The Definitive List: Top 10 Central Midfielders of All Time

The compilation of our list showcasing the best midfielders in world soccer has been meticulously crafted, taking into account the players' impact, achievements for both club and country, and their overall contributions to the sport of football.

10. Ruud Gullit (NED)

Making the cut on our list, narrowly surpassing numerous other legendary players, is Ruud Gullit. Gullit was a pivotal member of the renowned Dutch trio that graced AC Milan's ranks during the late 1980s and early 1990s, alongside Frank Rijkaard and Marco van Basten.

Their collective prowess propelled Milan to unprecedented achievements, securing three Serie A titles and two European Cups. Gullit's illustrious career also saw him clinch additional silverware with other clubs, including three Dutch league titles, a Dutch Cup, an Italian Cup, and an FA Cup.

For the Netherlands national team, Gullit played a significant role in the revival of "Total Football," contributing to their triumph in Euro '88. He went on to earn 66 caps for his country. Recognized for his exceptional talent, Gullit was crowned the European and World Footballer of the Year in 1987, a feat he would repeat two years later.

9. Lothar Matthaus (GER)

Lothar Matthaus stands as the player with the most appearances in World Cup matches, a remarkable feat of 25 matches spread across five World Cups, which also stands as a record for an outfield player. His imposing presence in midfield made him an excellent choice for captaincy, solidifying his status as one of the greatest captains in German football history.

Throughout his club career, Matthaus secured an impressive haul of seven Bundesliga titles, three German Cups, a Serie A title, and two UEFA Cups. On the international stage, he triumphed in the 1980 European Championships and later added a World Cup winner's medal to his collection.

Individually, Matthaus was recognized with the prestigious Ballon d'Or award in 1990, followed by being the inaugural recipient of the World Player of the Year award the following year. His incredible tally of 150 caps for Germany remains the highest in the nation's history.

8. Zico (BRA)

Zico's exceptional ability to strike free-kicks sets him apart from most players, and his performance in open play was equally impressive, earning him the nickname "the White Pele" and high praise from the legendary Pele himself, who considered Zico to be the player closest to his own caliber.

Zico's goal-scoring prowess was nearly as clinical as Pele's, as evidenced by his impressive record. Although he never won the World Cup with Brazil, despite being a vital part of the illustrious 1982 squad, he attained notable success in his club career, securing seven Rio State Championships and four Brazilian Championships.

Representing Brazil, Zico earned 88 caps and showcased his attacking midfield skills by scoring an astonishing 66 goals for his national team.

7. Raymond Kopa (FRA)

Raymond Kopa displayed his versatility by excelling both as a forward and in attacking midfield. He played a significant role in the renowned Real Madrid team of the late 1950s. Following his contribution to Stade de Reims' journey to the 1956 European Cup final, where they fell to Real Madrid, Kopa was swiftly acquired by the Spanish giants.

Throughout his career, Kopa amassed an impressive collection of trophies, including four French League titles, two Spanish League titles, and three consecutive European Cups. He represented the French national team in two World Cups, the 1954 and 1958 editions. In the former, he was honored with the Young Player of the Tournament award, while in the latter, he was named the Player of the Tournament, making him the sole player to achieve both accolades.

Over the course of his ten-year international career, Kopa earned 45 caps for France, leaving an indelible mark on the national team.

6. Michael Laudrup (DEN)

Michael Laudrup stands among the few players who have had the privilege of representing both Real Madrid and Barcelona. His graceful style endeared him to fans, while his exceptional passing skills earned him the admiration of his teammates.

Laudrup's remarkable talent left a lasting impression on his peers, with Raul declaring him as the best player he ever played alongside. Romario echoed this sentiment, even going as far as to rank Laudrup as the fourth greatest player in the history of the game, alongside Zinedine Zidane.

Regrettably, Laudrup missed out on Denmark's crowning achievement, the 1992 European Championships, due to a dispute with the coach. Nevertheless, his trophy cabinet remains far from empty. Throughout his illustrious career, he secured a Serie A title, five La Liga titles, a Spanish Cup, a Dutch League title, a Dutch Cup, and a European Cup, solidifying his status as a decorated player.

5. Bobby Charlton (ENG)

Bobby Charlton, widely acclaimed as England's finest player of all time, endured the most extreme highs and lows in his football journey. Surviving the devastating Munich air tragedy, Charlton went on to etch his name in Manchester United's history as their leading goal scorer and, until recently, their most capped player as well.

Ten years after the tragedy, Charlton played a pivotal role in securing the European Cup for Manchester United. Just two years prior, he had contributed significantly to England's sole World Cup triumph. Additionally, he clinched three First Division titles and an FA Cup during his time with the club.

In 1966, Charlton received individual accolades to complement his team achievements. He was honored as the FWA Footballer of the Year and crowned the European Player of the Year. Charlton's international career boasted 106 caps for England, a record at the time, and his goal tally of 49 remains the highest in the country's history.

4. Michel Platini (FRA)

Long before his controversial moments took the spotlight, Michel Platini had already established himself as one of the most exceptional players of the modern era. His unmatched precision in passing and dead ball delivery ranked among the finest in the history of the sport.

Throughout his club career, Platini amassed an impressive collection of titles, including the French League, the French Cup, two Serie A titles, the Italian Cup, the Cup Winners' Cup, and the European Cup. Unfortunately, the latter triumph was overshadowed by the tragic events of the Heysel disaster.

However, it was on the international stage where Platini truly shone, particularly during the 1984 European Championships, where his performances were nothing short of sensational. France claimed victory in that tournament, with Platini's exceptional displays earning him the prestigious title of European Player of the Year.

Remarkably, Platini secured the award for the second consecutive year, making it a unique hat-trick by winning it once again the following year.

3. Zinedine Zidane (FRA)

Zinedine Zidane, the maestro of football, rightfully claims his place among the top players in history, although he ranks third behind the top two. Zidane's reign over world football lasted for several years, earning him the title of the greatest player of an immensely talented generation.

Throughout his club career, Zidane secured two Serie A titles, a La Liga title, and a Champions League title. However, his most significant triumphs were achieved while representing France. In the 1998 World Cup final, Zidane became a national hero by scoring two crucial headed goals that contributed to France's historic victory over Brazil.

Eight years later, Zidane once again made headlines in a World Cup final, but this time for his headbutt on Marco Materazzi, resulting in a red card and marking his final match as a player. Nonetheless, he was also part of the French team that emerged victorious in Euro 2000.

Individually, Zidane's exceptional talent earned him the Ballon d'Or award in 1998, and he was named the World Player of the Year on three occasions, a record matched only by Ronaldo.

2. Johan Cruyff (NED)

Johan Cruyff epitomized the essence of "Total Football" that the Dutch played during the 1970s. His grace and composure on the ball made even the most extraordinary feats appear effortless and natural to him.

Throughout his club career, Cruyff achieved remarkable success, winning nine Dutch League titles, six Dutch Cups, a La Liga title, a Spanish Cup, and three consecutive European Cups. In the international arena, he played a pivotal role in the renowned 1974 Dutch side that reached the World Cup final, narrowly missing out on ultimate glory.

Cruyff's exceptional skills and contributions did not go unnoticed, as he was named the European Footballer of the Year on three occasions, a feat matched only by Marco van Basten and Michel Platini. He was also recognized as the European Player of the Century in a poll conducted by the International Federation of Football History and Statistics. In the World Player of the Century poll, he finished in second place, behind the legendary Pele.

1. Alfredo Di Stefano (SPA)

Alfredo Di Stefano is often regarded as the greatest all-round footballer in history, even while playing alongside formidable teammates like Ferenc Puskas, Francisco Gento, and Raymond Kopa at Real Madrid.

Di Stefano's inclusion in this list is not as a striker, but due to his ability to control the game. Despite being predominantly positioned up front, he would often drop deep to collect the ball from his own goalkeeper, showcasing his versatility and influence on the game.

During his club career, Di Stefano accumulated an impressive collection of titles, including two Argentinian League titles, four Colombian league titles, eight La Liga titles, a Spanish Cup, and an unprecedented five consecutive European Cups. Notably, he played for three different national teams but never had the opportunity to feature in a World Cup.

Di Stefano's goal-scoring record of 431 goals in 587 matches is extraordinary, leading to numerous broken records that still stand today. He was honored with the Ballon d'Or award in 1957 and 1959, and in the IFFHS's World Player of the Century poll, he secured a fourth-place ranking.