It should come as no surprise that ‘The King of Soccer’ is up first in our breakdown of the most loved players of all time. Pele’s impact on the world has withstood the test of time and he’s often regarded as a symbol of excellence in the sport. His talent as a forward was undeniable, and his skill, creativity, and good sportsmanship was on display at every game. He led his team Brazil to multiple World Cup victories and dazzled fans with his speed and powerful shooting. Throughout the duration of his career, Pele is worshipped for scoring a total of 1279 goals for his team. His talent and adoration were unmatched for decades until other players like Messi and Ronaldo were introduced. Pele’s impact reaches far beyond the field, and he even became an ambassador for soccer, with a mission to promote his love of the sport globally and inspire the future generation of players to follow in his footsteps.

Ronaldinho

Another player who’s widely regarded as one of the most loved players in history is Ronaldinho. His remarkable talent, charismatic personality, and joyful nature has made him an icon around the world and in Brazil. Unlike other players on this list, Ronaldinho isn’t considered one of the best players in the world, as far as statistics go. He’s often described as the most enjoyable player to behold, whose fun style of play demonstrated his perfect dribbling technique for ultimate entertainment. Ronaldinho’s confident demeanor on the field and comfortability with the ball captivated fans and opponents alike. His ability to execute jaw-dropping tricks and passes was a pleasant reminder to fans that there’s more to playing soccer than winning. Even off the field, Ronaldinho tends to charm everyone he meets, making fans feel connected to him as both a player and a person. Many global superstars have found inspiration from Ronaldinho and have expressed their admiration for his positive outlook on the sport, where enjoyment should be prioritized over competitiveness.  

Wayne Rooney

Arguably the biggest face of the sport in the late 2000s and early 2010s, English striker Wayne Rooney is one of the most beloved soccer players of all time. Known for his unmatched talent and loyalty, Rooney has earned a special place in the hearts of fans around the world. During his time playing for Manchester United, Rooney set multiple records and went onto become the club’s all-time leading goal scorer. His loyal and sentimental qualities can be shown through his commitment to Manchester United. He spent 13 seasons at the club and developed a strong connection with his massive fan base. He was also one of the greatest English players of all time and was the record goal scorer for the England national team from 2015 to 2023. He has won the England Player of the Year award 4 times, the PFA Players' Player of the Year, the FWA Footballer of the Year, the Premier League Player of the Month award 5 times, and much more. Wayne’s journey from a young Everton prodigy to becoming one of the most celebrated players in Manchester United and England's history is truly remarkable and he’s still considered one of the most loved players to this day.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo will undoubtedly go down in history as one of the most loved players of all time. He’s a perfect example of how you can achieve anything you set your mind to through dedication and hard work. Ronaldo is considered one of the greatest players in the world and achieved unimaginable success at club level with Real Madrid, Juventus, and Manchester United. His powerful and inspirational persona hasn’t gone unnoticed by fans and Ronaldo remains one of the most followed men on social media to this day. Many of Ronaldo’s best moments came during the UEFA Champions League, a competition that has always been special to him. Beyond his accomplishments on the field, his philanthropy work and family-life have gained admiration from his fans. He’s created a new era of soccer and will be considered one of the greatest and most loved players in history.

Diego Maradona

Another player who is considered one of the most beloved of all time is Diego Maradona. Some players in the world of soccer are considered icons, some are thought of as heroes, and some fall into a whole new category. Maradona is considered a soccer God to his fans, rightfully so. His reach has gone so far that fans in Argentina, still to this day, chant his name in the stands, despite his death a few years ago. There are still plenty of reminders dedicated to the soccer legend, including the club’s stadium that’s named after him. Considered widely as an Argentine genius, Maradona is known for his amazing goal scoring prowess and unique vision. His most famous moment came during the 1986 World Cup, where he scored the iconic “Hand of God” goal against England for Argentina. His passion from the game could be felt around the world and his ability to connect with fans was unlike any other.

Lionel Messi

In the modern era, Lionel Messi stands out as one of the most loved soccer players of all time globally. After his success with Argentina, Messi has earned his place on the same list as late Maradona in his homeland. Known for his incredible dribbling, playmaking, and goal scoring abilities, Messi has won numerous titles, including multiple Champions League trophies. He was known as the club’s all-time leading goal scorer for FC Barcelona and throughout his career has solidified his place as a modern-day legend. His humble nature, dedication to his fans, and philanthropy work has made him an inspirational figure in the world of soccer. Messi’s ability to shine on both club and international stages have made him an unforgettable player for his loyal fanbase. Not only will he go down in history as one of the most loved players of all time, but also as one of the greatest players in the world!