, which is quite an accomplishment given the ancient, heavy soccer balls that were used in the 1940s and 1950s.
7. Johan Cruyff
Johan Cruff, a Dutch legend and one of the most talented players in-game history who played for the Ajax club that popularised the term “Total Football,” changed soccer forever. Cruyff, who possessed exceptional talent, agility, and ball control, was at one point unplayable. One of the tactics Cruyff utilized to great effect was the Cruyff turn, in which the Dutch international would move the ball one way, then spin it around before leaving a defender flat on their back. He was, quite simply, one of Holland’s all-time greatest soccer players.
6. Luis Figo
Luis Figo was rightfully recognised as one of the greatest wingers in history because of his ability to combine the elegance and agility of a ballerina with the sheer strength of an NFL player. Both at Barcelona and then at Real Madrid, the legendary Portuguese player was unmatched.Figo was a brilliant crosser of the ball who could also score stunning goals. He had fast feet, was a pro at dribbling, and had the strength to go past players on his way to the net. One of the best players Portugal has ever produced, truly exceptional.
5. Ryan Giggs
Ryan Giggs, a former Manchester United player, is considered as the best-left winger of all time for his consistency and productivity. The Welsh magician, who debuted for Manchester United at the age of 17, played 672 league games for the club over the course of a 24-year career, scoring 114 goals. Giggs was tremendously quick and could keep moving while having the ball in his hands, making him a headache for defenders. Giggs deserves to be on our list for more reasons than simply his ball-handling prowess; he also exhibits remarkable consistency. Playing at the highest level of football for more than 20 years is not simple and makes him a no brainer on the list of the top 10 wingers of all time.
4. Ronaldinho
Football is a professional sport with repercussions for the losers; not many players have the pure skill to appear like they’re having the time of their life while competing in front of 60,000 screaming spectators. However, Ronaldinho always appeared to be having a good time while playing; it’s hard not to appreciate a guy who seems to be having so much fun. yet don’t be fooled by the beaming smile; Ronaldinho was a prolific winner and one of the greatest players ever. The Brazilian carried the weight of both his club and his nation on his shoulders, yet he never looked to be bothered by either.
3. George Best
At his prime, George finest was the finest player on the globe, so if you’ve never seen him play, you’re missing out on one of the greatest soccer players to ever be born. One aspect of Best’s skill as a player that sticks out is his ability to ride a tackle. Because referees in the 1960s were far more forgiving than officials today, Best was regularly booted for 90 minutes.Even after being violently tackled, Best would frequently recover possession of the ball and make crazy runs past three or four opponents before scoring or setting up a teammate.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, is almost superhuman in his skills; with more records to his name than any other player in history, he is, without a doubt, one of the greatest wingers ever to play the game. With over 800 senior goals, and 1,100 career appearances, it was tough to place Ronaldo in second place, but the most significant Portuguese player of all time did spend much of his career also playing as a striker. As a winger, though, Ronaldo was unbeatable; he was lightning-fast, full of tricks and turns, and powerful enough to drive past defenders like a freight train.
1. Lionel Messi
On our list of the greatest wingers ever, only one player—Lionel Messi—could surpass Cristiano Ronaldo for the top slot. Messi is the ideal football player; he has 35 titles to his name and a level of talent that is unlikely to be matched. Messi, who could play on either wing, was frequently seen cutting inside from the wing, scoring stunning goals, or finding a teammate; his dribbling prowess and capacity to avoid challenges made him one of the game’s most dangerous attackers and the top-of-the-list of the top 10 wingers of all time.
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