Pelé (Brazil)
It’s hard to put anyone else than Pelé on the top position. Especially after looking at his track record in World Cups. He is the only man to win it 3 times and is among the all-time topscorers. A virtually complete footballer with an impressive strength in the air despite being relatively small. He scored more than 1000 goals in his career.

Diego Maradona (Argentina)

Definitely the best dribbler the world has ever seen. World Cup winner 1986, runner-up in 1990. As all-round footballer he is not overshadowed by anyone. Not even Pelé, but the Brazilian’s honours in the tournament puts him slightly in front.

Franz Beckenbauer (West Germany)

The dominant player in the German defence for 10 years. He won gold, silver and bronze in his three World Cups 1966, 1970 and 1974. Ranks as the best defender in soccer history. A born leader on and off the field, which also saw him successful as manager for the German team when he won in 1990.

Garrincha (Brazil)

Known as “The Little Bird”, Garrincha was a dominant figure in Brazil’s first two World Cup winning teams 1958 and 1962. Played as a winger and wrongfooted lots of defenders in the 50s and 60s. Pelé said he would never have won 3 cups without Garrincha in the team.

Gerd Müller (West Germany)

The most remarkable goals-per-game marksman in soccer history at international level (62 games/68 goals). Müller is all time topscorer in World Cups with 14 goals and won the tournament on home soil in 1974, four years after being topscorer and bronzemedalist in Mexico.

Johann Cruyff (Holland)

He played only in one WC, but was the leader and captain for Holland’s team in 1974. Holland’s Total-Football almost achived the ultimate prize by winning the cup. Cruyff was their best player.

Ferenc Puskas (Hungary)

Nicknamed “The galloping major”, Puskas was captaining the Hungarian sides that went unbeaten for about four years. The sequence stopped unfortunately in the final of 1954.

Michel Platini (France)

Jairzinho (Brazil)

One of the best wingers of all time, Jairzinho was a constant threat for any full back. He scored lots of goals as well and scored in every game when Brazil won the cup in 1970.

Giuseppe Meazza (Italy)

Twice World Cup winner in 1934 and 1938, Meazza was Italy’s best player. He was captain for the 1938 team. The stadium in Milan has been named after him.