10 best dribblers of all-time
Football is perhaps the only sport that offers its audience a chance to witness instances of beauty. No other game can present the level of beauty, of sheer genius so alien to a human being’s sensibilities that it seems almost plucked from thin air.
Of course, a Michael Jordan dunk or a Roger Federer forehand come close.
The very sight of a player, meandering his way past three-four hapless defenders, is enough to fall in love with this beautiful game. And, only a few in world football have been able to master the art of dribbling.
Here, we list 10 of the greatest footballers the world has ever seen (in no particular order).
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are the author’s and not those of the site.
10. Roberto Baggio
The name Roberto Baggio is mostly associated with the quintessential picture of “the divine ponytail” standing with his head hung as Brazil celebrated their first World Cup in more than 20 years. However, his legacy was that of a showman – one which should have met a better climax.
He is considered to be one of the greatest Italian players and one of the best of his generation. With one Ballon d’Or award and one FIFA World Player of the Year award to show for his achievements, Baggio is remembered for his charisma on the ball.
Whereas Italian football is usually perceived as defensive football, Baggio was a different entity. He was an entertainer, dazzling the audience now and then with exquisite control and deft touches. His ability to beat opponents with his flair, agility, body feints or sudden changes in acceleration made him one of the greatest dribblers of the game.
9. Pele
Although he is considered as one of the greatest players of all time, one of his skills has always been much underrated. The very name of Pele paints the quintessential picture of an immaculate goal-machine. However, not many are aware of his capabilities of cutting through a defence.
We have revelled in his legacy, witnessed his immense goal-scoring capabilities. But seldom have we talked about his dribbling skills. That there are only a handful of videos of the Brazilian great is one of the biggest tragedies in football. However, even the limited videos are proof that Pele’s dribbling abilities were second to none.
The ball always looked like it was stuck to his feet. Pele had incredible ball control and would even manage to wriggle his way out from tight corners. He would hold on to the ball with defenders surrounding him in the 18-yard box, and still find a way out and score.
8. Rivellino
Roberto Rivellino, the moustachioed Brazilian trickster, was the star of three World Cups for his country. He was famous for his bending free kicks, vision, accurate long passing, long-range shooting, and of course, for his dribbling skills. He is also described as one of the most graceful football players ever.
However, Rivellino’s legacy lies in the fact that he was the inventor of the “flip-flap” or the “elastico”, a move famously copied by Romario, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Cristiano Ronaldo amongst others. Although he is lauded as its fair-filled inventor, the Brazilian conceded that he had merely perfected the move after seeing a former teammate do it.
In any case, Rivellino was a player who loved and lived to tease and torment the opposition. His close control with his left foot was remarkable, and even Diego Maradona named the former Corinthians star as one of his inspirations while growing up.