Football is not a sport in Argentina, it is a lifestyle, an obsession that clutches the nation from the hectic streets of Buenos Aires to the farthest reaches of Patagonia. From the fanatics of Boca Juniors to the eternal rivalry with River Plate, Argentina has forever been home to footballers who have amazed the world with their brilliance, their flair, and their life-long devotion to the beautiful game. In a nation that has won the World Cup three times, the legacy of its greatest players becomes etched in history forever.

As long as there are arguments over whether Lionel Messi or Diego Maradona is the greatest Argentine footballer of all time, the issue is more than a numbers game. It’s about the magic that both players brought to the pitch, the influence they’ve had on Argentina’s fortunes in football, and the way they’ve left their mark on football fans around the world. Here today, we look at the 10 all-time greatest Argentine footballers.

1. Diego Armando Maradona

The God of Football

When it comes to Argentine football, there is no debate: Diego Maradona stands alone at the top. Revered as a god of the game, ‘El Pelusa’ mesmerized the world with his sublime skills, creativity, and match-winning moments. His most iconic moment came in the 1986 World Cup, when his ‘Hand of God’ and the ‘Goal of the Century’ against England helped propel Argentina to victory. Maradona was not only worshipped by Argentine supporters but also in Italy and above all Naples, where he led Napoli to record victories. Sadly, Maradona passed away in November 2020, but his image as one of the all-time greats of football will never perish.

Also Read

Wolverhampton Wanderers “Wolves” have signed Ivorian defender Emmanuel Agbadou on a £16.6m transfer Deal from Reims

Barcelona Crush Real Madrid in Saudi Arabia to Claim Spanish Super Cup

Sell or Buy Used Cars

2. Lionel Messi

The Modern Maestro

After Maradona, attention rightly enough turns to Lionel Messi. A player who revolutionized the concept of being a footballing talent, Messi’s Barcelona stint was nothing short of phenomenal. With a record six European Golden Shoes, six Ballon D’or awards, and an abundance of goals and assists, Messi’s individual accolades are without equal. His ability was always in evidence, but the icing on the cake was in 2022 when he took Argentina to their third World Cup, solidifying his place as one of the all-time greats. His left foot, ball control, and playmaking still mesmerize the world, and in Messi, Argentina had their own contemporary great.

3. Alfredo Di Stefano

The Blond Arrow

Alfredo Di Stefano’s legend knows no borders. Although born in Argentina, Di Stefano became a global icon through his time at Real Madrid, where he was at the center of the club’s domination in the 1950s and 1960s. Known as ‘La Saeta Rubia’ or ‘The Blond Arrow,’ Di Stefano was capable of playing anywhere on the field, combining power, speed, and intelligence to leave a lasting mark on the history of football. His 800+ professional career goals and numerous awards, which include five European Cups, make him one of the most successful and prolific players ever.

4. Mario Alberto Kempes

The Matador

Kempes’ career was highlighted by his lethal finishing and the 1978 World Cup triumph in history. His two final goals secured Argentina its first-ever World Cup, earning him the tournament’s leading goal scorer and Golden Ball winner.

His mythical home game, in which he became a national hero, is one of the greatest World Cup performances ever. Kempes played well at club level for Valencia in Spain, but it was his role in Argentina’s World Cup triumph that made him a legend.

5. Juan Roman Riquelme

The Artistic Playmaker

Few players have possessed Juan Roman Riquelme’s vision and elegance. A football artist, Riquelme was the classic Argentine ‘enganche’—an attacking playmaking midfielder. His time at Boca Juniors established him as one of the club’s all-time greats, and his European soccer adventures with Villarreal served only to fuel his legend. Renowned for his vision and passing range, and for his capacity to control the rhythm of the game, Riquelme claimed many titles and was a fixture on Argentina’s national team for more than a decade.

Also Read

Wolverhampton Wanderers “Wolves” have signed Ivorian defender Emmanuel Agbadou on a £16.6m transfer Deal from Reims

Barcelona Crush Real Madrid in Saudi Arabia to Claim Spanish Super Cup

Sell or Buy Used Cars

6. Gabriel Omar Batistuta

Batigol

Arguably the best goal-scorer of his generation, Gabriel Batistuta was famous for his great goal-scoring and cannon-like shooting. He netted 55 times in 78 matches for Argentina and is the country’s second highest-scoring forward in history. His club career, particularly with Fiorentina and Roma, also proved to be productive, and he is a legend in Italy. Batistuta took Argentina to two Copa América titles and was at the center of their 1994 and 1998 World Cup campaigns, in which he received global praise as a world’s best.

7. Daniel Passarella

El Kaiser

Daniel Passarella, a towering figure at the back, captained Argentina to their first World Cup victory in 1978 and later played a key role in their triumph in 1986. As a centre-back, his leadership, aerial ability, and knack for scoring goals set him apart. Known as ‘El Gran Capitán,’ Passarella was a true icon for both Argentina and River Plate, where he made his name as one of the best defenders in the game’s history.

Also Read

Wolverhampton Wanderers “Wolves” have signed Ivorian defender Emmanuel Agbadou on a £16.6m transfer Deal from Reims

Barcelona Crush Real Madrid in Saudi Arabia to Claim Spanish Super Cup

Sell or Buy Used Cars

8. Carlos Tevez

The Apache

Carlos Tevez’s style of play made him one of the hardest working and most combative forwards in the world. Tevez’s Manchester United, Manchester City, and Juventus career was characterized by his explosive temper, limitless energy, and ability to change the complexion of a game in a matter of seconds. From saving West Ham from the drop to scoring crucial goals in Manchester City’s rise to dominance, Tevez’s zeal and determination made him a favourite with the people wherever he went.

9. Sergio Agüero

Kun

Sergio Agüero is one of the finest strikers of his generation, particularly famous for his goal-laden period at Manchester City. Premier League icon, Agüero’s impact on English football can’t be measured. With 180 Premier League goals and a myriad of titles, Agüero solidified his status as the league’s top non-English goal scorer in history. Though his international career wasn’t topped by a World Cup, his 2021 Copa América triumph was a crowning achievement, cementing his legendary status with Argentina.

10. Ubaldo Fillol

El Pato

A key figure in Argentina’s 1978 World Cup-winning team, Ubaldo Fillol is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the nation’s history. ‘El Pato,’ as he was affectionately known, played 58 games for Argentina, winning numerous domestic and international titles. His contributions to Argentina’s success, particularly in the 1978 World Cup where he was named goalkeeper of the tournament, solidified his place among the greats.

While these 10 players are the crème de la crème of Argentine football, there are others who cannot be left out for their excellent contribution to the sport. Players like Javier Zanetti, Jorge Burruchaga, and Claudio Caniggia also left their mark at the national and international levels.

Zanetti, the legendary right-back and Inter Milan captain, embodied longevity, adaptability, and leadership, while Burruchaga’s World Cup final-winning goal in 1986 against West Germany cemented his place in Argentine mythology. Caniggia, in turn, played a pivotal role in Argentina’s World Cup adventure in 1990 with his dazzling runs and crucial goals.

Also Read