10 greatest dribblers of all time

#3 Lionel Messi

FC Barcelona v RC Celta - La Liga Santander

Arguably the greatest player to have played the game, Lionel Messi continues to impress at the top level.

A one-club man, Messi is Barcelona through and through. Since making his debut in 2004, the Argentina international has not looked back, and is now regarded as the club's greatest ever player. A world-class dribbler, creator and goalscorer, Messi has often been the difference between a Barcelona win and a Barcelona loss.

Nicolas Gonzalez, Copa America winner with Argentina: "Before the final, Messi told us that playing against them (Brazil) at the Maracaná was a miracle. And that they had the cup there for us to to win it. When be said that, more than one of us got goosebumps."

— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) July 29, 2021

For his country, Messi is the highest appearance-maker as well as the all-time top goalscorer. The 34-year old recently led his country to success at Copa America in 2021, and is now the favorite to win his seventh Ballon d'Or.

---

#2 Diego Maradona

Argentina Press Conference - 2010 FIFA World Cup

Diego Armando Maradona was a true great of the game.

Destined for greatness from a very young age, there was immense pressure on Maradona to succeed in football. The diminutive forward made the ball talk, with his incredible control and his excellent passing and vision. His low center of gravity helped him dribble past opposition defenses with ease.

If only Diego Maradona was still present to experience Argentina and Messi's Copa America victory! 🥺😭#Barca #Messi #Maradona #Barcelona #LeoMessi #CopaAmerica pic.twitter.com/C75MNPAIJm

— Sportskeeda Football (@skworldfootball) July 30, 2021

Maradona won the World Cup with Argentina in 1986, and enjoyed a great career at the highest level. Off thefield,d though, he was controversy's favorite child. The Argentina international was a complex character, but his genius was such that he is regarded reverentially across the world.

---

#1 Garrincha

The greatest dribbler of all time, Garrincha is seen by many as being better than even Pele.

Garrincha spent nearly his entire club career playing for Botafogo in Brazil. For the national team, the winger was a talismanic presence. A world-class dribbler, Garrincha won the World Cup twice with Brazil, and was the best player at the 1962 FIFA World Cup.

Garrincha won the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball and the FIFA World Cup Golden Boot in 1962. The forward endured a troubled life off the field. However, he is remembered fondly by Brazilian football fans for his fantastic dribbling ability. Garrincha is undoubtedly one of Brazil's all-time greats.

---