Ranking 10 Best Dribbler In The World

Before the emphasis on stats, tactics, formations, and passing through the opponent, there were times when football was much simpler and may I say, more enjoyable to watch. The best dribbler in the world would paint their pretty pictures, dribbling through the opposition with a certain flair and panache that has long gone missing from the modern game.

Back when teams were more fluid and flexible in their approach to games, there was a reliance on the technical masters of the side to influence the game more and pop up with moments of pure brilliance and magic to help their sides to victory. Here, we look at some of the best dribblers in the world, including legends on the past, who also deserve their name in the list of the best dribblers of all time.

That said, it is a part of the game that has since been forgotten with the teams having a more systematic approach nowadays. Over the years, football has been blessed with masters of dribbling and close control, capable of putting players on their backs and emerging unscathed with the ball through crowds of players. Regardless, we will note a range of factors that will decide our list of the best dribbler in the world.

Whilst some of them will forever be held in high account by fans of their clubs, some transcended to global recognition as world beaters and Ballon d’Or winners. As such, let’s list 10 of the best dribblers in football history, ranking them based on their stats, reputation, longevity, and overall impact on the sport throughout their careers.

Ranking Factors

Our list of the best dribbler in the world has been created after taking into consideration the following points:

• Stats: Dribbles attempted and completed with a high success rate will naturally be given a lot of importance.
• Reputation: Owing to the longstanding nature of the game, stats aren’t always available, so the accounts of fans, fellow players, managers, & observers are considered.
• Competition: Naturally, it is no surprise that it is more difficult to perform against a higher level of competition, a key detail to take into account.
• Longevity: Thousands of players come and go, yet the truly elite leave a lasting impression that tends to linger even after decades.

Top 10 Best Dribbler In The World

10. Eden Hazard 

Starting off the list, we have a footballer who had the potential to end up higher on this list as one of the best dribblers in football. For those who were blessed enough to catch a glimpse of the brilliance of his prime, Eden Hazard was at times untouchable on the football pitch, taking players and leaving them behind too easily. Whilst his Real Madrid tenure was short-lived and unfortunate, his time at Chelsea for all that he delivered and created, will live on in the club and Premier League history for a long time.

Notably, Hazard’s low centre of gravity and unorthodox use of his rear end to shrug off pressuring opponents led to many moments of magic. An absolute monster during his Chelsea days, fans will always remember the heights he reached during his prime in England.

Notable Clubs	Lille, Chelsea, Real Madrid
Games	749
Goals	200
Major Honors	Ligue 1, Premier League (x2), La Liga (x2), Champions League, Europa League, Coupe de France, FA Cup, Copa del Rey, League Cup

9. Ronaldo Nazario 

Up next is a man who took the world by storm, making defenders look silly defending him. Nazario made a habit of rounding out the keeper before slotting in to score. With an abundance of technical ability, flair, power, and strength, he was quite literally the perfect striker and the perfect example of Joga Bonito. The two-time Ballon d’Or winner caused fear among defenders of his time, who more often than not, did not have any solutions to stop the Brazilian.

Unfortunately, much like a few names on this list, Ronaldo’s career was marred with injuries, which despite all that he has already achieved, made people wonder about his unbridled talent and potential. However, he is still easily one of the most gifted players of all time, and undoubtedly deserves his place among the best dribbler in the world.

Notable Clubs	PSV, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, AC Milan
Games	518
Goals	352
Major Honors	KNVB Cup (1), Copa del Rey (1), Supercopa de España (2), La Liga (1), FIFA World Cup (2)

8. Neymar

Next on our list is the Prince of Brazil, who was meant to be the crown jewel. When he first burst onto the scene at Santos and became a certified world-beater at Juventus, the world was at his feet. Following a world-record transfer to PSG, Neymar continued to dazzle and daze his opponents becoming the main man at the club.

Despite showing signs of not only being one of the best dribblers in football but also the best player in the world at his peak. However, repetitive injuries finally caught up to the Brazilian, who departed for Al Hilal in 2023, effectively calling an end to his European aspirations. However, Neymar is easily one of the most gifted attacking superstars world football has ever seen.

Notable Clubs	Santos, Barcelona, PSG
Games	591
Goals	360
Major Honors	La Liga(2), Ligue 1 (5), Copa del Rey (3), Supercopa de España (1), UEFA Champions League (1), Coupe de France (3), Coupe de la Ligue (2), Trophée des Champions (3)

7. Ronaldinho

One of Brazil’s most important and storied players who left his mark on the sport. Ronaldinho or ‘The Smiling Assassin’ as many know him, tantalized audiences worldwide with his wide array of skills, his bag of tricks, and joyful exuberance every time he took to the pitch. Embodying the Joga Bonito spirit, Ronaldinho experienced the highest of highs as a player and some very low lows in his personal life. 

Despite this, the world will forever remember Dinho as the man who’d dance with the ball at his feet and make a mockery out of defenders at the highest levels of the game. Apart from his playing career at the range of top clubs Ronaldinho was part of, he also established himself as one of the true all-time greats for Brazil.

Notable Clubs	Gremio, PSG, Barcelona, AC Milan, Flamengo, Atletico Mineiro
Games	646
Goals	231
Major Honors	La Liga (2), Serie A, Champions League, Copa Libertadores, World Cup, Copa America

Also Read: Ranking 10 Greatest Defenders of All Time

6. Pele

The man who can only be referred to as ‘The King of Football’, the legendary Pele is known for his goal tally for both club and country. In a career that saw him put up unthinkable numbers and run rampant on the global stage. He was as skilled with the ball at his feet alongside prolificness in front of goal. With a mix of technical flair and a goal-scoring eye to back it up, there was very little anyone could do to deny Pele on his day. 

Whilst many feel that Pele’s quality in front of goal made him a one-dimensional goalscorer, the Brazilian could create such openings on his own that truly went under the radar. Regardless, his list of achievements and the ability to beat players means that he is also part of our list of the best dribblers in the world.

Notable Clubs	Santos, New York Cosmos
Games	766
Goals	709
Major Honors	Campeonato Brasileiro Série A (6), Copa Libertadores (2), Intercontinental Cup (2), North American Soccer League, Soccer Bowl (1), FIFA World Cup (3)

5. Johan Cruyff

The Dutch icon who blessed the world with not only his ideas but his talents on the ball was a legend from before much of our time. However, his philosophy, skills, and ideology live on even today. The creator of the ‘Cruyff Turn’ and an ingenious creator of the ball, the Dutchman mesmerized audiences at home and around the world throughout his career. Not only was Cruyff an outstanding player, but he furthered his legacy as well, and to date is regarded as one of the best FC Barcelona coaches throughout the club’s illustrious history. 

Cruyff was not only one of the most gifted players that ever played for Ajax and Barcelona. He is also seen as the proponent of total football, and played a huge part in establishing Barcelona’s identity of tiki-taka.

Notable Clubs	Ajax, Barcelona
Games	761
Goals	433
Major Honors	European Cup (3), La Liga, Eredivisie (9)

4. George Best

Northern Island’s most prominent contribution to football, is the ever-so-charismatic George Best. One of Sir Matt Busby’s most important players, Best’s ability to leave defenders in a tangled mess was unparalleled. He was one of the best dribblers in football from his time, not even the likes of other great dribblers were safe from his mischievous brilliance on the pitch. 

A Manchester United icon who accomplished domestic and European glory at a very young age, Best was hailed as one of the best footballers ever by the likes of Pele. However, at the same time, Best was also the embodiment of the phrase, “Those that shine brightest often burn fastest”. That, of course, was also partly due to his off-field activities, which George Best grew extremely popular for.

Notable Clubs	Manchester United, Los Angeles Aztecs
Games	742
Goals	260
Major Honors	European Cup, First Division (2)

Also Read: Top 10 Football Players of All Time

3. Lionel Messi

A boy hailing from Rosario, went on to take the entire world by storm and when all is said and done will likely go down as perhaps the best to ever grace the game. Lionel Messi stands out above many not just as one of the best dribblers in football but quite possibly the best footballer ever, owing to the sheer weight and amount of his accomplishments. 

A direct, tricky attacker, with close control, and small-touch dribbling style, Messi’s ability to weave through defences and deliver breathtaking moments has been one of the greatest pleasures of those lucky enough to have witnessed him. Messi’s name speaks for itself, and the only matter of contention might be that he deserves to be even higher, on this list.

Notable Clubs	Barcelona, PSG, Inter Miami
Games	914
Goals	744
Major Honors	World Cup, Copa America (2), Champions League (4), La Liga (10), Ligue 1 (2)

2. Diego Maradona

Quite possibly responsible for drawing more fouls than anyone on the list, Diego Maradona was a menace and quite a handful to deal with in his time. Blessed with technical ability, speed, and a cutting edge much ahead of his time, Maradona was rightfully awarded the FIFA Player of the 20th Century award, as there is quite literally no other way to describe him. Low center of gravity, and the ability to maneuver past defenders as though they were in slow motion, Maradona is said to have managed 53 dribbles during the 1986 World Cup.

While Maradona is a true great for both country and club, his off-field activities also regularly made headlines. The player, however, always proved his detractors wrong on the pitch, and remains one of the most illustrious players Argentina has ever seen.

Notable Clubs	Boca Juniors, Barcelona, Napoli
Games	680
Goals	345
Major Honors	World Cup, Argentine Primera Division, Serie A (2), UEFA Cup

1. Garrincha 

When Garrincha stepped up for his country at the 1962 World Cup as the ‘Little Engine that Could’, he showed the world exactly why he belongs on the top spot on this list. Covering for an injured Pele at the time, the little Brazilian battled hardships, deformities, and countless other struggles to stamp his name in the annals of football history. 

Twisting and turning to leave defenders in a heap, Garrincha was unanimously seen as the best dribbler in football, with many of his peers, opponents, and managers deeming him ‘too good’ and ‘unplayable’ at times. Garrincha’s individual achievements may undoubtedly fall short of some of the other players mentioned in this list. However, his skill on the ball warrants his name as one of the best dribblers in football.

Notable Clubs	Botafogo
Games	395
Goals	114
Major Honors	World Cup (2)

Best Dribblers of All Time

Rank	Player	Country	Career
1.	Garrincha	Brazil	1951–1972
2.	Diego Maradona	Argentina	1976–1997
3.	Lionel Messi	Argentina	2003–Present
4.	George Best	Northern Ireland	1963–1984
5.	Johan Cruyff	Netherlands	1964–1984
6.	Pele	Brazil	1956-1973
7.	Ronaldinho	Brazil	1998–2015
8.	Neymar	Brazil	2009–Present
9.	Ronaldo Nazario	Brazil	1993-2011
10.	Eden Hazard	Belgium	2007-2023

Also Read: Ranking Top 10 Strongest Football Players in History?

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