The 20 Best Midfielders of All Time

· Dec 02 - 7 minutes read

Alongside Xavi and Sergio Busquets, Iniesta dominated midfield battles for Barcelona for several years.
Who are the best soccer midfielders of all time? We take a look at our top picks.
Looking for some soccer predictions? We’ve got you covered!

We have seen plenty of world-class midfielders over the years. We’ve seen midfield maestros of all shapes, styles and sizes. Recently, there have been plenty of quality midfielders, from playmakers to box-to-box midfielders. Let’s take a look at the best midfielders of all time!

The 20 Best Midfielders of All Time — Andres Iniesta - LLUIS GENE / AFP

Who Is the World’s Best Midfielder? 20 Best Midfielders of All Time

1. Rodri Wins Ballon d’Or and is the Best Midfielder of 2024

In an impressive achievement, Rodrigo Hernandez Cascante, widely known as Rodri, has claimed the 2024 Ballon d’Or, honoring his exceptional performances with Manchester City and the Spanish national team.

His contributions were key in Manchester City’s domestic league victory and Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph, positioning him as one of the best defensive midfielders of all time.

Rodri, who previously played for Atletico Madrid, excelled under Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola’s coaching style, transforming him into a midfield powerhouse.

Renowned for his tactical intelligence and defensive abilities, Rodri also plays a central role in City’s build-up play, helping transition the ball smoothly from defense to attack.

His consistent performances have contributed to Manchester City’s success and elevated him to one of the highest levels in modern football and one of the best players in the world.

2. Andres Iniesta is the Most Decorated Spanish Player in History

Andres Iniesta, the most decorated Spanish player in history, is arguably the greatest midfielder of the century. He scored the winning goal in Spain’s 2010 World Cup triumph and was vital in the side that won back-to-back European championships in 2008 and 2012.

Iniesta is one of the best dribblers the game has ever seen. The former Barcelona midfielder’s close control, agility, and tactical intelligence made him as elusive a player as any we’ve seen since the turn of the millennium.

Iniesta was also one of the best passers of the modern era. No matter how crowded or tight things got, he was almost always able to find a way. The Spanish playmaker was also a tireless worker and could win possession back despite his delicate frame.

Alongside Xavi and Sergio Busquets, Iniesta dominated midfield battles for Barcelona for several years.

He was also a man for the big occasion. Iniesta has delivered when it matters most. He scored Spain’s winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final. He also provided an assist in each final of the 2009, 2011, and 2015 editions of the Champions League. That said, it’s easy to say that Iniesta is one of the best soccer midfielders of all time.

The iconic midfielder has most recently been playing in the UAE with Emirates Club. Before that, he spent five years in Japan with Vissel Kobe, having walked away from a memorable spell at Camp Nou in 2018. Iniesta has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 40.

3. Lothar Matthaus: World Cup Winner & Player of the Year

Diego Maradona considered Lothar Matthaus his best rival and one of the greatest midfielders of all time.

Matthaus enjoyed a remarkably long and successful career, going from winning the European Championship in 1980 as a 19-year-old to being crowned Footballer of the Year in his native Germany exactly two decades later.

By that point, the Bayern Munich and Inter icon had converted himself into a sweeper thanks to his fantastic vision and reading of the game. Still, during his peak years, he was a box-to-box midfielder, arguably the best the game has ever seen.

Indeed, he was the driving force behind West Germany’s World Cup win in 1990, scoring four goals, which earned him the Ballon d’Or.

4. Where does Andrea Pirlo rank among midfielders?

The Regista role is famous within Italian football. It refers to a deep-lying central playmaker, the team’s creative spark. Andrea Pirlo is perhaps the most perfect regista of all time.

The Italian’s intelligence and eye for a pass were second to none. His ability to dictate a team’s play made him a key player for Milan, Juventus, and Italy during years of dazzling success during the 2000s and 2010s, making him one of the best midfielders ever.

5. Luka Modric has plenty more in the tank despite approaching his 40th birthday

Modric turns 40 next year, but the veteran still proves his worth for Real Madrid. Much of his longevity is due to his work with physical trainer Vlatko Vucetic, who has kept him in excellent shape over the years.

Modric has comprehensively silenced all his critics, and the ones who undermined him are now throwing flowers at his feet. Despite being 39 years old, Modric remains one of Real Madrid’s most important players.

He is a technically gifted midfielder whose unreal vision is on par with his incredible passing range. Modric has the technical proficiency to play passes, which are almost inconceivable to many of his peers. The Real Madrid midfielder still looks to have a few years left in his tank, and we’re only grateful for it.

6. Xavi Hernandez: The Player with the Most Games for Barcelona (750)

In any of the top 10 best football midfielders of all time, one name always makes it: Barcelona legend Xavi. The Spanish legend is one of the most decorated players to have played the game and has won almost every trophy.

A brilliant playmaker and passer, he defined the tiki-taka style with Barcelona and the Spanish national team.

7. Zinedine Zidane: The Magician

Zinedine Zidane was arguably the best attacking midfielder in the world. He floated gracefully between wide areas and dangerous central positions, demonstrating his marvelous first touch, dizzying ball skills, and long-range passing and shooting ability in Ligue 1, La Liga, and Serie A. He racked up hundreds of goals and assists for legendary European clubs like Real Madrid and won a Ballon d’Or and a World Cup in 1998.

He was so smooth with the ball at his feet that he seemed to be gliding on the football pitch. He won the FIFA Player of the Year award thrice in 1998, 2000, and 2003. He was phenomenal for the French national team, guiding them to World Cup glory in 1998 and winning the European championship two years later.

Zizou’s career met an unceremonious and early end. He called it quits after headbutting Marco Materazzi in the 2006 FIFA World Cup final. France lost on penalties to Italy, though. He had scored France’s only goal of the game before coming off.

8. Michel Platini: Three-time Ballon d’Or Winner

A three-time Ballon d’Or winner consecutively between 1983 and 1985 and a 1984 European Championship winner on home soil, to name a few accolades, Platini is one of France’s most celebrated football icons.

He holds the record for the highest number of goals scored in a European Championship in 1984, scoring nine despite only appearing in one edition.

With 41 goals, Platini held the honor of being France’s all-time top goal scorer until Thierry Henry overtook him in 2007.

9. Steven Gerrard: One of the most iconic midfielders in the Premier League

Steven Gerrard is one of the most iconic midfielders in Premier League history. Known for his leadership, ability to score crucial goals, and all-around midfield presence, Gerrard is remembered for his loyalty to Liverpool.

Despite not winning a Premier League title, Gerrard’s heroics in the 2005 Champions League final, where Liverpool famously came back to defeat AC Milan, cemented his legacy.