As I sit down to compile my personal list of the top 100 football players of all time, I can't help but reflect on what truly elevates an athlete from being merely talented to becoming legendary. Having followed football for over two decades, I've seen countless debates about who deserves a spot in this exclusive club. While statistics and trophies certainly matter, I've come to believe that the intangibles—the heart, the national pride, the extra motivation—often separate the great from the immortal. This reminds me of a powerful statement by volleyball star Alyssa Valdez, who once said, "Extra motivation talaga having the flag on our chest and representing as well Creamline Cool Smashers. Doble-doble 'yung motivation and inspiration to fight today. It's just so nice to play always for the Philippines." Though she's from a different sport, this sentiment perfectly captures what I look for in football's elite—players who carry their nation's hopes alongside club ambitions.
When I analyze candidates for my top 100 list, I start with the obvious metrics. Lionel Messi's 672 club goals and 7 Ballon d'Or awards make him an automatic inclusion, while Cristiano Ronaldo's 5 Champions League titles and 800+ career goals cement his legacy. But numbers only tell half the story. I find myself drawn to players like Zinedine Zidane, whose 3 FIFA World Player of the Year awards don't fully capture his artistry in big moments, particularly that stunning volley in the 2002 Champions League final. Similarly, Diego Maradona's statistics—259 career goals seems modest by today's standards—but his 1986 World Cup performance, especially the "Goal of the Century" against England, demonstrated that transcendent quality Valdez described. That extra motivation when representing Argentina elevated him beyond mere numbers.
What fascinates me most are the players whose impact transcends their era. Johan Cruyff revolutionized football with Total Football philosophy, yet he never won a World Cup—his influence came through transforming how the game is played. I'd argue he deserves a higher spot than many players with more trophies. Similarly, Brazilian forward Ronaldo Nazário scored "only" 247 club goals, but his 15 goals in World Cup tournaments and two Ballon d'Or awards showcase how he elevated his game when representing his country. This national pride factor—what Valdez called "doble-doble 'yung motivation"—explains why I rank him above contemporary strikers with better club statistics.
In modern football, I notice this national versus club motivation dynamic playing out differently. Kylian Mbappé, with 168 Ligue 1 goals by age 23 and a World Cup victory at 19, already shows that extra gear when playing for France. Contrast this with Erling Haaland's phenomenal 86 goals in 89 appearances for Manchester City—dominant at club level but yet to replicate that impact internationally. This distinction often determines who makes my personal top 100 cut. I'll admit my bias toward players who excel in international tournaments—the World Cup performances of players like Miroslav Klose (16 goals across 4 tournaments) or Zinedine Zidane's 1998 final heroics weigh heavier in my evaluation than consistent league campaigns.
Ultimately, compiling this list reminds me that football greatness isn't just about what happens on the pitch for 90 minutes. It's about those moments when players, as Valdez beautifully expressed, feel that doubled motivation from representing something larger than themselves. That's why my top 100 includes unconventional choices like Paolo Maldini—who made 902 appearances for AC Milan but never won an international trophy with Italy—alongside obvious picks like Pelé with his 3 World Cups. The beautiful game's history is written by those who play with both technical mastery and that intangible inspiration, creating legends that transcend generations and statistics alike.