Who Are The Best Left Footed Footballers Of All Time?

Who Are The Best Left-Footed Footballers Of All Time?

Traditionally, right-footed footballers are far more common than left-footed ones. But this doesn't necessarily mean they're better.

Over the years we have been treated to some wonderful left-footed footballers, from the likes of the GOAT Lionel Messi to the magician Roberto Carlos.

In this article, we will look at and rank the top 10 best-ever left-footed footballers and what made them so talented.

10- David Silva

A Manchester City legend, the Spaniard was a magician with his left foot. He made over 300 appearances for the Sky Blues and was integral in their multiple Premier League-winning campaigns during the 2010s.

Renowned as both a goalscorer and a goal creator, Silva would often find the 'needle in a haystack' type passes that would unlock defences with his left foot.

Manchester City fans regard him as the best left-footed player they have ever had, and this is why he is included on this list.

9- Arjen Robben

Most well-known for his time at Bayern Munich, the Dutchman also played for Groningen, PSV, Chelsea and Real Madrid.

He mainly played on the right wing, cutting inside onto his left foot and creating chances with his silky dribbling skills and pace. He remains as the Dutch top assist provider in the Champions League with 19.

In his career, he won the top division titles in the Netherlands, England, Spain and Germany. He also scored 150 goals across his entire time in football. His efficiency with his left foot ranks him as one of the greatest wingers of recent memory, and that is why he is included in this list.

8- Ryan Giggs

Regarded as one of the best British players ever, Giggs was a one-club player, committing his entire career to Manchester United. He made 672 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring 114 goals.

He won a record 13 Premier League titles in his career, which is more than any other player in history. The ball simply stuck to his left foot, which allowed him to have world-class dribbling skill and excellent crossing accuracy.

He is absolutely one of the best players to ever play in the Premier League, and that is why he is included here.

7- Hristo Stoichkov

Although he is a player from a different time, his impact as a left-footed footballer cannot be understated.

Stoichkov is the best Bulgarian footballer of all time and was most well known for his time at CSKA Sofia and Barcelona, where he scored a combined 164 goals for both sides.

He had a bullet of a left foot, which he was able to use to score from all across the pitch. His performances led to him winning the Ballon d'Or in 1994, a huge reason for his inclusion in this list.

6- Gheorghe Hagi

Another player from Eastern Europe, Hagi is regarded as the best Romanian footballer of all time.

Nicknamed 'The Maradona of the Carpathians', Hagi scored 237 goals across his entire career. Known for his attacking playmaking abilities, Hagi could seemingly do it all and left it all out on the football pitch.

He has been included in this list due to his iconic status and consistent high-level performances at both club and international levels.

5- Raul

One of the best Real Madrid attackers of all time, which is saying something, Raul scored 323 goals in 741 appearances for Los Blancos across 16 years for the club.

He had one of the best left feet in history, scoring many of his goals from across the pitch in spectacular fashion. He was especially potent in the UEFA Champions League, scoring 71, the most for a Spaniard in the competition.

He has been ranked higher than others in this list due to performances in the Champions League, and the number of goals he scored across his lengthy career.

4- Roberto Carlos

Possibly the most talented footballer in this list with just his left foot, Carlos made football look easy across his whole career.

Following his retirement in 2016, the Brazilian is most well known for his outside-the-boot banana free kick goal from 40 yards out against France in 1997. He scored 49 goals from direct free kicks throughout his whole career, and is probably the best free kick taker we have ever seen.

Carlos was the first truly modern full-back and inspired many after him; this is why he is placed fourth on this list.

3- Ferenc Puskas

'Iconic' is the word to describe Puskas' career. He is the namesake of the FIFA Puskas Award after the sheer amount of beautiful goals he scored throughout his career.

He scored an outstanding 242 goals in 262 appearances for Real Madrid, nearly averaging a goal a game. Many of these were scored with his left foot.

He also scored 84 goals in 85 caps for Hungary; these goalscoring figures show how good of a player he was.

He's regarded as one of the best players of all time, and he is deserving of 3rd place on this list.

2- Diego Maradona

Born with natural talent, Maradona grew up playing football in mud on the pitches in Argentina. This moulded him into one of the greatest we've ever seen play the sport.

He could dictate the football with his left foot in any way he'd like, drifting past players with ease, like he did against England in the 1986 World Cup.

There's not much else to say, everyone knows of Maradona and he is absolutely deserving of 2nd place on this list.

1- Lionel Messi

An idol to many young football fans throughout the 21st century, Lionel Messi is the goat.

Still playing in the MLS, Messi has scored 776 goals and counting during his senior career and seems to have another few years in the tank.

Probably the most naturally gifted football player ever, Messi is able to use both feet, but many of his goals and assists have come from his left foot.

He is the greatest footballer ever, and it just so happens he is left-footed.