Football has absolutely taken over the world of sports. With 3 billion people backing it around the world, the game is a favorite pastime for folks from different cultures, countries, and backgrounds. There are many aspects of the game that fans get attached to. Clubs, leagues, tournaments, even coaches. But, most often, we, as fans, get attached to the players.
There have been many incredible players in football. But, few have attained a legendary status that has helped shape the game. With their skills, achievements, and gameplay, these players have managed to change the football world. What is more, many of them have built a repertoire with their fans, due to shared interests.
Wayne Rooney, Goalscorer
Manchester United is, by far, the most popular and successful football club in the Premier League. They hold the most amount of championships, they’ve trained some of the best players, and they are universally loved, and followed by a huge number of fans.
United has also been sponsored by some really big-name companies. Many of them have been sportsbooks. In 2023, online sports betting is a popular practice. Some of the best crypto bookies online provide top-quality odds, that capture the hearts and minds of a broad audience. Naturally, sports clubs, and even some football players partner up with online sportsbooks for mutual benefit.
A lot of football players themselves have visited these bookies, and may have placed a bet or two. For example, Wayne Rooney is one of the legendary players of Manchester United who has confirmed he likes to place wagers. But, Rooney is not best known for his gambling skills. Rather, we know him as an absolute beast on the field.
Rooney was known as one of the best players of his generation. He is the top Manchester United goalscorer of all time, and a legend of the EPL. However, that isn’t where it ends. Rooney has also had an incredible international career. He is the English team’s top goalscorer, certainly deserving of his legendary status.
Lev Yashin, Goalkeeper
Lev Yashin was a Russian football player, who many regard as the greatest goalkeeper in football history. To this day, many disregard the role of the goalkeeper as merely a wall that prevents the opposing team from scoring. However, in truth, an excellent goalkeeper can make or break a team.
Nicknamed “the Black Spider,” Yashin proved that a goalie is much more than a glorified wall. With incredible bravery he jumped in the way of even the fastest and most dangerous balls. His impeccable vision and acrobatic body made him an excellent passer, and due to his reflexes he could stop even the most impossible shot.
Between 1958 and 1970, Yashin appeared in four World Cups, and in 2002, even a decade after his passing, fans and pros chose him as the goalie for the FIFA World Cups Dream Team. Without a doubt, he is one of the best goalies, and certainly the most influential.
Franz Beckenbauer, Libero
Though retired now, Beckenbauer was once one of the most prominent players in managers in German football. Franz’ talent and skill earned him one of the most incredible and well-earned nicknames in football; “Der Kaiser” or “The Emperor” in English.
Franz Beckenbauer earned his reputation and name playing as a central defender. He fulfilled his role with an impressive aptitude. However, he took it to the next level by creating a position all on his own. Today, the “sweeper” position is a staple of many football clubs. However, the position did not exist until the Kaiser created it in his day.
While fulfilling the sweeper position, Beckenbauer participated at two World Cups, both of which the German team won. Aside from his World Cup accomplishments, Beckenbauer won most if not all of the notable football awards, from Ballon d’Ors to National Footballer of the Year honors, and specific Bundesliga awards as well.
Without a doubt, Franz Beckenbauer is one of Germany’s most successful and influential players. He rightly deserves to be called one of football’s greatest players. Certainly, one of the most influential.
David Beckham, Midfielder
If you know football, you know David Beckham. The English player began his career with one of the English Premier League’s most dominant teams, Manchester United. What made David Beckham a successful player were his incredible passing skills, his fantastic crossing ability, and his iconic bending kicks. However, what made David Beckham a star was his incredible charisma and passion, both off and on the field.
There are multiple ways that a player can influence a game. In the case of Beckham, his biggest influence on the sport is elevating it to an international status. Of course, the game has always been popular worldwide. But, it is debatable whether the sport would have a following exceeding three billion without the fandom that David Beckham brought to it. He certainly helped the sport grow in the USA.
But, Beckham’s charm and charisma are not all he has to offer. Certainly, he is one of the best midfielders of his era. His bending kicks became iconic, with many players attempting to emulate them since, with varying degrees of success.
In terms of success, Beckham is also incredibly influential. In fact, he is the first English player to win a major league title in four different countries. Without a doubt, he deserves a spot on a list of the most influential and successful footballers of all time.
Johan Cruyff, Attacker
Johan Cruyff is the last player that we are going to take a look at. Certainly a high note to end on, to many people, Johan Cruyff is one of the greatest players of all time. He definitely deserves the accolades, as one of the creators of “Total Football.”
For the uninitiated, “total football” is a football-playing philosophy that suggests that each player should master every position in the game. That way, anyone could take up any position at any point during the game. While incredibly straining, both physically and mentally, Cruyff proved that it is possible to attain great success using total football.
While total football is not as popular today as it was during the mid-1900s, there are quite a few clubs that still follow this football philosophy. Most prominently, the Dutch club Ajax continue to incorporate total football ideology. They’ve done it successfully and continue to dominate the Dutch league.
