PLAYERS



1. Pelé (Brazil)
It's hard to put anyone else than Pelé on the top position. Especially after
looking at his track record in World Cups. He is the only man to win it 3
times and is among the all-time topscorers. A virtually complete footballer
with an impressive strength in the air despite being relatively small. He
scored more than 1000 goals in his career.
2. Diego Maradona (Argentina)
Definitely the best dribbler the world has ever seen. World Cup winner 1986,
runner-up in 1990. As all-round footballer he is not overshadowed by anyone.
Not even Pelé, but the Brazilian's honours in the tournament puts him
slightly in front.
3. Franz Beckenbauer (West Germany)
The dominant player in the German defence for 10 years. He won gold, silver
and bronze in his three World Cups 1966, 1970 and 1974. Ranks as the best
defender in soccer history. A born leader on and off the field, which also
saw him successful as manager for the German team when he won in 1990.
4. Garrincha (Brazil)
Known as "The Little Bird", Garrincha was a dominant figure in Brazil's first
two World Cup winning teams 1958 and 1962. Played as a winger and wrongfooted
lots of defenders in the 50s and 60s. Pelé said he would never have won 3
cups without Garrincha in the team.
5. Gerd Müller (West Germany)
The most remarkable goals-per-game marksman in soccer history at
international level (62 games/68 goals). Müller is all time topscorer in
World Cups with 14 goals and won the tournament on home soil in 1974, four
years after being topscorer and bronzemedalist in Mexico.  
6. Johann Cruyff (Holland)
He played only in one WC, but was the leader and captain for Holland's team
in 1974. Holland's Total-Football almost achived the ultimate prize by
winning the cup. Cruyff was their best player.
7. Ferenc Puskas (Hungary)
Nicknamed "The galloping major", Puskas was captaining the Hungarian sides
that went unbeaten for about four years. The sequence stopped unfortunately
in the final of 1954.
8. Michel Platini (France)
The captain and inspirational leader for the great French teams of the 1980s.
Platini was unfortunate not to play a World Cup final having lost in two
semifinals, but he was a gifted and talented player.
9. Jairzinho (Brazil)
One of the best wingers of all time, Jairzinho was a constant threat for any
full back. He scored lots of goals as well and scored in every game when
Brazil won the cup in 1970.
10. Giuseppe Meazza (Italy)
Twice World Cup winner in 1934 and 1938, Meazza was Italy's best player. He
was captain for the 1938 team. The stadium in Milan has been named after him.


  
     This list is based more or less only on performances in the World Cup
and how they contributed to their teams. Great names like Alfredo Di Stefano,
Marco van Basten and George Best are missing because they either never played
or failed to impress during their time in a World Cup. Where as they would
definitely been hot candidates on other rankings based on performances in
club soccer.
  
  
--
FROM 166.111.180.130