Top 15 Most Underrated Soccer Players of all Time
Football is a sport defined by magical, skillful, and athletic moments. It is a sport that is frequently dominated by a few standout players, whose accomplishments are celebrated and admired by fans worldwide. However, some players have never received the recognition they deserve, despite their incredible talent. These are the underappreciated footballers who have made significant contributions to the beautiful game while being overshadowed by their more famous peers.
Here are the top 15 most underrated footballers of all time:
- Ferenc Puskas
Considered by many to be one of the greatest footballers of all time, Puskas was a masterful player with an eye for goal. He was a key member of Hungary's legendary 'Mighty Magyars' team in the 1950s, scoring an incredible 84 goals in just 85 international appearances. Despite this, when discussing the greatest players in history, he is frequently overlooked.
- Matthias Sammer
The German defender was a key member of Borussia Dortmund's Champions League-winning team in 1997, as well as Germany's Euro 96 victory. Despite his success, he is frequently overlooked when discussing the modern era's great defenders.
- Socrates
On the field, the Brazilian midfielder was a true artist, with a sublime touch and incredible vision. He was a key member of Brazil's legendary 1982 World Cup team, widely regarded as one of the greatest teams never to win the tournament. Despite his abilities, he is frequently overlooked when discussing the great Brazilian players of the past.
- Pavel Nedved
Pavel Nedved is a former Czech footballer who specialized in attacking midfield. He had a fantastic career for Lazio and Juventus, winning numerous domestic and international awards. Nedved was a technically gifted player known for his long-range shots.
- Jari Litmanen
The Finnish attacking midfielder was a star for Ajax and Barcelona in the 1990s, but he is frequently overlooked when discussing the era's best players. He was a through ball master with a lethal finish, but his accomplishments are often overlooked.
- Hristo Stoichkov
A prolific goal-scorer for Barcelona and Bulgaria, Stoichkov won the Ballon d'Or in 1994. He is, however, frequently overshadowed by more famous contemporaries such as Romario and Ronaldo.
- Hugo Sanchez
Hugo Sanchez was a goal machine for Real Madrid and Mexico in the 1980s, scoring 234 goals in 347 appearances for Los Blancos. Despite his accomplishments, he is frequently overlooked when discussing the great goal scorers of that era.
- Enzo Francescoli
The Uruguayan attacking midfielder was a River Plate and Marseille star in the 1980s and 1990s, but he is frequently overlooked when discussing the great South American players of that era. He had incredible dribbling skills and was a free-kick master.
- Gaetano Scirea
The Italian defender helped Juventus win six Serie A titles and the European Cup in the 1970s and 1980s. He was a defensive master and an incredible leader, but he is often overlooked when discussing the greatest Italian defenders of all time.
- Ian Wright
The English striker was a prolific goal-scorer for Arsenal and Crystal Palace in the 1990s, but he is frequently overlooked when discussing the era's best strikers. He scored 185 goals in 288 games for Arsenal and was an important part of their success.
- Rivaldo
Rivaldo is a retired Brazilian footballer who played for clubs such as Barcelona, AC Milan, and Olympiacos. He won the Ballon d'Or in 1999, but he is rarely mentioned among the greatest players of all time. Rivaldo was a talented and adaptable player who could play as an attacking midfielder or striker and was known for his dribbling and finishing skills.
- Gheorghe Hagi
Gheorghe Hagi is one of the greatest footballers of all time, but he is often overlooked. He was a technically gifted midfielder known for his dribbling abilities, vision, and ability to score goals. Hagi has played for a number of top European clubs, including Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Galatasaray, as well as representing Romania at the international level.
- Dennis Bergkamp
Dennis Bergkamp is a former Dutch footballer who has played for Ajax, Inter Milan, and Arsenal. He is regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, but he is rarely mentioned. Bergkamp was a visionary and intelligent player known for his passing and finishing abilities.
- Roberto Baggio
Roberto Baggio is a retired Italian footballer who previously played for Juventus, Milan, and Inter. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest Italian players of all time, but he remains underappreciated. Baggio was a technically gifted player with excellent dribbling and finishing skills.
- Michael Laudrup
Michael Laudrup is a former Danish footballer who played for Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Juventus, among others. He is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in football history, but he is frequently overlooked. Laudrup was a technically gifted and creative player with excellent vision and passing abilities.
