The 10 greatest attacking midfielders of all time

Attacking midfielders are probably the greatest entertainers in the beautiful game. Capable of cutting open defences with one key pass or scoring spectacular goals, these players are usually counted among the best players in the world.

Some amazing names of world football have all made the number ‘10’ position their own. To pick the top 10 players out of so many legends was no easy task, but we attempt to rank the 10 greatest attacking midfielders of all time.

Sit back and enjoy reading about some of the greatest players of all time:

#10 Michel Platini

In the history of the European Championships, there isn’t a single player that made an impact quite like Platini did in 1984. As captain and the leading light in midfield, he forged an unconquerable partnership that would famously be nicknamed the ‘Magic Square’ alongside Alain Giresse, Jean Tigana and Luiz Fernandez. 

Of the 14 goals that the French scored, Platini contributed an incredible 9, a record that stands to this day, including two perfect hat-tricks featuring goals off either foot and a header. Platini lifted the trophy in Paris, beating Spain in the final, producing the ultimate climax in front of the country’s own supporters.

Platini also enjoyed great success with Juventus where he won a European Cup and two Serie A titles in his career. Zidane considered Platini to be his idol, the legendary Frenchman said:

“When I was a kid and played with my friends, I always chose to be Platini. I would let my friends share between them the names of my other idols.”

Platini inspired France to their first international success and he almost singlehandedly made the France football team a force to reckon with.