Midfielders are the heartbeat of any football team. They control the rhythm, dictate the tempo, and often determine the outcome of matches through vision, intelligence, and leadership. The greatest teams in football history were all built around world-class midfielders who could do it all—defend, create, and inspire.
This article ranks the top 10 best midfielders in football history, from the tactical minds who controlled games like chess matches to the dazzling playmakers who redefined creativity. Each of these legends left an everlasting impact on the game, combining talent with silverware and historic moments.
10. Frank Rijkaard
Frank Rijkaard was a defensive midfielder who brought elegance and intelligence to a physically demanding role. Often remembered for his work-rate and tackles, Rijkaard was equally skilled with the ball, launching attacks with crisp passes from deep.
He won two European Cups with AC Milan and played a key role in the Netherlands’ UEFA Euro 1988 triumph. Rijkaard’s balanced style of defensive solidity and technical quality makes him one of the best midfielders the sport has ever seen.
Key Stats:
- Major Titles: 2 European Cups, Euro 1988
- Clubs: AC Milan, Ajax
- Style: Deep-lying playmaker with defensive acumen
9. Lothar Matthäus
Lothar Matthäus was the embodiment of a complete midfielder. His leadership, box-to-box energy, and vision led Germany to World Cup glory in 1990. That same year, he became a rare midfielder to win the Ballon d’Or.
At club level, Matthäus enjoyed immense success with Bayern Munich and Inter Milan. Despite missing out on the Champions League, his collection of six Bundesliga titles and two UEFA Cups is testament to his influence.
Key Stats:
- Major Titles: 1990 World Cup, 6 Bundesliga titles, 2 UEFA Cups
- Individual: Ballon d’Or winner (1990), FIFA World Player of the Year (1991)
- Style: Dynamic box-to-box leader
8. Andrea Pirlo
Andrea Pirlo defined elegance in midfield and remains one of the best midfielders in football history. Known for his vision and passing range, he dictated games with calm precision and orchestrated some of the finest attacks in world football.
Pirlo’s genius contributed to Italy’s 2006 World Cup win and Juventus’ Serie A dominance. He also led AC Milan to two Champions League titles, becoming a symbol of intelligent football at the highest level.
Key Stats:
- Major Titles: 2006 World Cup, 2 Champions League titles, 6 Serie A titles
- Style: Deep-lying playmaker
- Signature Trait: Long-range passing and composure
7. Andrés Iniesta
Andrés Iniesta was the master of the big moment. Whether in Champions League or World Cup finals, he consistently delivered when it mattered most. With his dribbling and composure, he helped Spain dominate world football for nearly a decade.
Iniesta is the only player to be named Man of the Match in the World Cup final, Champions League final, and European Championship final—an achievement that reflects his legacy as one of the best midfielders of all time.
Key Stats:
- Major Titles: World Cup 2010, Euro 2008 & 2012, 4 Champions League titles
- Unique Feat: Man of the Match in 3 major finals
- Style: Agile dribbler with high football IQ
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6. Xavi Hernández
If Iniesta brought flair, Xavi brought control. As the conductor of both Barcelona and Spain’s golden generation, Xavi’s tactical intelligence and passing accuracy suffocated opponents and enabled tiki-taka football to flourish.
Regarded by Lionel Messi as the best Spanish player in history, Xavi was the foundation upon which the Barcelona dynasty and Spain’s international dominance were built. His consistency, vision, and technical excellence firmly place him among the best midfielders the game has ever seen.
Key Stats:
- Major Titles: 4 Champions League titles, 2 European Championships, World Cup 2010
- Style: Metronomic passer, tactical controller
- Career Pass Accuracy: ~91%
5. Luka Modrić
Luka Modrić combined technical brilliance with fierce determination. At Real Madrid, he won five Champions League titles, but his greatest achievement came in 2018 when he led Croatia to the World Cup final and won the Ballon d’Or.
Even as an underdog, Modrić elevated his country to global prominence, proving that he belongs in any list of the best midfielders in football history, especially among those with the most assists and playmaking influence on the game.
Key Stats:
- Major Titles: 5 Champions League titles, 3 La Liga titles
- International: 2018 World Cup runner-up, 2022 World Cup third place
- Individual: Ballon d’Or winner (2018)
4. Diego Maradona
Though often considered a forward, Diego Maradona’s creative influence places him firmly among the best midfielders in football history. His 1986 World Cup campaign remains arguably the greatest individual tournament performance in football.
Maradona combined dribbling brilliance, unmatched flair, and leadership, dragging Argentina to global glory and transforming Napoli into Italian champions, securing his legacy as one of the best midfielders of all time.
Key Stats:
- Major Titles: 1986 World Cup, 2 Serie A titles with Napoli
- Style: Creative attacking midfielder
- Signature Moment: “Goal of the Century” vs England
3. Michel Platini
Michel Platini dominated European football in the 1980s and is considered one of the best midfielders of all time. With his vision, passing, and scoring ability, he redefined the role of the attacking midfielder. He remains the only player to win three consecutive Ballon d’Ors (1983–1985).
As one of the best midfielders, Platini led France to their first major trophy at Euro 1984 and had a stellar club career with Juventus, leaving a long-lasting legacy.
Key Stats:
- Major Titles: Euro 1984, European Cup with Juventus
- Individual: Ballon d’Or winner (1983, 1984, 1985)
- Style: Goal-scoring playmaker
2. Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Zidane, one of the best midfielders in football history, combined elegance with decisive performances. From his World Cup win in 1998 to his Champions League-winning volley in 2002, Zidane’s legacy is built on delivering in the biggest moments.
Known for his creativity and grace, he remains one of the most iconic best midfielders to ever play the game.
Key Stats:
- Major Titles: 1998 World Cup, Euro 2000, Champions League 2002
- Style: Elegant playmaker with composure
- Individual: FIFA World Player of the Year (1998, 2000, 2003)
1. Johan Cruyff
Johan Cruyff was not just a footballer—he was a revolution. As the face of “Total Football”, Cruyff influenced the game far beyond his playing years. His intelligence and vision made him the ultimate creative force for Ajax and Barcelona.
While not always seen as a traditional midfielder, his role in shaping modern football gives him the top spot in this list of the best midfielders in history.
Key Stats:
- Major Titles: 3 European Cups with Ajax, 9 league titles
- Philosophy: Founder of “Total Football”
- Legacy: Changed the way football is played and taught
Summary Table: Best Midfielders in Football History
| Rank | Player | Country / Club(s) | Key Titles | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Johan Cruyff | Netherlands / Ajax, Barcelona | 3 European Cups, 9 league titles | Architect of “Total Football” |
| 2 | Zinedine Zidane | France / Juventus, Real Madrid | World Cup 1998, Euro 2000, UCL 2002 | Legendary volley in UCL Final |
| 3 | Michel Platini | France / Juventus | Euro 1984, European Cup | 3-time Ballon d’Or winner |
| 4 | Diego Maradona | Argentina / Napoli, Barcelona | World Cup 1986, 2 Serie A titles | Greatest World Cup campaign ever |
| 5 | Luka Modrić | Croatia / Real Madrid | 5 UCLs, Ballon d’Or 2018 | Led Croatia to World Cup final |
| 6 | Xavi Hernández | Spain / Barcelona | 4 UCLs, Euro 2008/2012, WC 2010 | Midfield metronome of Barca/Spain |
| 7 | Andrés Iniesta | Spain / Barcelona | 4 UCLs, Euro 2008/2012, WC 2010 | MOTM in 3 major finals |
| 8 | Andrea Pirlo | Italy / AC Milan, Juventus | 2 UCLs, WC 2006, 6 Serie A titles | Icon of calm control and passing elegance |
| 9 | Lothar Matthäus | Germany / Bayern Munich, Inter Milan | World Cup 1990, 6 Bundesliga titles | Only German to win FIFA World Player of Year |
| 10 | Frank Rijkaard | Netherlands / AC Milan, Ajax | 2 European Cups, Euro 1988 | Defensive maestro with technical finesse |
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Q1. Who is the best midfielder in football history?
Johan Cruyff is widely considered the best due to his vision, influence, and success.
Q2. Which midfielder has the most Ballon d’Or wins?
Michel Platini, with three consecutive Ballon d’Or awards (1983–1985).
Q3. How many UCL titles does Luka Modrić have?
He has won five UEFA Champions League titles with Real Madrid.
Q4. Which club features most among top midfielders?
Barcelona, with Cruyff, Xavi, and Iniesta.