TOP 25 Defensive-Midfielders
The defensive midfielder, often considered the backbone of a team's defense, plays a pivotal role in football. Tasked primarily with shielding the backline, this player must possess tactical awareness, strength, and the ability to read the game. They break up opposition attacks, often intercepting passes and making crucial tackles. Beyond defense, they're also the link to the offense, initiating plays with precise distribution. Some may play as a 'destroyer,' focusing solely on regaining possession, while others, known as 'deep-lying playmakers,' contribute to both defense and attack, dictating the tempo from a deeper position on the field. Their versatility and strategic importance cannot be overstated, as they provide balance and security, allowing other teammates to venture forward.
#1 Lothar Matthäus "Torminator"
- Pro Period : 1978 - 2001
- International Career : 1980 - 2000
- 950 matches - 247 goals - 76 assists
- Defensive-Midfielder/Central-Midfielder/Libero - 1m74
- 23 Trophies/22 Individual Awards
#2 José Leandro Andrade "La Maravilha Negra"
- Pro Period : 1920 - 1934
- International Career : 1923 - 1930
- 317 matches - 40 goals - / assists
- Defensive-Midfielder - 1m79
- 14 Trophies/3 Individual Awards
#3 József Bozsik "Cucu"
- Pro Period : 1943 - 1962
- International Career : 1947 - 1962
- 548 matches - 44 goals - / assists
- Defensive-Midfielder/Central-Midfielder - 1m73
- 7 Trophies/5 Individual Awards
#4 Frank Rijkaard "In Petto"
- Pro Period : 1980 - 1995
- International Career : 1981 - 1994
- 613 matches - 108 goals - 59 assists
- Defensive-Midfielder/Central-Midfielder/Center-Back - 1m90
- 25 Trophies/11 Individual Awards
#5 Jimmy Crabtree
- Pro Period : 1889 - 1904
- International Career : 1894 - 1902
- 268+ matches - 15+ goals - 45 assists
- Defensive-Midfielder/Left-Back - 1m78
- 4 Trophies/0 Individual Awards
#6 Ernst Ocwirk "Il Genio del Prater"
- Pro Period : 1942 - 1962
- International Career : 1945 - 1962
- 532 matches - 84 goals - / assists
- Defensive-Midfielder/Central Midfielder - 1m83
- 7 Trophies/3 Individual Awards
#7 Karel Pešek
- Pro Period : 1913 - 1934
- International Career : 1920 - 1931
- 727 matches - 150 goals - / assists
- Defensive-Midfielder/Central-Midfielder/Left-Back - 1m73
- 6 Trophies/0 Individual Award
#8 Luis Monti "Doble Ancho"
- Pro Period : 1921 - 1938
- International Career : 1924 - 1936
- 548 matches - 72 goals - 103 assists
- Defensive-Midfielder/Center-Back/Libero - 1m67
- 12 Trophies/2 Individual Awards
#9 Sergio Busquets "Busi"
- Pro Period : 2008 -
- International Career : 2009 - 2022
- 906 matches - 21 goals - 61 assists
- Defensive-Midfielder/Central-Midfielder/Center-Back - 1m89
- 36 Trophies/5 Individual Awards
#10 Fernando Redondo "El Principe"
- Pro Period : 1985 - 2004
- International Career : 1992 - 1999
- 468 matches - 7 goals - / assists
- Defensive-Midfielder/Central-Midfielder - 1m86
- 11 Trophies/5 Individual Awards
#11 Pirri "The White Lung"
- Pro Period : 1963 - 1982
- International Career : 1966 - 1978
- 663 matches - 210 goals - / assists
- Defensive-Midfielder/Central-Midfielder/Libero - 1m76
- 15 Trophies/0 Individual Award
#12 Obdulio Varela "El Negro Jefe"
- Pro Period : 1938 - 1955
- International Career : 1939 - 1954
- / matches - / goals - / assists
- Defensive-Midfielder/Center-Back - 1m78
- 24 Trophies/3 Individual Awards
#13 Graeme Souness "The Man with the Axe"
- Pro Period : 1970 - 1991
- International Career : 1974 - 1986
- 732 matches - 96 goals - 46 assists
- Defensive-Midfielder/Central-Midfielder/Attacking-Midfielder - 1m80
- 25 Trophies/10 Individual Awards
#14 Roy Keane
- Pro Period : 1989 - 2006
- International Career : 1991 - 2005
- 743 matches - 109 goals - 49 assists
- Defensive-Midfielder/Central-Midfielder - 1m78
- 21 Trophies/20 Individual Awards
#15 Patrick Vieira "La Pieuvre"
- Pro Period : 1993 - 2011
- International Career : 1997 - 2009
- 761 matches - 64 goals - 88 assists
- Defensive-Midfielder/Central-Midfielder - 1m92
- 23 Trophies/16 Individual Awards
#16 Didier Deschamps "Le Général"
- Pro Period : 1985 - 2001
- International Career : 1989 - 2000
- 665 matches - 25 goals - 30 assists
- Defensive-Midfielder/Central-Midfielder - 1m74
- 18 Trophies/6 Individual Awards
#17 Zito "Gerante"
- Pro Period : 1948 - 1967
- International Career : 1955 - 1966
- 890 matches - 101 goals - / assists
- Defensive-Midfielder - 1m79
- 31 Trophies/1 Individual Award
#18 Víctor Rodríguez Andrade
- Pro Period : 1945 - 1957
- International Career : 1947 - 1957
- / matches - / goals - / assists
- Defensive-Midfielder/Center-Back/Libero - 1m69
- 4 Trophies/2 Individual Awards
#19 Claude Makélélé "Mi-cuisse"
- Pro Period : 1991 - 2011
- International Career : 1995 - 2008
- 878 matches - 24 goals - 31 assists
- Defensive-Midfielder/Central-Midfielder/Right-Midfielder - 1m70
- 15 Trophies/3 Individual Awards
#20 N'Golo Kanté
- Pro Period : 2012 -
- International Career : 2016 -
- 493 matches - 27 goals - 36 assists
- Defensive-Midfielder/Central-Midfielder - 1m68
- 8 Trophies/17 Individual Awards
#21 Xabi Alonso "La Barba Roja"
- Pro Period : 2000 - 2018
- International Career : 2003 - 2014
- 809 matches - 59 goals - 77 assists
- Defensive-Midfielder/Central-Midfielder - 1m83
- 18 Trophies/8 Individual Awards
#22 Ulrich Stielike "El Panzer"
- Pro Period : 1973 - 1988
- International Career : 1975 - 1984
- 560 matches - 78 goals - / assists
- Defensive-Midfielder/Libero - 1m76
- 16 Trophies/4 Individual Awards
#23 Josef Smistik "Pepi"
- Pro Period : 1921 - 1945
- International Career : 1928 - 1936
- / matches - / goals - / assists
- Defensive-Midfielder/Central-Midfielder - 1m83
- 6 Trophies/0 Individual Award
#24 Casemiro "The Tank"
- Pro Period : 2010 -
- International Career : 2011 -
- 656 matches - 65 goals - 59 assists
- Defensive-Midfielder/Central-Midfielder/Center-Back - 1m85
- 25 Trophies/6 Individual Awards
#25 Toninho Cerezo
- Pro Period : 1972 - 1997
- International Career : 1977 - 1985
- 803 matches - 112 goals - / assists
- Defensive-Midfielder/Central-Midfielder - 1m83
- 21 Trophies/9 Individual Awards
TOP 25 Central-Midfielders
In the dynamic world of football, the midfielder plays a pivotal role, acting as the crucial link between defense and attack. This versatile position demands a player who can defend, control the game's tempo, and initiate offensive actions. Central midfielders, often the team's strategists, distribute the ball and set the rhythm of play. Defensive midfielders, or 'holding' players, protect the back line and break up opposition attacks, while attacking midfielders, positioned closer to the strikers, focus on creating scoring opportunities. Wide midfielders or wingers use their pace and dribbling skills to stretch the opposition's defense and deliver crosses into the box. Each role within the midfield requires a unique set of skills, but all share the common goal of maintaining balance in the team, ensuring fluidity between the defensive duties and the quest for goals.
#1 Didi "Senhor Futebol"
- Pro Period : 1946 - 1966
- International Career : 1952 - 1962
- 601 matches - 193 goals - 158 assists
- Central-Midfielders/AM/DM - 1m71
- 17 Trophies/4 Individual Awards
#2 Xavi Hernández "Pelopo"
- Pro Period : 1998 - 2019
- International Career : 2000 - 2014
- 1017 matches - 123 goals - 241 assists
- Central-Midfielder - 1m70
- 32 Trophies/31 Individual Awards
#3 Luka Modrić "Lukita"
- Pro Period : 2003 -
- International Career : 2006 -
- 949 matches - 105 goals - 169 assists
- Central-Midfielder/Attacking-Midfielder - 1m72
- 33 Trophies/51 Individual Awards
#4 Andrés Iniesta "El Cerebro"
- Pro Period : 2002 -
- International Career : 2006 - 2018
- 962 matches - 102 goals - 192 assists
- Central-Midfielder/Attacking-Midfielder/Left-Winger - 1m71
- 40 Trophies/41 Individual Awards
#5 Johan Neeskens "Johan II"
- Pro Period : 1968 - 1991
- International Career : 1970 - 1981
- 598 matches - 126 goals - / assists
- Central-Midfielder/Center-Back/Right-Midfielder - 1m72
- 13 Trophies/4 Individual Awards
#6 Mario Coluna "O Monstro Sagrado"
- Pro Period : 1954 - 1972
- International Career : 1955 - 1968
- 588 matches - 130 goals - / assists
- Central-Midfielder/DM/AM - 1m72
- 18 Trophies/3 Individual Awards
#7 Andrea Pirlo "Il Maestro"
- Pro Period : 1995 - 2017
- International Career : 2002 - 2015
- 872 matches - 86 goals - 158 assists
- Central-Midfielder/DM/AM - 1m77
- 19 Trophies/40 Individual Awards
#8 Günter Netzer "The Karajan of European football"
- Pro Period : 1963 - 1978
- International Career : 1965 - 1975
- 511 matches - 145 goals - 85 assists
- Central-Midfielder/Attacking-Midfielder - 1m80
- 9 Trophies/5 Individual Awards
#9 Toni Kroos "Iceman"
- Pro Period : 2007 - 2024
- International Career : 2010 - 2024
- 830 matches - 79 goals - 182 assists
- Central-Midfielder/AM/DM - 1m83
- 33 Trophies/31 Individual Awards
#10 Gérson "Papagaio"
- Pro Period : 1959 - 1974
- International Career : 1961 - 1972
- 598 matches - 205 goals - / assists
- Central-Midfielder/AM/DM - 1m72
- 21 Trophies/2 Individual Awards
#11 Josef Masopust "The Knight"
- Pro Period : 1950 - 1970
- International Career : 1954 - 1966
- 775 matches - 239 goals - / assists
- Central-Midfielder/Defensive-Midfielder - 1m77
- 11 Trophies/8 Individual Awards
#12 Falcão "The Eighth King of Rome"
- Pro Period : 1972 - 1986
- International Career : 1976 - 1986
- 589 matches - 112 goals - / assists
- Central-Midfielder/AM/DM - 1m83
- 17 Trophies/16 Individual Awards
#13 Willem Van Hanegem "De Kromme"
- Pro Period : 1962 - 1983
- International Career : 1968 - 1979
- 683 matches - 186 goals - 140 assists
- Central-Midfielder/DM/AM - 1m85
- 8 Trophies/1 Individual Award
#14 Clarence Seedorf "Il professore"
- Pro Period : 1992 - 2014
- International Career : 1994 - 2008
- 989 matches - 154 goals - 145 assists
- Central-Midfielder/AM/RM - 1m76
- 23 Trophies/13 Individual Awards
#15 Paul Scholes "Ginger Genius"
- Pro Period : 1993 - 2013
- International Career : 1997 - 2004
- 773 matches - 169 goals - 95 assists
- Central-Midfielder/AM/DM - 1m68
- 28 Trophies/13 Individual Awards
#16 Steven Gerrard "Stevie"
- Pro Period : 1998 - 2016
- International Career : 2000 - 2014
- 863 matches - 212 goals - 192 assists
- Central-Midfielder/AM/DM - 1m83
- 9 Trophies/47 Individual Awards
#17 Frank Lampard "Super Frankie"
- Pro Period : 1995 - 2016
- International Career : 1999 - 2014
- 1004 matches - 297 goals - 183 assists
- Central-Midfielder/Attacking-Midfielder - 1m84
- 14 Trophies/31 Individual Awards
#18 Bryan Robson "Captain Marvel"
- Pro Period : 1974 - 1996
- International Career : 1980 - 1991
- 806 matches - 172 goals - / assists
- Central-Midfielder/AM/DM - 1m80
- 15 Trophies/12 Individual Awards
#19 Danny Blanchflower
- Pro Period : 1946 - 1965
- International Career : 1949 - 1963
- 753 matches - 40 goals - / assists
- Central-Midfielder/DM/AM - 1m75
- 6 Trophies/5 Individual Awards
#20 Jean Tigana "Le Don Quichotte du Mali"
- Pro Period : 1975 - 1991
- International Career : 1980 - 1988
- 652 matches - 43 goals - / assists
- Central-Midfielder/Defensive-Midfielder - 1m68
- 9 Trophies/7 Individual Awards
#21 Michael Ballack "The Little Kaizer"
- Pro Period : 1995 - 2012
- International Career : 1999 - 2010
- 683 matches - 185 goals - 112 assists
- Central-Midfielder/AM/DM - 1m89
- 14 Trophies/16 Individual Awards
#22 Karl Koller
- Pro Period : 1945 - 1966
- International Career : 1952 - 1958
- 922 matches - 106 goals - / assists
- Central-Midfielder/Defensive-Midfielder - 1m82
- 2 Trophies/0 Individual Award
#23 Walter Nausch
- Pro Period : 1923 - 1938
- International Career : 1929 - 1937
- 276 matches - 33 goals - / assists
- Central-Midfielder/DM/LM - 1m79
- 11 Trophies/0 Individual Award
#24 Igor Netto
- Pro Period : 1949 - 1966
- International Career : 1952 - 1965
- 461 matches - 44 goals - / assists
- Central-Midfielder/AM/LM - 1m77
- 11 Trophies/3 Individual Awards
#25 Marco Tardelli "Schizzo"
- Pro Period : 1972 - 1988
- International Career : 1976 - 1985
- 619 matches - 71 goals - / assists
- Central-Midfielder/Defensive-Midfielder/Left-Back - 1m78
- 12 Trophies/3 Individual Awards
TOP 30 Attacking-Midfielders/Second Striker
In the dynamic world of football, the roles of an attacking midfielder and a second striker are pivotal in orchestrating the offensive play. The attacking midfielder, often seen as the playmaker, operates just behind the strikers, where they can utilize their vision and creativity to dictate the tempo of the game. They are the link between the midfield and the attack, responsible for crafting goal-scoring opportunities through precise passes and strategic positioning. The second striker, on the other hand, plays closer to the lead forward, often moving into spaces between the opposition's defensive lines. Their role is versatile, combining the duties of a forward and a midfielder, which includes scoring goals, setting up the main striker, and also dropping back to assist in building up plays. Both positions require a high level of technical skill, agility, and an acute understanding of the game to effectively break down defenses and enhance the team's offensive potential. These roles are essential in a team's strategy, providing the flexibility and support needed to outmaneuver opponents and maximize scoring chances.
#1 Pelé "O Rei"
- Pro Period : 1956 - 1977
- International Career : 1957 - 1971
- 831 matches - 767 goals - 353 assists
- Second Striker/False 9/Attacking-Midfielder - 1m72
- 37 Trophies/71 Individual Awards
#2 Alfredo Di Stéfano "The Blonde Arrow"
- Pro Period : 1945 - 1966
- International Career : 1947 - 1961
- 710 matches - 511 goals - 232 assists
- Second Striker/Attacking-Midfielder/Central-Midfielder - 1m78
- 26 Trophies/26 Individual Awards
#3 Johan Cruyff "The Flying Dutchman"
- Pro Period : 1964 - 1984
- International Career : 1966 - 1977
- 777 matches - 449 goals - 356 assists
- False 9/Attacking-Midfielder/Second Striker - 1m79
- 22 Trophies/33 Individual Awards
#4 Diego Armando Maradona "El Pibe de Oro"
- Pro Period : 1976 - 1997
- International Career : 1977 - 1994
- 679 matches - 346 goals - 205 assists
- Attacking-Midfielder/Second Striker - 1m64
- 13 Trophies/57 Individual Awards
#5 Michel Platini "Le Roi"
- Pro Period : 1972 - 1987
- International Career : 1976 - 1987
- 657 matches - 355 goals - 179 assists
- Attacking-Midfielder/Central-Midfielder - 1m79
- 11 Trophies/40 Individual Awards
#6 Zico "The White Pelé"
- Pro Period : 1971 - 1994
- International Career : 1976 - 1986
- 749 matches - 514 goals - 230 assists
- Attacking-Midfielder/Second Striker/Left-Winger - 1m72
- 30 Trophies/30 Individual Awards
#7 José Manuel Moreno "El Charro"
- Pro Period : 1935 - 1961
- International Career : 1936 - 1950
- 527 matches - 242 goals - 82 assists
- Second Striker/Attacking-Midfielder/Right-Winger - 1m78
- 23 Trophies/4 Individual Awards
#8 Zinédine Zidane "El Magnifico"
- Pro Period : 1988 - 2006
- International Career : 1994 - 2006
- 793 matches - 164 goals - 202 assists
- Attacking-Midfielder/Central-Midfielder/Left-Midfielder - 1m85
- 17 Trophies/42 Individual Awards
#9 Bobby Charlton "Sir Bobby"
- Pro Period : 1957 - 1976
- International Career : 1958 - 1970
- 913 matches - 309 goals - 169 assists
- Attacking-Midfielder/Central-Midfielder/Second Striker - 1m73
- 23 Trophies/20 Individual Awards
#10 Luis Suárez Miramontes "Gallego de Oro"
- Pro Period : 1952 - 1973
- International Career : 1957 - 1972
- 625 matches - 167 goals - / assists
- Attacking-Midfielder/Left-Midfielder/Central-Midfielder - 1m78
- 14 Trophies/8 Individual Awards
#11 Matthias Sindelar "The Mozart of Football"
- Pro Period : 1918 - 1938
- International Career : 1926 - 1937
- 769 matches - 631 goals - 228 assists
- Second Striker/False 9/Attacking-Midfielder - 1m75
- 11 Trophies/4 Individual Awards
#12 Roberto Baggio "Divin Codino"
- Pro Period : 1982 - 2004
- International Career : 1988 - 2004
- 699 matches - 318 goals - 167 assists
- Attacking-Midfielder/Second Striker/False 9 - 1m74
- 5 Trophies/22 Individual Awards
#13 László Kubala "Kuksi"
- Pro Period : 1944 - 1967
- International Career : 1946 - 1961
- 470 matches - 287 goals - 134 assists
- Second Striker/Right-Winger/Attacking-Midfielder - 1m76
- 15 Trophies/4 Individual Awards
#14 Fritz Walter
- Pro Period : 1939 - 1959
- International Career : 1940 - 1958
- 572 matches - 574 goals - 125 assists
- Attacking-Midfielder/Second Striker - 1m75
- 13 Trophies/11 Individual Awards
#15 Alex James
- Pro Period : 1922 - 1937
- International Career : 1925 - 1932
- 512 matches - 111 goals - 220 assists
- Attacking-Midfielder - 1m53
- 8 Trophies/4 Individual Awards
#16 Zizinho "Master Ziza"
- Pro Period : 1939 - 1962
- International Career : 1942 - 1957
- 717 matches - 322 goals - / assists
- Attacking-Midfielder/Right-Winger/Left-Winger - 1m72
- 14 Trophies/4 Individual Awards
#17 Ruud Gullit "The Black Tulip"
- Pro Period : 1978 - 1998
- International Career : 1981 - 1994
- 644 matches - 240 goals - 112 assists
- Second Striker/Central-Midfielder/Center-Back - 1m85
- 20 Trophies/18 Individual Awards
#18 Héctor Scarone "El Magico"
- Pro Period : 1916 - 1939
- International Career : 1917 - 1930
- 329 matches - 223 goals - 159 assists
- Second Striker/Striker/Right-Winger - 1m73
- 35 Trophies/4 Individual Awards
#19 Nándor Hidegkuti "The Great Master"
- Pro Period : 1940 - 1958
- International Career : 1945 - 1958
- 450 matches - 303 goals - / assists
- False 9/Attacking-Midfielder/Second Striker - 1m79
- 7 Trophies/7 Individual Awards
#20 Gianni Rivera "The Golden Boy"
- Pro Period : 1958 - 1979
- International Career : 1962 - 1974
- 740 matches - 183 goals - 162 assists
- Attacking-Midfielder/Second Striker/Central-Midfielder - 1m75
- 13 Trophies/11 Individual Awards
#21 Valentino Mazzola "Il Capitano"
- Pro Period : 1935 - 1949
- International Career : 1942 - 1949
- 404 matches - 310 goals - 128 assists
- Attacking-Midfielder/Second Striker/Left-Winger - 1m70
- 7 Trophies/0 Individual Award
#22 Juan Alberto Schiaffino "El dios de futbol"
- Pro Period : 1943 - 1962
- International Career : 1946 - 1958
- 470 matches - 159 goals - 258 assists
- Attacking-Midfielder/Second Striker/Central-Midfielder - 1m85
- 25 Trophies/5 Individual Awards
#23 Nils Liedholm "Il Barone"
- Pro Period : 1938 - 1961
- International Career : 1947 - 1958
- 525 matches - 147 goals - / assists
- Attacking-Midfielder - 1m82
- 10 Trophies/3 Individual Awards
#24 Kevin De Bruyne "KDB"
- Pro Period : 2008 -
- International Career : 2010 -
- 711 matches - 176 goals - 303 assists
- Attacking-Midfielder/Central-Midfielder - 1m81
- 22 Trophies/50 Individual Awards
#25 Michael Laudrup "Kongen"
- Pro Period : 1981 - 1998
- International Career : 1982 - 1998
- 724 matches - 197 goals - / assists
- Attacking-Midfielder/Second Striker/Left-Winger - 1m83
- 16 Trophies/13 Individual Awards
#26 Omar Sívori "El Gran Zurdo"
- Pro Period : 1954 - 1969
- International Career : 1956 - 1962
- 426 matches - 236 goals - / assists
- Second Striker/Attacking-Midfielder - 1m63
- 12 Trophies/4 Individual Awards
#27 Dennis Bergkamp "The Iceman"
- Pro Period : 1986 - 2006
- International Career : 1990 - 2000
- 815 matches - 301 goals - 167 assists
- Second Striker/False 9/Attacking-Midfielder - 1m83
- 17 Trophies/21 Individual Awards
#28 Rivaldo "Lhoual"
- Pro Period : 1989 - 2015
- International Career : 1993 - 2003
- 1016 matches - 443 goals - / assists
- Attacking-Midfielder/Left-Winger/Second Striker - 1m86
- 23 Trophies/22 Individual Awards
#29 Larbi Ben Barek "The Black Pearl"
- Pro Period : 1934 - 1957
- International Career : 1938 - 1954
- 399 matches - 187 goals - / assists
- Attacking-Midfielder/Left-Winger/Right-Winger - 1m78
- 32 Trophies/1 Individual Award
#30 Antonio Sastre "El Cuila"
- Pro Period : 1931 - 1947
- International Career : 1933 - 1941
- 531 matches - 183 goals - 161 assists
- Attacking-Midfielder/Second Striker/Central-Midfielder - 1m77
- 16 Trophies/2 Individual Awards