Top 10 Footballers Universally Adored

David Robert Joseph Beckham born on May 2, 1975, is a retired English professional footballer who played for Manchester United, Preston North End, Real Madrid, A.C. Milan, Los Angeles Galaxy, Paris Saint-Germain, and the England national team as a midfielder. He earned his 100th cap for England in a match against France in March 2008. Beckham is one of the greatest free-kick takers in the history of football.

Beckham has twice been voted the FIFA World Player of the Year and in 2004 was the world's highest-paid footballer. He was the most searched athlete on Google in 2003 and 2004. Global recognition has led to Beckham becoming a top-tier advertising brand and a high-end fashion icon. Beckham captained England from November 15, 2000, until July 2, 2006. He continued to contribute to the England national team in 2007. Beckham has supported UNICEF since his time at Manchester United and in January 2005, he became a Goodwill Ambassador focusing on UNICEF's sports development program. On January 17, 2007, Rebecca Johnstone, a 19-year-old cancer patient in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, received a surprise phone call from Beckham. After their conversation, he sent her a Real Madrid jersey signed by him. Beckham is currently a spokesperson for Malaria No More, a non-profit organization based in New York founded in 2006. Malaria No More's mission is to end deaths caused by malaria in Africa.

Despite retiring, Beckham's fan love remains undiminished, not only for football and his good looks but also for his philanthropy. He once donated over £3 million of his salary to a Paris children's charity. Currently, he continues to fundraise to help children worldwide.

Javier Adelmar Zanetti born on August 10, 1973, is a retired Argentine professional footballer. He is considered one of the greatest players of his generation, particularly famous for his role in Inter Milan's treble-winning season of 2009–10. Zanetti is known for his versatility and experience both on the left and right wings, playing as a full-back on both sides alongside a midfield position. He currently serves as the vice president of Inter.

Zanetti is also the exemplary captain of Inter Milan. Strong and loyal, Zanetti was rewarded for nearly 20 years of dedication to the Nerazzurri with the treble in 2010. Zanetti also demonstrated social conscience by dealing with Argentina's 2001 economic crisis, which plunged millions into poverty. Along with his wife Paula, he founded the PUPI Foundation in Argentina to socially integrate impoverished children. The organization aims to assist children affected by the country's economic crisis by providing them with educational opportunities and addressing their nutritional needs. He explained, 'When I look back at my childhood, many specific scenes come to mind, both good and bad. I had a difficult childhood, and although I don't currently live in my country, I am well aware of what is happening there and the cruel impact it has on our poorest children. I always believe that our public actions need to consider our social responsibilities.'

He, together with compatriot Esteban Cambiasso, established this charitable association to assist in training young children facing social isolation and difficulties in motor coordination. Zanetti stated, 'This spirit underpins all of Inter's initiatives for young players.'

Andrés Iniesta Luján born on May 11, 1984, is a professional footballer from Spain who plays as a central midfielder and is the captain of Vissel Kobe club. Often regarded as one of the finest midfielders in football history and widely known as one of the greatest players of all time, Iniesta spent the majority of his career at Barcelona, where he was the captain for three seasons. Throughout his playing career, Iniesta was dubbed 'El Ilusionista'.

Iniesta has a sponsorship deal with sportswear giant Nike, and has appeared in Nike commercials alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Zlatan Ibrahimović, and Wayne Rooney. Iniesta featured in EA Sports' FIFA video game series and was ranked as the sixth-highest-rated player in FIFA 15. Iniesta's signature move, La Croqueta, appeared in FIFA 19. In March 2015, Iniesta had the ninth-highest social media ranking in the world among sportspeople, with 24 million fans on Facebook. On October 22, 2018, he signed a new sponsorship deal with Japanese sportswear company Asics, with his first signature shoes released on July 15, 2019.

One of the silent geniuses of world football, Iniesta was a key part of Barcelona's success. Unassuming yet impactful, he consistently delivered decisive moments in both club and national team honors. He is revered by many in the sporting world as one of the most respected and outstanding midfielders of all time, and one of the greatest passers and creators in football history. Despite his unassuming nature, he is also known for his leadership abilities.

Philipp Lahm born on November 11, 1983, is a retired German professional footballer who played as a full-back. Regarded by many as one of the greatest full-backs of all time, Lahm is the former captain of Bayern Munich, leading them to numerous titles, including the UEFA Champions League 2013 as part of the Treble. He also captained his national team to win the FIFA World Cup 2014 before retiring from international play.

Lahm was included in the tournament's All-Star Team in 2006, 2010, and 2014, and the UEFA Team of the Tournament in 2008 and 2012 as well as in the UEFA Team of the Year in 2006, 2008, 2012, 2013, and 2014. Known as the 'smartest player' by coach Pep Guardiola, Philipp Lahm is also beloved by fans worldwide. With a career devoid of scandals and not receiving a single red card despite being a defender, it can be said that no one can harbor any hatred towards Lahm.

Although Lahm is right-footed and usually played as a right-back, he could play on both sides of the field and operate as a full-back or wide midfielder, thanks to his tactical intelligence, crossing ability, and versatility. He often cut inside from the wing to shoot and pass. Particularly, he is renowned for his speed, technique, endurance, and precise dribbling, as well as his diminutive stature, earning him the nickname 'Magic Dwarf.' Despite his size and role, he was described in 2010 by Matthew Scianitti of CBC Sports as having 'deceptive strength and impressive shooting skills' allowing him to support his teams both offensively and defensively.

Ronaldinho born on March 21, 1980, in Porto Alegre, Brazil. He is one of the greatest footballers of the modern world. The Brazilian magician, a global football talent, who could play with the ball amidst a circle of opposing players and could determine the fate of the match.

Ronaldinho has played for Grêmio, Paris Saint-Germain, and AC Milan, but perhaps his most successful and peak period was when he wore the Barcelona jersey. This is where he made his name and achieved the most success in his football career. Despite not having a handsome appearance, Ronaldinho possesses an incredibly wonderful smile. He is often seen smiling every time he plays, even when he misses opportunities, when fouled, or when receiving cards. Rarely does one see Ronaldinho react or get angry with opponents, even when he is fouled, his response remains to be cheerful and friendly smiles. Even fans of Barcelona's arch-rivals, Real Madrid, have stood up to applaud Ronaldinho when he scored against their team.

Ronaldinho has a great personality. He has never complained about referee decisions, never picked fights with opposing players like many other 'Big' players have done. He always exudes friendliness, and for him, football is like an art form to satisfy even the most demanding audience. A player mentioned everywhere. Ball at his feet and a smile on his lips, who can hate Ronaldinho? He is perhaps the only Barcelona player praised even by Real Madrid fans despite Real's defeat. Playing with inspiration and always creating magic, Ronaldinho remains a true joy for football fans.

Vincent Jean Mpoy Kompany born on April 10, 1986, is a former Belgian footballer and currently the coach of Burnley Football Club. He has the ability to play as a central defender and a defensive midfielder. In the 2011–12 season, he was awarded the captain's armband of the club. Kompany began his professional playing career at Anderlecht. He spent three years there before moving to German club Hamburger SV in 2006.

Kompany is the official ambassador of FIFA for the charity organization SOS Children's Villages. With roots in Congo, Kompany represents his father's homeland of Congo and has invested in projects to provide education and safe housing for children living in poverty. In March 2013, he bought the Belgian third-tier club FC Bleid as a 'Social commitment to the youth of Brussels,' with the intention of providing young people with difficult circumstances the opportunity to use sports as a means of self-improvement.

Football talent is evident in Kompany. Additionally, Kompany is also very interested in politics and the environment. Kompany has been described as one of the world's finest defenders, and in Premier League history, he is recognized as an intelligent and physically strong center-back, with aerial ability, mobility, and excellent leadership qualities, as well as good technical and distribution skills. He is also a very accurate tackler, with good positional awareness, and excellent at reading the game and anticipating his opponents.

Carles Puyol Saforcada born on April 13, 1978, is a retired Spanish professional footballer who dedicated his entire career to Barcelona. He primarily played as a central defender, but he could also play as a full-back, mainly as a right-back. Praised for his defensive qualities and leadership abilities, he is regarded as one of the greatest defenders and captains of all time. The strength and power of Puyol on the field earned him the nickname 'El Tiburón' (The Shark) from his teammates and fans. He captained Barcelona from August 2004 until retiring in 2014, and appeared in 593 matches for the club. He won 18 major club honors, including six La Liga titles and three Champions Leagues.

Fierce, dedicated, extremely fair-play, those are the qualities that endeared Puyol to fans. As the captain during Barcelona's most successful period, Puyol also led the Spanish national team to conquer the World Cup and Euro. He is considered one of the greatest defenders and captains of all time. Initially, he also played as a defensive midfielder in the early stages of his career, and before that even deployed as a goalkeeper and forward when he was young.

Described as a 'Fearless' player, Puyol is known for his aerial command despite his modest stature, as well as his reading of the game, especially his commitment and assurance in his role as a defender when challenging for the ball. According to Barcelona's chief medical officer, he is 'The healthiest, the quickest-reacting, and the most explosive strength.' In 2006, Simon Talbot of The Guardian described Puyol as follows: 'The caveman captain of Barcelona, playing with heart on sleeve and hair over eyes, hurling himself into tackles and throwing his whole being into kamikaze blocks like an overeager child, the club's supporters call him 'The Wall.''

Juan Manuel Mata García, born on April 28, 1988, is a Spanish professional footballer who last played as a midfielder for Manchester United and the Spain national team. He primarily operated as a central attacking midfielder, but could also play on the wings.

Besides his preferred playmaking role in midfield behind the striker, Mata was comfortable playing on either flank and has been used as a secondary striker at times. He compensated for his lack of pace with excellent control, technique, passing, creativity, and vision, allowing him to link up with teammates and provide numerous assists in addition to scoring goals.

A diminutive player, standing at 1.70 m tall, he lacks significant physicality, aerial ability, or prowess in duels but is lively and agile in his movements. Predominantly left-footed, he is also a renowned free-kick specialist. However, he has often been criticized by the media for his limited defensive skills and work rate.

Despite Mata leaving Chelsea for archrivals Man United, even The Blues' fans can't seem to hate him. He has pledged to donate 1% of his total income annually to charitable activities. He even hopes that one day, all football clubs around the world will follow suit.

Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima, born on September 18, 1976, is a Brazilian entrepreneur, the chairman of Real Valladolid football club, and a former footballer who played as a forward. Nicknamed O Fenômeno 'The Phenomenon,' he is regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time. A versatile forward, Ronaldo has had a significant influence on future generations of forwards. His individual awards include three FIFA World Player of the Year titles and two Ballon d'Or awards.

The nickname 'The Alien Ronaldo' became worldwide starting in 1996 when he played for Barcelona. In the Brazil national team, he and Romário formed a prolific striker partnership, known as the 'Ro-Ro Duo.' The Ro-Ro Duo in 1997 was feared by defenses, but from 1998, Romário played less for the national team, and the duo's glory faded. The rabbit-toothed striker is adored by many, with Ibrahimovic idolizing him, Inter Milan cherishing him, and Brazil being infatuated with him. He may be the greatest forward ever produced in world football.

Despite being globally famous, Ronaldo is involved in various social activities. His most notable contributions include serving as a 'Goodwill Ambassador' for the United Nations Development Programme in 2000 and organizing a charity program for Israel and the West Bank. Additionally, he has donated substantial amounts to child relief funds in Palestine and Israel.

N'Golo Kanté, born on March 29, 1991, is a professional footballer from France, currently playing as a central midfielder for Chelsea Football Club and the French national team. Regarded by many as one of the finest midfielders in the world, Kanté is widely praised for his work rate and defensive acumen.

Former Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard hailed him as the world's best central midfielder. His former World Cup-winning midfield partner, Paul Pogba, stated that Kanté could beat an entire team of 11 players. His former title-winning manager, Claudio Ranieri, often joked about him having a 'battery' and said, 'One day, I will see him cross and then head it in himself.' As one of the premier defensive midfielders globally, Kanté has endeared himself to football fans with anecdotes surrounding his down-to-earth personality. Moreover, he always brings positive energy as he consistently wears a smile on his face.

Manager Thomas Tuchel, who won the Champions League 2020–21 alongside Kanté, remarked, 'If you play with Kanté, you have half a man more, which is unique. It's an honor to be his coach; he's a huge gift to me, such a humble man and a great help on the pitch.' Off the field, Kanté's former Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has praised his work ethic and relentless drive for improvement. A popular internet meme suggests that 70% of the Earth is covered by water and the remaining 30% is covered by Kanté's twin, depicting his place in fans' hearts and their acknowledgment of his work ethic.