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#7 Michel Platini
Michel Platini's career in football administration might not have gone according to plan, but on the field, he was one of the best players in the world during his prime.
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Like almost all world-class no.10s, Platini was an elegant attacking midfielder with excellent ability on the ball and strong technical skills. Renowned for his passing, Platini spent his entire footballing career representing three clubs. The France international began his career with Nancy before playing for Saint-Etienne and Juventus.
Platini won multiple trophies with Juventus, but his spell with the French national team also deserves applause. He won the Euros in 1984 and despite only featuring in this tournament; he holds the record for the most goals scored, with nine. Platini won the Ballon d'Or three times, in 1983, 1984 and 1985.
#6 Ronaldinho
"When you play with him and see what he does with a ball, nothing surprises me any more. One of these days, he will make the ball talk."
Eidur Gudjohnsen's comments on Ronaldinho provide a clear image of the type of player he was. The Brazil international is well-known for his spell with Barcelona. His performances during prime years ensured that he was adored by all because of the quality of his playing style.
A world-class dribbler, Ronaldinho astounded spectators with his nonchalant style of play, which endeared him to his teammates and his fans.
Ronaldinho made 207 appearances in all competitions for Barcelona, scoring 94 goals. He also played an essential role in the development of Lionel Messi, who would replace Ronaldinho as Barcelona's talisman when the Brazilian left the club in 2008. Ronaldinho retired in 2015 after stints with AC Milan, Flamengo and Atletico Mineiro.
#5 Zinedine Zidane
One of the most successful managers in world football, Zinedine Zidane's playing career wasn't much different from his coaching career.
An elegant attacking midfielder with excellent technique, Zidane started his career with Cannes and made his name at Bordeaux, earning a £3 million move to Juventus in 1996. Here, the France international would become one of the best footballers in the world. His feats in Italy and for the French national team piqued the interest of Real Madrid.
Los Blancos paid an eye-watering fee of nearly £70 million to acquire Zidane in 2001, and the bond between the club and the Frenchman is intact to this day. As manager of Real Madrid, Zidane has won three consecutive Champions League titles and two La Liga titles.
#4 Zico
Zico spent much of his playing career with Brazil, playing for Flamengo across two different spells.
The Brazilian began his career with Flamengo, making 506 appearances in all competitions and scoring 378 goals in his first spell for the club. Good on the ball and clinical in front of the goal, Zico was a crucial part of a dominant Brazil side. However, he was unable to win a trophy at the international level.
Zico retired in 1994, and embarked on a coaching career. The 68-year-old has managed clubs like Fenerbahce, Bunyodkor, CSKA Moscow and Olympiacos. He has also coached national football teams for countries like Japan and Iraq. He is currently the technical director at Kashima Antlers.
Also Read: 5 most valuable midfielders in La Liga (2021)
