FourFourTwo's 50 most influential footballers of all time

Most influential players
(Image credit: Future)

So… who are the most influential footballers of all time?

Football is crafted by a select few. Coaches, like film directors, have a vision of how to play the sport. It's up to players to execute those demands, like actors. And over the last century or so, there have been a plethora of footballers who have shaped football as we know it. Players these days are influenced by what came before. 

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Mark White
Content Editor

Mark White has been at on FourFourTwo since joining in January 2020, first as a staff writer before becoming content editor in 2023. An encyclopedia of football shirts and boots knowledge – both past and present – Mark has also represented FFT at both FA Cup and League Cup finals (though didn't receive a winners' medal on either occasion) and has written pieces for the mag ranging on subjects from Bobby Robson's season at Barcelona to Robinho's career. He has written cover features for the mag on Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard, and is assisted by his cat, Rosie, who has interned for the brand since lockdown.