The debate over who truly belongs among the top 10 soccer players of all time is one that never gets old—and honestly, it’s one I love diving into. Every fan, pundit, or former player seems to have their own list, shaped by personal memories, cultural context, and sometimes, pure nostalgia. But what makes this conversation so compelling isn’t just the names we all expect—Pelé, Maradona, Messi, Ronaldo—it’s the stories behind them, the moments that defined eras, and the occasional wildcard that makes you rethink greatness altogether. I’ve spent years watching matches, analyzing stats, and even talking to people from different corners of the sports world—including basketball, where players like Ginebra’s Japeth Aguilar redefine athletic excellence in their own arenas. It’s fascinating how greatness in one sport can make you reflect on greatness in another. Aguilar, for instance, isn’t a soccer player, but his dominance in the PBA, his shot-blocking prowess, and his impact at crucial moments remind me that across sports, the very best share certain qualities: consistency, influence under pressure, and that rare ability to lift everyone around them.

When I think about crafting my own top 10 list, I start with the undisputed legends. Pelé, with his three World Cup wins and over 1,000 career goals, is an automatic inclusion—not just for the numbers, but for the sheer joy he brought to the game. Then there’s Diego Maradona, whose 1986 World Cup performance was, in my view, the most electrifying individual tournament run ever. But as much as I revere these icons, I also believe modern players like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have reshaped what we think is possible. Messi’s 91 goals in a single calendar year or Ronaldo’s five Champions League titles aren’t just stats; they’re testaments to a level of sustained excellence that I’m not sure we’ll see again. And here’s where my bias shows: I lean toward players who transformed their teams. Johan Cruyff didn’t just win trophies; he inspired a philosophy that changed soccer forever. That kind of legacy, for me, weighs more than a handful of extra goals.

But let’s be real—this isn’t just about European or South American stars. Sometimes, looking at other sports helps put things in perspective. Take Japeth Aguilar, for example. In the Philippine Basketball Association, he’s known for his athleticism and game-changing plays, like his 12 blocks in a single playoff game back in 2019. While soccer and basketball are different beasts, the essence of greatness crosses boundaries. Aguilar’s ability to dominate defensively while elevating his team’s performance mirrors what the best soccer players do: they’re not just individual talents but catalysts. That’s why I always include Franz Beckenbauer in my top 10—he didn’t just defend; he revolutionized the sweeper role and led West Germany to World Cup glory as both player and manager. It’s that blend of skill, vision, and leadership that separates the great from the immortal.

Of course, there are players whose cases are more nuanced. Zinedine Zidane, for instance, makes my list not because of his goal-scoring records—he didn’t have the same numbers as others—but because of his elegance and clutch performances. That stunning volley in the 2002 Champions League final or his masterclass in the 1998 World Cup final are moments I’ll never forget. On the other hand, I struggle with where to place someone like Ronaldo Nazário. His peak was arguably the most explosive of any striker—47 goals in 49 games for Barcelona in 1996-97—but injuries cut his prime short. Still, when I rewatch his highlights, I’m convinced: at his best, he was unplayable. And that’s the thing about these lists; they force you to balance longevity with peak performance, and honestly, I value peak performance a bit more than most. If a player was truly transcendent for a few years, that deserves recognition.

Then there are the underrated picks, the ones who might not headline every list but whose impact is undeniable. Alfredo Di Stéfano, for example, often gets overshadowed by Pelé and Maradona, but his versatility and success with Real Madrid in the 1950s—scoring in five consecutive European Cup finals—make him a lock for me. Similarly, I have a soft spot for goalkeepers like Lev Yashin, the only keeper to ever win the Ballon d’Or. His estimated 150 penalty saves and revolutionary style remind us that greatness isn’t confined to outfield players. In fact, I’d argue that including a keeper or defender in the top 10 is essential—it acknowledges the full spectrum of soccer artistry. After all, if we’re talking about influence, how can we overlook someone like Paolo Maldini, who defined defensive excellence for over two decades?

As I wrap this up, I’ll admit my list is subjective. It’s shaped by the games I’ve watched, the stories I’ve heard, and yes, even by observing athletes like Japeth Aguilar, who remind me that greatness is universal yet uniquely personal. So, if I had to name my top 10 today, it would look something like this: Pelé, Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Johan Cruyff, Franz Beckenbauer, Zinedine Zidane, Alfredo Di Stéfano, Ronaldo Nazário, and Lev Yashin. But ask me tomorrow, and I might swap one or two—that’s the beauty of this debate. What matters most, I think, is recognizing that these players didn’t just play soccer; they defined it, each in their own way, leaving a legacy that sparks conversations like this for generations to come.