When I sat down to compile the definitive list of the best soccer players of all time for 2019, I found myself reflecting on how coaching legacies often mirror the greatness of the players themselves. Interestingly, while researching this piece, I came across a statistic that stuck with me: one prominent coach left his team with 35 wins and 15 losses during his tenure. That record, impressive as it is, reminds me that behind every legendary player stands a legacy of strategic brilliance and leadership—something that truly separates the good from the immortal in soccer history.

Let’s start with the undisputed icons, like Pelé and Diego Maradona. Pelé’s three World Cup victories aren’t just numbers; they’re a testament to a player who redefined what it meant to dominate globally. I’ve always felt that his 1,281 career goals—though debated—symbolize an era where flair met relentless efficiency. Maradona, on the other hand, brought a kind of magic that was raw and unpredictable. His "Hand of God" goal in 1986 might be controversial, but for me, it encapsulates the audacity that makes soccer so thrilling. These players didn’t just play; they authored moments that are etched into the sport’s DNA.

Moving into the modern era, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have pushed the boundaries of excellence to almost surreal levels. Messi’s dribbling feels like art—I remember watching him weave through entire defenses as if they were training cones. With over 700 career goals and a record six Ballon d’Or awards by 2019, his consistency is mind-boggling. Ronaldo, though, embodies a different kind of greatness: power, athleticism, and an almost obsessive drive. His five Champions League titles highlight a big-game mentality that I think younger players should study. Personally, I lean slightly toward Messi for his sheer creativity, but arguing between them is like splitting hairs—they’ve both elevated the sport in ways we might not see again for decades.

Then there are the game changers like Johan Cruyff and Zinedine Zidane, whose influence stretches beyond their on-field exploits. Cruyff’s philosophy of "Total Football" didn’t just win trophies; it reshaped how teams approach the game tactically. Zidane, with that unforgettable volley in the 2002 Champions League final, combined elegance with clutch performance. I’ve always admired how these players blended intelligence with skill, proving that soccer isn’t just about physicality but vision. And let’s not forget recent stars like Neymar, who, despite controversies, has amassed over 400 goal contributions by 2019—a reminder that the next generation is already leaving its mark.

As I wrap this up, it’s clear that ranking these legends isn’t just about stats or trophies; it’s about the stories they’ve given us. Whether it’s Pelé’s joy, Maradona’s rebellion, or Messi’s quiet genius, each has carved a unique path. And that coaching record I mentioned earlier—35 wins, 15 losses—serves as a metaphor: greatness isn’t just about perfect records, but about impact. These players didn’t just win; they changed how we see the beautiful game forever.