Messi, Henry, Pele, Ronaldinho: Football's 50 most influential players ever named

Each generation throughout football history has been littered with outstanding players for their time. A select few individuals, however, have left a legacy that still impacts the game as we know it today – and not always for their performances on the pitch.

In recognition of those who have blazed a trail to shape the sport into what it is today, FourFourTwo recently compiled a list of 50 of the most influential players in football history.

From Northern Irish defender Bill McCracken – the pioneer of the offside trap in the 1900s – to some of today’s biggest names, the list delves deep into football’s past to celebrate those that have helped define it.

FourFourTwo stopped short of formally ranking the elite 50, though. As they themselves put it: “We chickened out of ranking how influential they were. Well, how can compare a 1950s Brazilian renegade with a business-savvy 21st Century counterpart?”

A very valid point.

To make the half-century of footballing icons easier to navigate, we’ve decided to group those that made the cut by nationality, rather than simply listing them.

You can check out the list in full below.

ArgentinaOssy Ardiles (Headed first influx of foreign players into English football)

Amadeo Carrizo (Voted best South American keeper of the 20th century)

Diego Maradona (Argentinian icon)

Lionel Messi (Seven-time Ballon d’Or winner)

Carlos Volante (Pioneer of the Segundo Volante position – a pure defender playing defensive midfield)

AustriaMatthias Sindelar (Popularised the free role/positional fluidity)

BelgiumJean-Marc Bosman (Revolutionised free transfers with landmark legal ruling)

BrazilGarrincha (Dribbling pioneer)

Marta (Top goalscorer of either gender for Brazil)

Neymar (Most expensive player ever)