Ranking the 5 greatest national team players of all time

#3 Ronaldo Nazario (Brazil)

Ronaldo Nazario

The Brazilian Ronaldo is arguably the most complete striker the football world has ever seen. His dribbling, pace, skills and tricks made him a nightmare for opposition defenders.

Ronaldo is one of a handful of players to have won the FIFA World Cup on two occasions (1994 and 2002). He is the second-highest goalscorer in the history of the competition (15 goals) and also claimed the Golden Shoe twice.

He ended his career with 62 goals for Brazil in 98 games, helping the Selecao to two Copa America titles and one Confederations Cup. His individual accolades include three FIFA Player of the Year awards, two Ballon d'Ors and six top scorers' honours, among others.

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#2 Diego Maradona (Argentina)

Diego Maradona single-handedly won the FIFA World Cup for Argentina in 1986.

Diego Maradona passed away at the age of 60 last year,, but his legacy will stand forever. The Argentine was a huge force to reckon with during his days on the pitch, and it wouldn't be far-fetched to say he's the most influential footballer ever.

Maradona's heroics at the FIFA World Cup in 1986 might never be replicated by any player. Never has anyone dominated the prestigious tournament in that fashion. The diminutive playmaker had a massive tally of ten goal contributions (five goals and five assists), running riot on the pitch and single-handedly leading his nation to the trophy.

His wonder goal against England in the quarter-finals of the tournament was named the goal of the century. He picked up the ball from his own half and dribbled past half the English team before beating the goalkeeper with a cool finish. He was awarded the FIFA Golden Ball for his spectacular displays.

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#1 Pele (Brazil)

Pele scored his first FIFA World Cup goal at the age of 17.

Most people on the planet right now didn't have the privilege of watching Pele in action. But they are quick to mention his name whenever the debate for the greatest footballer in history comes up. Such is the reputation of this man!

Pele had one of the most explosive starts to a football career ever seen. The Brazilian became the youngest player to score a hat-trick in the FIFA World Cup when he fired three past France in the 1958 semis. A few days later, he scored a brace in the final, becoming the youngest player ever to do that.

He won a record three FIFA World Cups and also holds the record for the most participation (4). Pele holds the records for most goals (1283) and hat-tricks (92) too. He ended his national-team career with 77 goals in 92 games and remains the Selecao's all-time top scorer.