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<\/p>\n

These are the best-of-breed players whose names have become synonymous with football. These are the legends whose fame is not bound by time and space.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s our tribute to the greatest football stars who have redefined the game with their unique style and unquestioned sportsmanship.<\/p>\n

Pele<\/strong><\/p>\n

Pele\u2019s football pedigree is undeniable. With his deft touch, dribbling skills and incredible goal scoring ability, he brought two of Brazil\u2019s first three world cup victories. With more than a thousand goals to his credit, Pele is the undisputed czar of football.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Name:<\/strong> Edson Arantes do Nascimento
\nBirthday:<\/strong> 10\/23\/1940
\nBirthplace:<\/strong> Tres Coracoes, Minas Gerais, Brazil
\nNumber of goals:<\/strong> 1120<\/p>\n

Johan Cruyff<\/strong><\/p>\n

Johan Cruyff was named the European Footballer of the Year three times (1971, 1973, 1974] which is a record jointly held with Michel Platini, and Marco van Basten. Cruyff remains the most famed proponent of the football philosophy known as Total Football, explored by Rinus Michels and is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Name:<\/strong> Hendrik Johannes Cruijff
\nBirth Date:<\/strong>25 April 1947
\nBirthplace: <\/strong> Amsterdam, Netherlands
\nNumber of goals:<\/strong> 371<\/p>\n

Michael Platini<\/strong><\/p>\n

Michael Platini is a stellar figure in French soccer history. Widely regarded as one of the most elegant midfielders of his generation, Michael is famous for his superb game tactics and exceptional coaching abilities.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Name: <\/strong>Michel Fran\u00e7ois Platini
\nBirth Date:<\/strong> June 21, 1955
\nBirth Place:<\/strong> J\u0153uf, France
\nNumber of goals:<\/strong> 312<\/p>\n

Diego Maradona<\/strong><\/p>\n

Gifted with incredible game technique and the ability to move the ball with great accuracy, Diego Maradona won the 1986 World Cup for Argentina almost single-handedly.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Name:<\/strong> Diego Armando Maradona
\nBirthday:<\/strong> 30 October 1960
\nBirthplace: <\/strong> Villa Fiorito, Buenos Aires
\nNumber of goals:<\/strong> 307<\/p>\n

David Beckham<\/strong><\/p>\n

From being the world\u2019s highest-paid footballer in 2004 to twice being the runner-up for FIFA World Player of the Year, Beckham is the first British footballer to play 100 Champions League matches. He has been the most popular captain of England football team from 15 November 2000 until the 2006 FIFA World Cup finals, during which he played 58 times.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Name:<\/strong> David Beckham
\nDate of Birth:<\/strong> May 2, 1975
\nBirthplace:<\/strong> Leytonstone, London
\nNumber of goals:<\/strong>115<\/p>\n

Ronaldo<\/strong><\/p>\n

As a brilliant and fluid forward, Ronaldo became one of international soccer\u2019s great stars of the 1990s and Brazil\u2019s biggest soccer hero since Pele.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Name:<\/strong> Ronaldo Lu\u00eds Naz\u00e1rio de Lima
\nBirth Date:<\/strong> 22 September 1976
\nBirthplace:<\/strong> Bento Ribeiro, Brazil
\nNumber of goals:<\/strong> 336<\/p>\n

Zinedine Zidane <\/strong><\/p>\n

An outstanding player of his generation, Zinedine Zidane led France to World Cup glory in 1998 and to the European Championship in 2000. Zidane is famous for his winning goals in the 1998 World Cup Final and the 2002 Champion\u2019s League Final. Zidane was named European Footballer of the Year in 1998, and FIFA World Footballer of the Year in 1998, 2000, and 2003.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Name :<\/strong> Zinedine Zidane
\nDate of Birth:<\/strong> June 23, 1972
\nPlace of Birth:<\/strong> Marseille, France
\nNumber of goals:<\/strong> 122<\/p>\n

Ronaldinho<\/strong><\/p>\n

Regarded as one of the most gifted footballers of his generation, Ronaldinho has been awarded the FIFA World Player of the Year award twice (2004, 2005). Winner of the European Footballer of the Year award and the FIFA Pro World Player of the Year award (2005, 2006), Ronaldinho is famous for his speed, strength and the skill to make the impossible look so easy on the field.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Name:<\/strong> Gaucho Ronaldinho
\nBirth date:<\/strong> March 21, 1980
\nBirth Place:<\/strong> Ronaldo de Assis Moreira on in Porto Alegre.
\nNumber of goals<\/strong> 164<\/p>\n

Kaka<\/strong><\/p>\n

Kaka is widely considered as one of the best footballers of his generation, often drawing comparisons in style and ability to other great footballers as Michel Platini, S\u00f3crates, Zico, and Pel\u00e9. His footballing style is unique as he has the technique of a Brazilian and the physical qualities of a European.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Name:<\/strong> Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite
\nBirth Date:<\/strong> April 22, 1982
\nBirthplace:<\/strong> Bras\u00edlia, Brazil
\nNumber of goals:<\/strong> 125<\/p>\n

Cristiano Ronaldo<\/strong><\/p>\n

Touted as one of the most promising soccer star of this genera ration, Ronaldo won his first UEFA Champions League title in 2008, and was also named player of the tournament. He was also named the FIFPro World Player of the Year and the FIFA World Player of the Year, in addition to becoming Manchester United\u2019s first Ballon d\u2019Or winner in 40 years.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Name:<\/strong> Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro
\nDate of Birth: <\/strong> 5th of February 1985 (Monday)
\nPlace of Birth:<\/strong> Funchal (Madeira island, Portugal)
\nNumber of goals:<\/strong> 124<\/p>\n

source: ifotbol.com<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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