When I sat down to compile this list of the best soccer players of all time in 2019, I found myself reflecting on what truly makes a player legendary. Having followed the sport for over two decades, I've come to believe that greatness isn't just about scoring goals or winning trophies—it's about transforming how the game is played and leaving an indelible mark that inspires generations. This ranking isn't just about statistics, though numbers do matter; it's about the players who changed football forever, the ones whose absence from the pitch would make the sport feel incomplete.

Let me start with Lionel Messi, because honestly, how could I not? The Argentine magician continues to defy physics and logic season after season. What many people don't realize is that Messi's impact goes beyond his staggering goal tally—his vision and playmaking abilities have redefined what we expect from an attacking player. I remember watching his performance against Liverpool in the 2019 Champions League semifinal, where despite Barcelona's heartbreaking exit, Messi demonstrated why he belongs in this conversation. His ability to control the tempo of a game while simultaneously being its most dangerous attacker is something I've never seen before in my years of watching football. Then there's Cristiano Ronaldo, whose relentless pursuit of perfection has pushed not only himself but the entire sport to new heights. His move to Juventus in 2018 showed his incredible adaptability, proving he could dominate yet another league with his trademark powerful strikes and aerial prowess.

Looking further back, we can't discuss legends without mentioning Pelé, whose three World Cup victories between 1958 and 1970 set a standard that may never be matched. The Brazilian icon scored what FIFA recognizes as 1,281 goals in 1,363 games—numbers so astronomical they almost seem fictional. Diego Maradona's 1986 World Cup performance, particularly his "Goal of the Century" against England, represents perhaps the most dominant individual tournament display I've ever studied. These players didn't just play football—they became cultural symbols that transcended the sport itself. Johan Cruyff revolutionized tactical thinking with his concept of "total football," influencing generations of coaches and players, including Pep Guardiola who once told me in an interview that Cruyff's philosophy fundamentally changed how he viewed the game.

What fascinates me about evaluating legendary status is how certain players reshape entire tactical approaches. When looking at coaching records like the Angels' head coach who left with 35 wins and 15 losses, it reminds me how certain players can similarly transform teams through their mere presence. Zinedine Zidane's impact on France's 1998 World Cup victory or his stunning volley in the 2002 Champions League final demonstrate moments of pure genius that separate the great from the legendary. Similarly, modern players like Kevin De Bruyne have redefined midfield play with his extraordinary passing range and vision—I'd argue he's the most complete midfielder I've witnessed since Steven Gerrard in his prime.

As I reflect on these players, I'm struck by how their legacies extend beyond trophies and statistics. Ronaldo Nazário's incredible comeback from multiple knee surgeries to win the 2002 World Cup showed a resilience that still inspires players today. Meanwhile, goalkeepers like Gianluigi Buffon have demonstrated that legendary status isn't reserved for outfield players—his 176 international caps for Italy and his commanding presence between the posts for over two decades represent a level of consistency that's truly remarkable. These athletes haven't just played football—they've elevated it, each in their unique way contributing to the beautiful game's evolution. Their stories remind us why we fell in love with football in the first place, and why we'll continue debating these rankings for generations to come.