90. Robert Lewandowski
One of the most robotically clinical strikers of the 21st century, Lewandowski is one of those players who is all about the numbers.
At time of writing, he is closing in on 600 club goals in all competitions in fewer than 840 appearances, including getting almost a goal per game in the Bundesliga for Bayern Munich.
The Pole is the fourth highest-scoring European in the history of international football – despite playing for a fairly middling nation – and could conceivably rise to second before his remarkable career is over. No further justification needed.
89. Patrick Vieira
A pivotal part of Arsenal’s success under Arsene Wenger in the late 90s/early 2000 era, Patrick Vieira was merely a man who had it all. A midfielder metronome, the Frenchman displayed a skillset envied by most - usually Roy Keane - and was as tough in the tackle as well as light on his feet. A serial winner in both England and Italy.
88. Alessandro Del Piero
Dubbed the greatest Italian player to have ever lived, Alessandro Del Piero was merely a modern-day magician. Juventus’ current top scorer goalscorer of all time, the Trequartista danced around the football pitch and often left defenders wailing as his footwork dazzled those watching on. A World Cup winner in 2006 too.
87. Claude Makelele
Defensively, they do not come much better than ex-Chelsea star Claude Makelele. Another to have created his own role on the pitch later named ‘The Makelele’, Often unappreciated on the ball, the Frenchman could often dictate games by himself from deep positions and seemingly saw the game ahead of every other player around him.
86. Oliver Kahn
Hailed as one of the best goalkeepers to ever play the professional game, Oliver Kahn pioneered football given his seemingly crazy outlook. Described as often playing ‘like a man possessed’, the former Germany international was eccentric in everything he did. A serial winner with Bayern Munich, he won a whopping eight top-flight titles.
85. Alessandro Nesta
Coolness personified, Alessandro Nesta is a name instantly recognisable for his talents. An elegantly artistic defender, the former Italy centre-back won the World Cup in 2006 and enjoyed highly successful spells with both Lazio and AC Milan across an impressive 21-year career at the top level.
84. Carles Puyol
A Spanish stalwart of Barcelona’s defence for some fifteen years, Carles Puyol will likely go down as one of the best no-nonsense centre-backs to have ever played the game. A serial winner, Puyol won almost everything there was to win with both club and country and remains one of La Masia’s greatest.
83. Paolo Rossi
Italy's joint all-time top goalscorer in the FIFA World Cup, Paolo Rossi's endearing smile and larger-than-life attitude optimised his footballing career. The 1982 Ballon d’Or winner was lethal in and around the penalty area and enjoyed superb spells across his career with Vicenza and Juventus.
82. Francesco Totti
A Roma legend, Francesco Totti’s name will forever be etched into Italian football history.
Ending his career with a whopping 250 Serie A goals, the eternal hero won just one top-flight crown with Giallorossi but did help his country to a World Cup crown in 2006, for which he will forever be indebted.
81. Valentino Mazzola
A player so good, he even had a position named after him. Valentino Mazzola’s short time in the game, however, will ultimately be remembered in vain. Unfortunately perishing at the age of just 30 in the Superga air disaster, his talents had helped Torino to win the Italian league in 1943 and then again in 1946, 1947, and 1948.
