Exploring the history of football, it's evident that the game's heart lies in the midfield - a zone where the battle for control can make or break a team's strategy. The midfield maestros, with their exceptional skills in both defense and attack, are pivotal in orchestrating the play and setting the pace of the game. As we delve into the annals of football to highlight the top seven best midfielders, it's a journey through the careers of players who have not only defined their roles but have elevated the sport to new heights. Their contributions have been instrumental in their teams' successes, leaving an indelible mark on the beautiful game. For fans looking to immerse themselves further into the world of football and explore more about what makes these players stand out, including their strategic plays and perhaps even how they might fare in online gaming platforms, visiting this comprehensive site https://www.richardcasino3.com/promotions can offer a deeper insight into the game's nuances, including promotions that enhance the gambling experience.
Ronaldinho
Country: Brazil
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Years: 1998 – 2015
Ronaldinho's European career began at PSG, which he joined from Grêmio in 2001. His career then included stints at major clubs like Barcelona and AC Milan.
The best period of Ronaldinho's career was his time at the Catalan club, where he spent 5 seasons. During this time, he played 145 matches for the "Blaugranas" and scored 70 goals. With Barcelona, Ronnie won La Liga twice, the Super Cup of Spain twice, and the Champions League in the 2005/06 season. Ronaldinho played a key role in that Barcelona team, which earned him the Ballon d'Or in 2006.
With the Brazilian national team, the midfielder won the Copa America in 1999, the World Cup in 2002, and the Confederations Cup in 2005.
Lothar Matthäus
Country: Germany
Position: Defensive Midfielder
Years: 1979 – 2000
Lothar Matthäus's physical attributes were not impressive. Since childhood, he dreamed of becoming a footballer, but his height of 174 cm could have been an obstacle. He even blamed his mother for giving birth to him small and weak. Despite this, Matthäus worked hard and managed to become physically strong. The German had remarkable technique, ball control, and the ability to work equally effectively in defense and actively participate in the attack.
The main clubs in Lothar Matthäus's career were Bayern Munich and Inter Milan. The midfielder played for the Munich club from 1984 to 1988 and then from 1992 to 2000. Between these periods, Matthäus played for Inter. The footballer won a large number of trophies with Bayern, among which I highlight 7 German championships, 3 Cups, and the UEFA Cup in 1996.
In Italy, the trophies were modest: the midfielder won Serie A once, the Italian Super Cup, and the UEFA Cup. However, it was during his time at Inter Milan that Lothar Matthäus received his most important award, winning the Ballon d'Or in 1990.
Michel Platini
Country: France
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Years: 1972 – 1987
Michel Platini's career included three clubs: Nancy, Saint-Étienne, and Juventus. In Italy, Platini reached the highest level of his career and won almost all possible club titles with the "Old Lady."
Despite playing as a midfielder, Platini not only assisted his teammates but also scored more than many forwards. The Frenchman became the top scorer of Serie A three times in a row (1982–1984).
With the French national team, Platini won the European Championship in 1984 and the Artemio Franchi Cup in 1985, played between the winners of the Euro and Copa America. Platini scored 41 goals for the national team and until 2007 was the top scorer in the history of France, until his record was broken by Henry.
An interesting fact – on November 23, 1988, Michel Platini played a friendly match for the Kuwait national team against the USSR. He was passing through the city on his way as an honorary guest to the opening of the Asian Cup in Qatar, and the Emir of Kuwait asked him to participate in the match. Platini played about 20 minutes on the field.
Platini's main qualities were his well-placed shot, which he practiced independently for hours after training, excellent field vision, the ability to pass and find teammates in unlikely situations.
Andrés Iniesta
Country: Spain
Position: Central Midfielder
Years: 2002 – present
Andrés Iniesta is the only player in our top best midfielders list still playing at a professional level. At 38, he is playing in the Japanese league for Vissel Kobe.
Before moving to finish his career in Japan, Andrés spent 16 years at Barcelona. The "Blaugranas" had their golden years, allowing the midfielder to win all possible club trophies. In total, Iniesta won 32 titles with Barcelona.
For the Spanish national team, Andrés played 131 matches and was a key figure in the midfield. From 2008 to 2012, he won 2 European Championships and 1 World Cup. Notably, in the 2010 World Cup final, Iniesta scored the only goal of the match, bringing the title to his national team.
Andrés Iniesta has an incredible football intelligence, which allows him to play even at 38. This midfielder possesses excellent technique, dribbling, field vision, and phenomenal passing. Iniesta's main move on the field is to draw several opponents to himself, then pass the ball to a free teammate. Barcelona suited Iniesta perfectly – he was able to unleash his potential to the fullest.
Xavi
Country: Spain
Position: Central Midfielder
Years: 1998 – 2019
Xavi spent the main part of his career at Barcelona, after which he went to finish his career in Qatar. Almost everything said about Andrés Iniesta can also be said about Xavi. Barcelona's midfield was unimaginable without these two passing geniuses. Xavi played for the Catalan club for 17 seasons and won 25 trophies with the club.
For the Spanish national team, Xavi has two Euro wins and one World Cup win. He played 133 matches for the "Red Fury," scoring 13 goals.
For most fans, Xavi is associated with excellent field vision and the ability to make a pass of any complexity. Xavi was a versatile player, able to play as a playmaker, operate in the defensive zone, and even on the midfield flank. He was also a master of set pieces and took almost all free kicks and corners, both for the club and the national team.
Diego Maradona
Country: Argentina
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Years: 1976 – 1997
Diego Maradona, FIFA's Player of the Century, shared this award with Brazilian striker Pelé. The Argentine played at home for Argentinos Juniors, Boca Juniors, and Newell's Old Boys, in Spain for Barcelona and Sevilla, and in Italy for Napoli.
The most successful period for Maradona was at the Neapolitan club, where he played 188 matches and scored 81 goals. In 7 years at Napoli, Diego won Serie A twice, the Italian Cup and Super Cup once each, and the UEFA Cup in 1988/89.
Maradona's highest achievement with the national team was winning the 1986 World Cup. The quarter-final match against England, where Diego first scored the "Hand of God" goal and then completed a double by beating six opponents, remains memorable. This goal was later named the best in World Cup history.
Maradona was short and possessed all the qualities needed for his position: high speed, good technique and dribbling, the ability to make the final pass. Also, Diego had a well-placed shot with his left foot and was excellent at set pieces. Moreover, upon losing the ball, he immediately engaged in retrieval and was always focused on the fight.
Zinédine Zidane
Country: France
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Years: 1988 – 2006
Zidane is one of the best midfielders in football history. Zinédine began his career at Cannes, followed by stints at Bordeaux, Juventus, and Real Madrid. Zizou's best football years were spent outside his homeland.
After five years at Juventus, where the footballer won 5 titles and also received the Ballon d'Or in 1998, he moved to Real Madrid for a then-record sum of 75 million euros. Five years later, Zidane won the league and Super Cup of Spain, the Champions League, the Intercontinental Cup, and the UEFA Super Cup with the "Merengues."
With the French national team, Zidane won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000. The player had a chance to win a second World Cup for himself in 2006, but in the final, his team lost to Italy in a penalty shootout, and Zidane was sent off for headbutting opponent Marco Materazzi. After this match, Zidane retired from the national team.
Zidane has many individual awards. FIFA named him the world's best footballer three times – in 1998, 2000, and 2003. The Frenchman's playing style was calm and elegant. He had excellent field vision, creative thinking, and perfect technique. Moreover, the Frenchman was good at set pieces.