Who Are The Most Famous Footballers Ever? (Top 10 Ranked)

Who Are The Most Famous Footballers Ever? (Top 10 Ranked)

Idolised, adored and loved, footballers throughout the years have been able to catapult their stardom with performances on the pitch and marketing their image off of it. Superstars with a ball at their feet, we have seen many names in the footballing world generate a brand and a popularity that has usurped playing careers, becoming some of the most popular names win the world, let alone football.

With fame and fortune becoming more and more intertwined with up and coming footballers, here at Football Park we take a look at the ten most famous footballers to ever do it. Masters of marketing and brand, as well as the football pitch, these individuals are the pinnacle of the sport's popularity worldwide.

10. Mohamed Salah

The Egyptian winger finds himself on this list after becoming one of the world's most universally loved and respected figures. His move to Liverpool in 2017 saw him re-enter the world's spotlight and has since generated a substantial following across the globe. Speaking out on political issues, as well as an incredible amount of charity work, Salah was named amongst the 100 most influential people by Time Magazine in 2019. Although his record-breaking debut season for Liverpool made his popularity rise initially, Salah's hero status worldwide puts him at tenth on this list.

pic.twitter.com/HsjQa6Bkfs

— Mohamed Salah (@MoSalah) April 27, 2025

9. Ronaldo

More endearingly known as R9, Ronaldo's popularity stems from an incredible playing career and an equally incredible haircut. Adored by the footballing world, the Brazilian striker is one of the most technically brilliant footballers to ever play the game. Winning two world cups in his time, you can ask any football fan of that generation about the striker's brilliance and standing in the game. Unfortunately, his injury-ravaged career came to a premature end in 2011 and it is very much common knowledge that if it were not for those injuries, there was simply no limit to what he could do on a football pitch.

📆 BORN ON THIS DAY: 1976

🇧🇷 Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima

⭐️ The best ever. R9. pic.twitter.com/T7UUpHiLWR

— FourFourTwo (@FourFourTwo) September 18, 2025

8. Neymar

Eighth on this list brings us to another Brazilian icon who as weighed down by injury probelsm over the years. Part of arguably the most prolific front three in football history, Neymar's time at Barcelona saw him go from a wonderkid to a global icon. A transfer move to PSG in 2017 made him the world's most expensive footballer as he left the success of Barcelona to become the Parisian club's most prized asset. Signing an 11-year deal with Nike in 2011, Neymar's commercial growth has been unprecedented. Coupled with transfer moves to Al Hilal and back to home club Santos, he has established his name and brand across the world. Brazil's all-time top goal scorer, Neymar is truly one of a kind and his status in the game reflects his popularity out of it.

20 year-old Neymar's 2012 season! pic.twitter.com/RKG51dNHLS

— All Things Brazil™ 🇧🇷 (@SelecaoTalk) September 26, 2025

7. Johan Cruyff

Johan Cruyff's imprint on football and society will be ever-lasting. His philosophy of total football revolutionized the game as we know it and he leaves a legacy like no other in the sport. Known as 'the total footballer,' Cruyff's success as both player and manager primarily with Ajax and Barcelona has made him one of the sport's biggest names. But like so many others on this list, Cruyff ventured into other areas which multiplied his reputation and popularity. Authoring several books whilst also setting up the Johan Cruyff Foundation, the Dutchman's talents and exceptional work was not limited to football as the Cruyff name continues to ring loud across the globe.

💥Johan Cruyff 💥

1974.#UCL #ChampionsLeague #Netherlands pic.twitter.com/rKNJby11g6

— Futbol Mundial (@futbolmundialsp) September 30, 2025

6. Ronaldinho

Making sixth on this list is the iconic Ronaldinho. A man who symbolised everything football should be with his effortless brilliance, the Brazilian's reputation across the globe for flare and creativity on the football pitch is mammoth. With endorsements from some of the biggest brands around, Ronaldinho became the face of football in the prime of his career with an unrivalled brand and incredible following. He remains one of the greatest players ever to grace the game with his genius and spontaneous quality.

Ronaldinho 🤙 pic.twitter.com/h5KThVZ684

— Futebol Nostálgico! (@futnostalgico) September 28, 2025

5. David Beckham

Differing from the rest of this list, there is an argument that Beckham has made a bigger name for himself off the field. Building his brand to unchartered levels since his retirement from the game, the co-Salford and Inter Miami owner has established fame all over the world with his media presence and philanthropy. Enjoying a glittering career with the likes of Manchester United, Real Madrid and AC Milan, you will struggle to find a place where he isn't a household name, proving to be just as good at late night talk shows as to whipping in free-kicks.

David Beckham for Boss (2025) pic.twitter.com/vErqSVtMDW

— NoteS. (@NoteSphere) September 26, 2025

4. Pelé

Described as the king of the beautiful game, Pelé rose to fame as Brazilian football's golden boy for Santos. Prolific yet elegant, Pelé was one of the greats. With his brilliance potentially lost on the younger generation, he was the definition of a superstar, winning three World Cups in his star-studded career. Venturing into politics, the Brazilian became the minister of sport for his country in 1995 aiming to eradicate the corruption that was taking place in the nation. With a legacy of true sporting ideals and merit left behind, he encapsulated the beauty of football and is thoroughly deserving of his iconic status.

Pelé is the only player to have ever won three World Cups 🇧🇷

It might be matched, but likely never beaten. pic.twitter.com/tvljxrBuLR

— B/R Football (@brfootball) February 9, 2023

3. Diego Maradona

Definitely the most controversial player on this list, Diego Maradona was simply box office on and off the field. Never away from the spotlight, the Argentinian was as crazy as he was brilliant. Scorer of the most famous goal football has ever seen, his 'hand of god' moment against England in 1986 will live on forever as one of the most ridiculous things the sport has ever seen. A party animal, Maradona never shied away from media attention and developed a reputation as one of sport's icons. Passing away at the age of 60, Maradona was truly one of a kind and his memory continues to echo across the sporting world.

🗣 Diego Maradona: “In 1991, Pablo Escobar invited me to play football with him in prison. We played a match and everyone had fun.

Later, we partied with the most beautiful girls I have ever seen in my life. All of this in a prison... I couldn't believe it.” pic.twitter.com/65vyx7soc1

— PurelyFootball ℗ (@PurelyFootball) October 1, 2025

2. Lionel Messi and 1. Cristiano Ronaldo

Unsurprisingly it is these two who top our list of the most famous footballers ever. Both head and shoulders above the rest of the footballing world, they are two of the most famous athletes and people to ever live. With Ronaldo pipping Messi to number one simply because of the brand and image he has built over the years, both of these two are living legends and have transcended the world of sport with their footballing dominance. 79 trophies, 13 Balon d'Ors and over a billion Instagram followers between them, they lead the way in showing the impact of sport on society.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi embracing before a match for what might be the last time.

Who's cutting onions? 🥹

(via benblack/Instagram) pic.twitter.com/cLHlKXFXar

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) January 19, 2023