Best Attacking Midfielders of All Time: Attacking midfielders, the key players behind a team’s offense, play a major role in football. They control the game, score goals, and set up chances for their teammates, making them some of the most admired players in football history.
Best Attacking Midfielders of All Time
In this article, we rank the top 20 attacking midfielders of all time based on their skills, creativity, goal-scoring ability, and overall influence on the game.
20. Ricardo Bochini
- Date of Birth: 25 January 1954
- Height: 1.68 m (5 ft 6 in)
- Position(s): Attacking midfielder
Bochini is an Argentine legend, spent his whole career at Independiente, winning many titles. He was known for his incredible passing and vision.
Diego Maradona admired him and modeled parts of his game after Bochini.
Nicknamed “El Bocha,” he became the biggest idol in Independiente’s history. He also won the 1986 World Cup with Argentina and 13 titles with Independiente.
19. David Silva
- Date of Birth: 8 January 1986
- Height: 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in)
- Position(s): Midfielder
David Silva is one of the most elegant midfielders in Premier League history. He was key to Manchester City’s rise. He is known for his balance, dribbling, and precise passing. He controlled the tempo of games and was called “Merlin” and “El Mago” for his skills.
Silva spent seven years at Valencia, winning the Copa del Rey in 2008. After joining Manchester City in 2010, he won four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and five League Cups.
For Spain, he played from 2006 to 2018, winning Euro 2008, the 2010 World Cup, and Euro 2012, becoming one of their top scorers and assist providers.
18. Gunter Netzer
- Date of Birth: 14 September 1944
- Height: 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
- Position(s): Attacking midfielder
Gunter Netzer was one of Germany’s top playmakers in the 1970s, known for his excellent long-range passing and vision.
He played a key role in Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Bundesliga titles and helped Germany win the 1972 European Championship.
After joining Real Madrid in 1973, Netzer continued to shine as a creative midfielder. He was twice named German Footballer of the Year in 1972 and 1973.
17. Sócrates
- Date of Birth: 19 February 1954
- Height: 1.92 m (6 ft 4 in)
- Position(s): Midfielder
Sócrates was a legendary Brazilian footballer known for his intelligence and unique style, often seen wearing an iconic headband.
He captained Brazil’s 1982 World Cup team, celebrated as one of the best teams to never win the tournament.
With a medical degree, he was nicknamed “Doctor Socrates.” He scored 22 goals for Brazil in two World Cups and had a successful club career with Corinthians and Fiorentina.
His brother, Raí, also played for Brazil and won the 1994 World Cup.
16. Michael Laudrup
- Date of Birth: 15 June 1964
- Height: 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)
- Position(s): Attacking midfielder, forward
Michael Laudrup was a graceful and skillful playmaker known for creating space, dribbling past defenders, and delivering perfect passes. He played for top clubs Barcelona and Real Madrid and is considered one of the greatest midfielders ever.
Laudrup won league titles with Ajax, Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Juventus, and was a key part of Barcelona’s “Dream Team” under Johan Cruyff, winning four straight La Liga titles and the 1992 European Cup. He later joined Real Madrid, winning another La Liga title.
For Denmark, Laudrup scored 37 goals in 104 appearances, captained the team, and led them to victory in the 1995 Confederations Cup.
Laudrup was named the best Danish footballer ever and received many honors, including being listed in Pelé’s FIFA 100.
15. Zizinho
- Date of Birth: 14 September 1921
- Height: 1.69 m (5 ft 7 in)
- Position(s): Attacking midfielder
Zizinho was one of Brazil’s early football legends, known for his dribbling and goal-scoring abilities. Playing in the 1940s and 1950s, he was an influential attacking midfielder and played a key role for Brazil in the 1950 World Cup, where he scored two goals.
Famed for his complete offensive skill set, including passing, shooting, and vision, Zizinho greatly impacted Brazilian football.
He was even idolized by Pelé and is considered one of the best Brazilian players before Pelé’s era.
14. Rivellino
- Date of Birth: 1 January 1946
- Height: 1.69 m (5 ft 7 in)
- Position(s): Attacking midfielder
Rivellino is known for his flair and creativity. He was a key player in Brazil’s 1970 World Cup-winning team.
He was famous for his dribbling, close control, and powerful free kicks. He popularized the “flip-flap” move, inspiring future football stars. His technical skills and iconic style made him a legend in the sport.
As an attacking midfielder, Rivellino’s influence extended beyond his era. He is often regarded as one of the most graceful players in football history and was named by Pelé in the FIFA 100 list.
13. Gianni Rivera
- Date of Birth: 18 August 1943
- Height: 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)
- Position(s): ForwardAttacking midfielder
Gianni Rivera, Italy’s “Golden Boy,” was a brilliant midfielder in the 1960s and 70s. He was known for his technical skills and intelligence.
He mainly played for AC Milan, winning three Serie A titles two European Cups, and the Ballon d’Or in 1969.
Rivera earned 60 caps for Italy, scoring 14 goals, and is remembered for his crucial goal in the 1970 World Cup semi-final against West Germany. He also helped Italy win the European Championship in 1968.
12. Raymond Kopa
- Date of Birth: 13 October 1931
- Height: 1.68 m (5 ft 6 in)
- Position(s): Forward
Raymond Kopa, our 12th pick for the “best-attacking midfielders in football history,”. He was a dynamic player known for his quickness and daring dribbling. Despite his small stature, he excelled at creating scoring opportunities with his sharp game intelligence and accurate passing.
He enjoyed successful stints at Angers, Stade de Reims, and Real Madrid, winning multiple domestic titles and three Champions League trophies.
Kopa also represented France from 1952 to 1962, playing a key role in their third-place finish at the 1958 World Cup and scoring 18 goals in 45 matches. He won the Ballon d’Or in 1958, solidifying his status as one of the greats in football history.
11. Kaká
- Date of Birth: 22 April 1982
- Height: 1.86 m (6 ft 1 in)
- Position(s): Attacking midfielder
Kaká was a top football player in the mid-2000s, winning the Ballon d’Or in 2007. He was Known for his speed and dribbling, he helped AC Milan win the Champions League in 2007 and is considered one of the greatest Brazilian midfielders.
He started at São Paulo, joined AC Milan in 2003, and then moved to Real Madrid in 2009. He faced injuries at Madrid but returned to AC Milan and ended his career at Orlando City SC.
Kaká won the FIFA World Cup with Brazil in 2002 and was also recognized for his humanitarian work, being named one of Time’s 100 most influential people.
10. Zico
- Date of Birth: 3 March 1953
- Height: 1.72 m (5 ft 8 in)
- Position(s): Attacking midfielder
Zico is a Brazilian football legend and is often regarded as the greatest attacking midfielder in Brazil’s history. He played mainly for Flamengo, where he excelled as a playmaker, known for his vision, precise passing, and goal-scoring ability, averaging over one goal every two games.
During his time at Flamengo, Zico won several titles, including four Brazilian championships and the Copa Libertadores in 1981, as well as the Intercontinental Cup against Liverpool.
Though he didn’t achieve major international titles with Brazil, Zico had a significant impact on the national team, scoring 52 goals in 72 appearances between 1976 and 1988. His legacy firmly cements him among Brazil’s all-time greats.
9. Kevin De Bruyne
- Date of Birth: 28 June 1991
- Height: 1.81 m (5 ft 11 in)
- Position(s): Midfielder
Kevin De Bruyne is considered one of the best attacking midfielders today. Known for his excellent passing, crossing, and long-range shooting, he has been a key player for Manchester City under Pep Guardiola.
Starting at Genk, he helped the team win the 2010–11 Belgian Pro League. After short spells at Chelsea and Werder Bremen, he joined Wolfsburg and then Manchester City in 2015 for a club-record £54 million. With City, he has won the UEFA Champions League and six Premier League titles, playing a vital role in their 100-point season in 2017–18.
For Belgium, De Bruyne has over 100 caps and has scored 30 goals, featuring in the 2014 and 2018 World Cups. He has received multiple awards, including the PFA Players’ Player of the Year, and was third in the Ballon d’Or in 2022.
8. Bobby Charlton
- Date of Birth: 11 October 1937
- Height: 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)
- Position(s): Midfielder / Forward
Sir Bobby Charlton was a legendary playmaker for England and Manchester United. He was known for his creativity and goal-scoring ability.
He began his career at United in 1956, winning the Premier League three times and helping the team win the Champions League in 1968 after the tragic Munich air disaster.
Charlton earned 106 caps for England, scoring 49 goals, and played a crucial role in their 1966 World Cup victory. His impact on football makes him one of the greatest players in history.
7. Michel Platini
- Date of Birth: 21 June 1955
- Height: 1.79 m (5 ft 10 in)
- Position(s): Attacking midfielder
Michel Platini is a legendary attacking midfielder, known for his exceptional skills and wearing the number 10 jersey. He started at AS Nancy, winning Ligue 2 and the Coupe de France, then moved to AS Saint-Etienne, where he won the French championship in 1981.
His greatest success was at Juventus, winning multiple Serie A titles and the Champions League in 1985 as the top scorer.
Platini also starred for France, reaching the 1982 World Cup semi-finals and winning the Euro in 1984 as the leading scorer. He scored 41 goals in 72 caps and is the only player to win the Ballon d’Or three times in a row.
6. Andres Iniesta
- Date of Birth: 11 May 1984
- Height: 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)
- Position(s): Midfielder
Andrés Iniesta is regarded as one of the greatest attacking midfielders in football history. He is known for his agility, technical skills, and visionary playmaking, he had a stellar 16-season career at FC Barcelona, winning many trophies, including nine Spanish championships, six Spanish Cups, and four Champions League titles.
He played 675 games for Barcelona, scoring 57 goals and providing 117 assists, before finishing his career at Emirates in Dubai.
Iniesta was instrumental in Spain’s victories at the 2008 and 2012 Euros and the 2010 World Cup. His legacy as a polished and influential player cements his status as a symbol of excellence in football.
5. Ronaldinho
- Date of Birth: 21 March 1980
- Height: 1.82 m (6 ft 0 in)
- Position(s): Attacking midfielder, winger
Ronaldinho is a legendary Brazilian footballer known for his agility, creativity, and exceptional dribbling skills. He could easily weave past defenders and excelled as both an attacking midfielder and winger.
Starting his career at Grêmio, he gained prominence at Paris Saint-Germain before reaching his peak at FC Barcelona, where he won La Liga and the Champions League twice. After playing for AC Milan, he finished his career in Brazil and Mexico.
Ronaldinho won the World Cup in 2002 and the Confederations Cup in 2005, earning 97 caps and scoring 33 goals for Brazil. His remarkable talent solidifies his status as one of the greatest attacking midfielders in football history.
4. Johan Cruyff
- Date of Birth: 25 April 1947
- Height: 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
- Position(s): Forward, attacking midfielder
Johan Cruyff is a legendary footballer and one of the greatest attacking midfielders ever. He was Known for his time at Ajax Amsterdam and FC Barcelona. He introduced the concept of total football with his speed and skill.
At Ajax, he won eight Dutch championships and three Champions League titles. He also secured the Liga title with Barcelona in 1974.
For the Netherlands, Cruyff earned 48 caps and scored 33 goals, leading them to the 1974 World Cup final. He was the first player to win the Ballon d’Or three times, leaving a lasting impact on football.
3. Zinedine Zidane
- Date of Birth: 23 June 1972
- Height: 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)
- Position(s): Attacking midfielder
Zinédine Zidane is a legendary French footballer known for his brilliance at Juventus and Real Madrid. He was an exceptional playmaker, skilled at outsmarting defenders.
Zidane started his career at AS Cannes and then moved to Bordeaux. At Juventus, he won two Serie A titles and reached two Champions League finals. He became famous at Real Madrid for scoring a stunning goal in a Champions League final.
He also led France to victory in the 1998 World Cup, scoring twice in the final, and won the Euro in 2000. Zidane is regarded as one of the greatest French players in football history.
2. Lionel Messi
- Date of Birth: 24 June 1987
- Height: 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in)
- Position(s): Forward
Lionel Messi is a football legend who has won the Ballon d’Or eight times, making him one of the greatest players ever. He is known for his incredible dribbling and speed. He has scored over 850 goals, ranking him among the top scorers in football history.
He spent most of his career at FC Barcelona, winning 10 La Liga titles, 4 Spanish Cups, and 4 Champions League trophies. With 672 goals in 778 matches, he is the all-time top scorer for both La Liga and Barcelona. In 2023, Messi made headlines by joining Inter Miami.
With the Argentine national team, Messi won a gold medal at the 2008 Olympics, the Copa America in (2021, 2024), and the World Cup in 2022. He is undoubtedly one of the greatest attacking midfielders in football history.
1. Diego Maradona
Date of Birth: 30 October 1960
Height: 1.65 m (5 ft 5 in)
Position(s): Attacking midfielder, second striker
Diego Maradona is considered one of the greatest football players ever. He was known for his extraordinary touch, agility, and dribbling skills. His speed, power, and talent made him a phenomenal passer and scorer, leaving defenders bewildered.
Maradona started his career with Argentinos Juniors and Boca Juniors, winning the Argentine championship. He had a brief stint at FC Barcelona, winning the Copa del Rey, but truly excelled at Napoli, where he led the club to its first Serie A title and a UEFA Cup victory in 1989.
His legacy includes a crucial role in Argentina’s 1986 World Cup victory and a runner-up finish in 1990. With 91 caps and 34 goals for the national team, Maradona is firmly established as one of the greatest attacking midfielders of all time.