Sport Nation's search for the Greatest Footballer of All Time

Sport Nation wants to celebrate our coverage of FIFA World Cup 2026 by having some fun with you - the audience – as we go from 24 to 1 in the hunt for the true footballing GOAT.

Head to Sport Nation's Instagram (@sportnationnz) for a new poll each weekday where every vote will count towards the decider. Once the final three players remain, the one with the highest number of votes throughout the competition will receive automatic entry into the final that takes places the day before the World Cup Final.

Argentine forward/playmaker; 2000s–Present: An eight-time Ballon d'Or winner who cemented his legacy by winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He is renowned for his unmatched dribbling, vision, and prolific goalscoring.

Portuguese forward; 2000s–Present: A relentless powerhouse with five Ballon d'Or awards and five Champions League titles. He is known for his elite athleticism, aerial dominance, and for being the all-time leading scorer in international history.

Argentine attacking midfielder; 1970s–1990s: Achieved immortal status by single-handedly inspiring Argentina to the 1986 World Cup title. He was known for his astonishing close control, flair, and the famous "Goal of the Century".

French attacking midfielder; 1990s–2000s: A maestro who won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 with France, alongside multiple club titles. He was celebrated for his elegance, supreme technical skill, and big-game performances.

Brazilian forward; 1950s–1970s: The only player to win three FIFA World Cups (1958, 1962, 1970). He was known for his flawless athleticism, scoring over 1,000 career goals, and globalizing the beauty of the game.

Italian defender; 1980s–2000s: The ultimate one-club man for AC Milan, winning five European Cups/Champions Leagues. He is widely considered the greatest defender ever, known for his perfect tackling, reading of the game, and longevity.

Dutch forward/midfielder; 1960s–1980s: A three-time Ballon d'Or winner who led Ajax to three consecutive European Cups. He was the on-pitch pioneer of "Total Football," famous for his tactical genius and the iconic "Cruyff Turn."

German defender; 1960s–1980s: The legendary "Der Kaiser" who won the World Cup as both a player (1974) and manager (1990). He invented the modern attacking sweeper (libero) role and was defined by his commanding elegance.

Brazilian attacking midfielder/winger; 1990s–2010s: A World Cup winner (2002) and Ballon d'Or recipient who dominated Europe with Barcelona. He was loved for his joyful smile, jaw-dropping trickery, and unparalleled creativity.

French attacking midfielder; 1970s–1980s: Won three consecutive Ballon d'Or awards in the 1980s and guided France to Euro 1984 glory. He was known for his incredible passing range, leadership, and elite free-kick capability.

Northern Irish winger; 1960s–1970s: Won the 1968 European Cup and the Ballon d'Or with Manchester United. He was universally famous for his breathtaking, slalom-like dribbling and rockstar charisma.

Hungarian forward; 1940s–1960s: The talisman of Hungary’s "Magical Magyars" and Real Madrid, scoring over 600 goals. He was renowned for his thunderous, unstoppable left foot, prompting FIFA to name the annual goal-of-the-year award after him.

Spanish central midfielder; 2000s–2020s: Won four Champions Leagues with Barcelona and scored the winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final for Spain. He was celebrated for his press-resistance, sublime spatial awareness, and midfield orchestrations.

Dutch striker; 1980s–1990s: Won three Ballon d'Or awards and Euro 1988 before injuries cut his career short. He is remembered as one of the most complete strikers ever, capable of scoring spectacular volleys and acrobatic goals.

English attacking midfielder; 1950s–1970s: A survivor of the Munich air disaster who went on to win the 1966 World Cup and Ballon d'Or. He was revered for his ferocious long-range shooting and exceptional sportsmanship.

Brazilian striker; 1990s–2010s: "O Fenômeno" won two World Cups and two Ballon d'Or awards. At his peak, he was a terrifying blend of explosive pace, power, and step-over dribbling that revolutionized the striker position.

Portuguese striker; 1950s–1970s: The 1965 Ballon d'Or winner who carried Benfica to European glory and Portugal to 3rd at the 1966 World Cup. He was known as the "Black Panther" for his blistering speed and lethal right foot.

Argentine/Spanish forward; 1940s–1960s: The engine behind Real Madrid’s five consecutive European Cups in the 1950s. He was a pioneer of the complete footballer, known for playing across defense, midfield, and attack all in a single match.

Brazilian attacking midfielder; 1970s–1980s: The legendary playmaker of Flamengo and Brazil's iconized 1982 side. Often called the "White Pelé," he was famous for his mesmerizing vision, technical dribbling, and being one of history's greatest free-kick specialists.

Brazilian forward/winger; 2000s–Present: A Champions League winner with Barcelona and Brazil's all-time top scorer, surpassing Pelé. He is famous for his audacious flair, classic Brazilian joga bonito street skills, and elite playmaking.

Croatian central midfielder; 2000s–Present: Won six Champions League trophies with Real Madrid and broke the Messi-Ronaldo monopoly to win the 2018 Ballon d'Or. He is known for his unmatched endurance, outside-of-the-foot passes (trivela), and dictating game tempo.

French forward; 1990s–2010s: World Cup winner and Arsenal's all-time top goalscorer who spearheaded their 2003-04 "Invincibles" season. He was defined by his electrifying pace, signature finesse finishes from the left wing, and elite assist tallies.

Brazilian winger; 1950s–1970s: Stepped out of Pelé's shadow to spectacularly win the 1962 World Cup for Brazil. Despite being born with a deformed spine, he is remembered as arguably the most creative, unpredictable, and entertaining dribbler in football history.

Spanish central midfielder; 1990s–2010s: The heartbeat of Barcelona's and Spain's historic treble and tournament-winning sides (World Cup 2010, Euros 2008/2012). He was the definitive master of tiki-taka, renowned for his 360-degree vision and never losing possession.