Top 10 Argentinian Footballers of All Time
Argentina is a country that has produced some of the greatest footballers of all time. From Diego Maradona to Lionel Messi, the Argentinian Football Association (AFA) has had some of the best players to ever grace the sport. In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 Argentinian footballers of all time.
1. Diego Armando Maradona
Diego Maradona, also known as “El Pelusa,” is regarded as the god of football. His legacy around the world is unprecedented, and he is considered a true legend in every football team he played for. He was adored by fans in Napoli (ITA) and his beloved Boca Juniors (ARG). Sadly, Maradona passed away on November 25, 2020, but his memory will endure forever in the thoughts and hearts of Argentinians and soccer lovers everywhere.
2. Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi is one of the stars of the modern era and the top goalscorer for both Argentina and Barcelona. His left-footed dribbling has been likened to that of his countryman Maradona. At Barcelona, Messi has won an unprecedented six European Golden Boots, six Ballon d’Or titles, and many other honors. He is already regarded as one of the best footballers of all time. He now has both the Copa Libertadores and the World Cup, which was the only thing holding him back.
3. Alfredo Di Stefano
Alfredo Di Stefano, known as “The Blond Arrow,” was a man with saintly status in Real Madrid. He supposedly had the speed, strength, and talent to play in any position on the field. Throughout the 1950s, he was in charge of the Real Madrid team that dominated La Liga and the European Cup. Di Stefano scored over 800 goals in his career and was voted the fourth-best player in the last 50 years by France Football Magazine behind his compatriots Maradona, Pele, and Cruyff. Di Stefano passed away in 2014 at the age of 88.
4. Mario Alberto Kempes
Mario Alberto Kempes, also known as “El Matador,” started his career at the tender age of 8. He was heavily supported by his father, who used to take him to train. He was a prolific striker who helped Argentina defeat the Netherlands 3-1 and win their first World Cup in 1978 with goals that would define his career in front of his own fans at “El Monumental” in Buenos Aires.
Related: The Top Australian Actresses of All-Time
5. Juan Roman Riquelme
Juan Roman Riquelme is often considered the greatest player to wear the blue and yellow of Boca. He was named Argentine Footballer of the year by FIFA four times. His brilliance, elegance, and talent summed up his career perfectly.
6. Gabriel Omar Batistuta
Gabriel Omar Batistuta, also known as “Batigol,” was supremely gifted with a predatory nose for goals. He scored 58 goals in 76 matches and is Argentina’s leading scorer in World Cups, with a whopping 10 goals to his name.
7. Daniel Passarella
Daniel Passarella, also known as “El Kaiser,” is the only player to have been in the squad for both of Argentina’s world cup victories (1978 & 1986). El Gran Capitan, a player who played “number 6” for the White and Sky Blues, played 70 games and scored 22 goals.
8. Carlos Tevez: The Warrior on the Pitch
Carlos Tevez is a footballer who will always be remembered for his relentless work ethic and sheer determination on the pitch. Tevez’s tenacity was on full display in the 2006-2007 season when he helped West Ham United avoid relegation with his crucial goals. His impact on the club was so great that fans dubbed him “The Messiah.”
Related: Meet the Top British Volleyball Players Who Represented Team GB at the Olympics
Tevez’s success didn’t end there. He won trophies with both Manchester United and Manchester City, becoming one of the few players to achieve such a feat. Despite some shady agents who made poor decisions for him, Tevez’s teams loved him for his doggedness. He played like a rabid dog, rarely standing still, rarely complaining to his teammates, and always making life difficult for his opponents.
9. Sergio Aguero: A Record-Breaking Striker
Sergio Agüero is a striker who needs no introduction. He is widely regarded as one of the best players in Premier League history and one of the greatest strikers of his generation. He scored against Napoli in November 2017 to become Manchester City’s all-time leading scorer with 178 goals.
Agüero has won numerous individual awards and accolades, including the Premier League Golden Boot. In 2017–18 and 2018–19, he was named to the PFA Team of the Year. He is currently the 4th highest goalscorer in Premier League history, and the highest non-English scorer in the competition’s history, with 180 goals in the division. Agüero also owns the Premier League record for most hat-tricks.
10. Ubaldo Fillol: The Best Argentinian Goalkeeper
Ubaldo Fillol is a legend in Argentina, often hailed as the best Argentinian goalkeeper ever. He played an integral role in the team’s success in the 1978 World Cup, where he also won the goalkeeper of the tournament. He represented his country in 58 games, proving his worth as a world-class goalkeeper.
Related: Top 5 Legendary Brazilian Volleyball Players of All Time
Fillol’s career spanned several clubs, including Argentinos Juniors, River Plate, and Racing Club. He is known for his incredible reflexes, agility, and leadership skills. His impressive performances have earned him the nickname “El Pato,” which means “The Duck” in Spanish.
These three Argentine football legends have made a lasting impact on the sport. They have inspired countless young footballers around the world and have brought joy to millions of fans with their incredible performances. Their achievements have cemented their status as true icons of the beautiful game.
