There are so many names when talking about the best midfielders of all time who have made their mark in global football.
The names are endless, and many of them had the best of careers before their retirement, while others did play and stopped early.
We have put down some legendary names according to multiple sources with their rankings of the best midfielders of all time.
Table of Contents
Best Midfielders Of All Time
Football has witnessed so many great names who operated in the midfield area and dominated the game during their time.
READ MORE – Best Young Football Players 2025
Many of them also changed the game by scoring more goals than many expected them to get based on their position.
20. Frank Lampard
The Chelsea legend established himself under Jose Mourinho, who went on to make so much happen in his career.
He won everything possible as a player and went on to finish 2nd at the Ballon d’Or while playing for Chelsea.
His exploits as a player ranked him as the best midfielder of all time who has the most goals in Premier League history.
19. Claude Makelele
France International and former Chelsea midfielder Makelele was arguably one of the best midfielders of all time.
His role both for club and National team earned him praise which placed him at the top of the greatest of all.
18. Andrea Pirlo
The Italy legend was a wizard on another level when he stepped onto the pitch both for his Country and the clubs he played.
Andrea Pirlo was one of those who was always present in every game, and his signature free kick remains legendary.
17. Patrick Vieira
France International is another big name when it comes to the best midfielders of all time, according to the ranking.
Patrick Vieira played for Arsenal and Inter Milan during the peak of his career while winning a lot both personally and on the team.
16. Paul Scholes
The England national was a prominent figure in the middle with an incredible shot power, which saw him dominate the Premier League.
Paul Scholes can’t be easily forgotten as a Manchester United legend, and also makes him among the best midfielders of all time.
15. Clarence Seedorf
He started with Ajax as a professional before moving on to different clubs, claiming different titles in his career.
Seedorf is one of the most travelled players, and he made sure he achieved success everywhere he played before retirement.
14. Toni Kroos
Kroos began his senior career at Bayern Munich, debuting at 17 in 2007. He contributed to three Bundesliga titles with the Champions League.
He did push and gained significant success with Real Madrid where he claimed five Champions League with the club.
13. Steven Gerrard
He spent the majority of his playing career at Liverpool, making 504 Premier League appearances and scoring 120 goals.
Steven Gerrard goes down in the history books for his numerous successes with Liverpool as their captain, but he never won the Premier League.
12. Kaka
The Brazilian started his career with São Paulo, making his debut in 2001. In 2003, he transferred to AC Milan for €8.5 million, where he achieved significant success.
When the best midfielders of all time are being mentioned, Kaka makes the rank as his exploits for both club and Country massive before his Real Madrid move.
11. Xavi
He made his first-team debut in 1998 and became a pivotal figure in Barcelona’s success over the next 17 years.
During his tenure, Xavi played 767 official matches, scoring 85 goals, and was instrumental in securing numerous titles with Barcelona.
10. Socrates
He started his career with Botafogo-SP in 1974. In 1978, he joined Corinthians, where he became a central figure both on and off the field.
Socrates earned 60 caps for the Brazil national team, scoring 22 goals. He represented Brazil in two FIFA World Cups.
9. Jay Jay Okocha
The Nigerian legend was an entertainer with the ball who began making a name for himself in 1990 with Borussia Neunkirchen.
Okocha remained a rare player who was so technical and skillful that he gathered massive fans to the Stadium for all the clubs he played.
His skills are legendary and it place him among the best midfielders of all time both in Africa and global.
8. Luka Modric
He made his Football break as a professional with Dinamo Zagreb in 2003 before earning a move to Tottenham in 2008.
Modric played his best career with Real Madrid since he made the move in 2012, where he has won numerous titles, including six Champions League.
7. Ruud Gullit
The Ballon d’Or winner in 1987 was an exceptional player who played with numerous teams before becoming a manager.
Ruud Gullit debuted with HFC Haarlem in 1979. He was known for playing with his fellow Dutchmen, Marco van Basten and Frank Rijkaard.
6. Andres Iniesta
The Spanish national made his break in 2002, which saw him carry on playing for 16 seasons before leaving Barcelona as a player.
He did make over 131 caps for Spain, playing a pivotal role in the nation’s golden era. Andreas Iniesta puts himself in the record book as one of the best midfielders of all time.
5. Bobby Charlton
Charlton began his journey as a player with Manchester United in 1956, making his first-team debut at the age of 18.
Charlton’s early career was marked by the tragic Munich Air Disaster in 1958. Over his 17-year tenure with the club, he made 758 appearances and scored 249 goals.
4. Zico
He made a name for himself while playing for Flamengo in 1971 where he gained 212 appearances and scored 123 goals.
He spent his career in Brazil before playing for Kashima Antlers, where he finished his active days as a player.
3. Michel Platini
Platini began playing with AS Nancy in 1972, where his talent quickly became evident. He earned a move to numerous top clubs while earning himself three Ballon d’Ors.
Michel Platini was on another level as a player which ranks him higher when it comes to the best midfielders of all time.
2. Zinedine Zidane
He began playing as a professional with AS Cannes in 1989 before moving to Bordeaux in 1992, where he gained prominence.
Zidane was a master of his craft, which gained him success with Juventus and Real Madrid during his active days, which put him among the best midfielders of all time.
1. Diego Maradona
Maradona started up his profession with Argentinos in 1976. He was a skilful player who moved to Barcelona in 1982 but struggled.
He was able to bounce back, earning a move to Napoli, where he made history for the club before moving on.
Diego Maradona achieved greatness and also put his name among the best midfielders of all time with his success in both club and Argentina.
