Best Dribblers Ever: Dribbling is one of the most exciting and skilled parts of football. It shows a player’s talent, creativity, and strong will to get past opponents. The best dribblers in football history have made a big impact by using their quick movements, balance, fast thinking, and great technique to create unforgettable moments for fans.
Over the years, football has seen amazing dribblers who amazed fans by moving through defenses, staying balanced under pressure, and making special plays.
From Garrincha’s skill to Maradona’s genius, and from Lionel Messi’s and Neymar Jr.’s modern magic, these players changed what it means to control the ball.
Best Dribblers Ever
In this article, we look at the top 25 dribblers in football history, talking about their careers, unique playing styles, and the mark they left on the sport. These players not only did well in their roles but also turned dribbling into an art that continues to inspire new generations.
1. Garrincha
- Date of Birth: October 28, 1933
- Position: Right Winger
Garrincha, known as the ‘Joy of the People,’ is often called the greatest dribbler in football history. He was a right winger for Brazil and Botafogo and was famous for his incredible dribbling and ability to take on opponents easily.
Although one of his legs was shorter than the other, he turned this into an advantage, making his dribbling style unique and hard to stop.
In 1962, Garrincha led Brazil to World Cup victory with his skillful and playful dribbling, stepping up when Pele was absent.
2. Lionel Messi
- Date of Birth: June 24, 1987
- Position: Forward / Attacking Midfielder
Lionel Messi‘s dribbling is considered one of the greatest in modern football. The Argentine star can move past defenders effortlessly, making them look powerless. He has a low center of gravity, quick feet, and great ball control, allowing him to get through even the toughest defenses.
During his time at Barcelona, PSG, and with the Argentina national team, Messi has given fans many unforgettable moments: weaving through entire defenses, scoring close solo goals, and making perfect passes.
He has been a standout player in La Liga and the Champions League and led Argentina to victory in the 2021 Copa America, 2024 Copa America, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
3. Pele
- Date of Birth: October 23, 1940
- Position: Forward
Known as ‘The King of Football,’ Pele was a powerful and precise dribbler with great versatility. He was famous for his feints, body movements, and skill at keeping control of the ball under pressure.
Pele scored over 1,000 goals in his career, with defenders often amazed by his dribbling ability. He won three World Cups with Santos and Brazil (1958, 1962, 1970).
Pele was known for taking on defenders and creating scoring chances with a mix of skill and effectiveness in his dribbling.
4. Ronaldinho
- Date of Birth: March 21, 1980
- Position: Attacking Midfielder / Winger
Ronaldinho brought joy and creativity to the field, making his dribbling look like an art form. He was a nightmare for defenders and was known by his teammates for his elastico, no-look passes, and amazing stepovers.
His best days were at Barcelona, where he made magic happen with two Champions League wins, including one in 2006. His dribbling was not just skillful but full of surprises — tricks and flicks that left fans amazed around the world.
His love for the game and his talent for entertaining made him one of the most loved football players ever.
5. Diego Maradona
- Date of Birth: October 30, 1960
- Position: Attacking Midfielder / Forward
Diego Maradona dribbled like a genius. He was the type of forward who could move through defenses with close control, great vision, and balance.
His dribbling was what made him a goal-scoring legend, especially when he ran from his own half to score against England in the 1986 World Cup, beating five defenders.
Maradona created legendary moments throughout his career with Napoli and Argentina, and his ability to change games on his own made him one of the greatest players of all time.
6. Ronaldo Nazário (R9)
- Date of Birth: September 18, 1976
- Position: Striker
Ronaldo Nazário, or R9, was a force of speed, skill, and precision. He was Known for his amazing runs and great control, and could easily dribble past entire defenses.
His quick changes of direction and powerful stepovers made him a nightmare for defenders. During his time at Barcelona, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, and with Brazil, Ronaldo won two Ballon d’Or awards and two World Cups (1994 and 2002).
Injuries may have cut his prime short, but his dribbling moments are still unforgettable.
7. Zinedine Zidane
- Date of Birth: June 23, 1972
- Position: Attacking Midfielder
Zidane was the picture of elegance on the soccer field. His dribbling stood out for its smooth turns, especially the famous roulette, and his ability to move past opponents with ease.
Zidane’s time at Juventus, Real Madrid, and the French national team was full of brilliant moments. He was key to France winning the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000.
His dribbling was more about control, smart play, and style than speed.
8. Neymar Jr.
- Date of Birth: February 5, 1992
- Position: Forward / Winger
Neymar is one of the most exciting dribblers in modern football. He uses tricks like stepovers, rainbow flicks, and elastico, making him a joy to watch.
Neymar can take on several defenders, even in small spaces, which has made him known as one of the most skillful dribblers in the game.
His time at Barcelona, PSG, and with Brazil has been full of amazing performances, including helping Brazil win the 2016 Olympic gold medal and the 2019 Copa America.
9. George Best
- Date of Birth: May 22, 1946
- Position: Winger
George Best was a natural dribbler with speed, skill, and a great sense of goal. He could easily get past defenders, making him a star for Manchester United and Northern Ireland.
Best’s dribbling was stunning, often leaving defenders behind. Although his career had problems off the field, his talent on the pitch is still legendary.
He played a big part in Manchester United’s 1968 European Cup win, and his brilliance is still celebrated today.
10. Cristiano Ronaldo
- Date of Birth: February 5, 1985
- Position: Forward / Winger
Cristiano Ronaldo‘s dribbling changed over time. When he was at Sporting CP and Manchester United, he was famous for his speed and fancy moves, using stepovers and feints to get past defenders.
As he grew older at Real Madrid and other clubs, his dribbling became more effective and focused.
Ronaldo’s skill at taking on players and scoring amazing solo goals has been a big part of his successful career, which includes five Ballon d’Or awards and many league and Champions League titles.
11. Johan Cruyff
- Date of Birth: April 25, 1947
- Position: Forward / Attacking Midfielder
Cruyff changed football with his smart play and technical skills. His famous “Cruyff Turn” is still one of the most well-known moves in the game.
Cruyff’s dribbling combined speed, accuracy, and a strong understanding of tactics, making him a key part of Ajax’s success and the Dutch national team’s achievements in the 1970s.
His influence on the game, both as a player and a thinker, is huge.
12. Arjen Robben
- Date of Birth: January 23, 1984
- Position: Winger
Robben was known for his signature move—cutting in from the right wing onto his left foot. He was one of the most effective dribblers of his time.
His incredible speed and direct play made him a constant danger for Bayern Munich, Chelsea, and the Dutch national team.
Robben’s dribbling was simple yet effective, often resulting in amazing goals.
13. Luis Figo
- Date of Birth: November 4, 1972
- Position: Winger
Luis Figo was a dribbling expert and one of the best wingers in football history. Known for his smooth style and creativity, Figo could easily get past defenders with great control and feints. His ability to change speed and deliver accurate crosses made him a constant threat.
Figo was key for clubs like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Inter Milan, as well as the Portuguese national team, leading them to the Euro 2004 final.
His dribbling was both beautiful to watch and very effective.
14. Andrés Iniesta
- Date of Birth: May 11, 1984
- Position: Midfielder
Andrés Iniesta’s dribbling was all about smart play and skill. As a midfield star for Barcelona and Spain, he could move past opponents with just a few touches and great close control. His dribbling wasn’t showy but was based on his vision and understanding of the game.
Iniesta’s career highlights include scoring the winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final and being a key part of Barcelona’s tiki-taka style, which helped them dominate European football.
15. Michael Laudrup
- Date of Birth: June 15, 1964
- Position: Attacking Midfielder
Michael Laudrup was like a magician with the ball. His dribbling was smooth, tricky, and graceful, often leaving defenders trying to catch him without success.
Playing for Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Denmark, Laudrup was known for his quick turns and finding space where it seemed impossible.
His elegance and creativity on the ball made him one of the most respected players of his time, playing a big part in the success of his teams.
16. Franck Ribéry
- Date of Birth: April 7, 1983
- Position: Winger
Franck Ribéry was one of the most reliable dribblers of his time. He was Known for his speed and quick turns, and troubled defenders with his ability to cut inside or go wide.
At Bayern Munich, Ribéry formed a dangerous partnership with Arjen Robben, and together they ruled European football, winning the Champions League in 2013.
His dribbling mixed power and accuracy, making him a nightmare for defenders.
17. Ryan Giggs
- Date of Birth: November 29, 1973
- Position: Winger
Ryan Giggs was a one-club legend for Manchester United and one of the best dribblers in English football history. His incredible speed and close control made him a standout winger.
Giggs’s famous solo goal against Arsenal in the 1999 FA Cup semifinal showed off his dribbling skills.
Over his career of more than 20 years, he adapted his game but stayed a creative force, playing a big part in United’s success.
18. Roberto Baggio
- Date of Birth: February 18, 1967
- Position: Forward / Attacking Midfielder
Roberto Baggio, known as “The Divine Ponytail,” was a creative genius on the field. His dribbling was marked by elegance, close control, and the ability to get through tight defenses.
Baggio’s career highlights include leading Italy to the 1994 World Cup final and his amazing performances for clubs Juventus, AC Milan, and Fiorentina.
His skill at dribbling past defenders and creating unforgettable moments made him one of football’s legends.
19. Kaká
- Date of Birth: April 22, 1982
- Position: Attacking Midfielder
Kaká’s dribbling was a mix of speed, elegance, and skill. Known for carrying the ball quickly, he could cut through defenses effortlessly. While at AC Milan, Kaká won the 2007 Ballon d’Or and was a key player in their Champions League victory.
His dribbling often included long runs from deep in midfield, making him a unique threat. Even at Real Madrid, his talent and creativity shone through, though injuries limited his impact.
20. Eden Hazard
- Date of Birth: January 7, 1991
- Position: Winger / Attacking Midfielder
Eden Hazard’s dribbling was all about agility, quick footwork, and sharp turns. At his best with Chelsea and Belgium, Hazard was nearly unstoppable, easily getting past defenders.
His low center of gravity helped him move through crowded defenses and set up scoring chances.
Hazard played a key role in Chelsea’s Premier League wins and Belgium’s strong performances in international tournaments, including their third-place finish in the 2018 World Cup.
21. Ousmane Dembélé
- Date of Birth: May 15, 1997
- Position: Winger
Ousmane Dembélé is one of the most exciting dribblers in modern football. With his two-footed ability and incredible speed, he can take on defenders from either side.
Dembélé’s dribbling is full of unpredictability and flair, making him an important player for Barcelona and the French team.
Even though injuries have interrupted his career, his potential to control games with his dribbling is still clear.
22. Mohamed Salah
- Date of Birth: June 15, 1992
- Position: Forward / Winger
Mohamed Salah’s dribbling combines speed, balance, and composure. As a key player for Liverpool and Egypt, he uses his quickness and control to break through defenses and score impressive goals.
His slaloming runs and skill in tight spaces have made him one of the most feared forwards in football.
Salah’s dribbling helped Liverpool win the Champions League and Premier League.
23. Thierry Henry
- Date of Birth: August 17, 1977
- Position: Forward / Winger
Thierry Henry’s dribbling was both graceful and effective. He was Known for gliding past defenders, and used his speed, power, and technique to great effect.
At Arsenal, Henry became the club’s all-time top scorer, with his solo goals showcasing his dribbling brilliance.
He was also a key player for France, helping them win the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000.
24. Eusébio
- Date of Birth: January 25, 1942
- Position: Forward
Eusébio, known as “The Black Panther,” was a great forward with impressive dribbling skills. His ease in beating defenders, along with his incredible pace, made him one of the most feared players of his time.
Playing for Benfica and Portugal, Eusébio won many titles and played a major role in Portugal’s third-place finish at the 1966 World Cup.
His dribbling was direct and effective, often leading to goals or key assists.
25. Alfredo Di Stéfano
- Date of Birth: July 4, 1926
- Position: Forward / Attacking Midfielder
Alfredo Di Stéfano was a brilliant dribbler and key to Real Madrid’s success in the 1950s, helping them win five European Cups in a row.
Di Stéfano’s dribbling was marked by intelligence, exceptional control, and adaptability, allowing him to operate effectively in various positions. His versatility, combined with his leadership and tactical awareness, solidified his legacy as one of football’s greatest players.