THE LIST: The greatest players in the history of football, Nos 20-11

04 June 2009 16:43
HAVE YOUR SAY... Who is the greatest footballer of all time? Sportsmail's team of experts have picked their top 50 footballers of all time for the latest instalment of The List. But who would be at the top of your list as the Beautiful Game's greatest artist - Pele, Maradona, or someone closer to home, perhaps? TELL US WHAT YOU THINK Lionel Messi staked his claim to be regarded as greatest player in the world with a sublime performance in the Champions League final. The Barcelona forward was in breathtaking form as he guided the Spanish giants to victory over Manchester United in Rome. Messi's display again prompted comparisons with his Argentina hero Diego Maradona, one of the game's true superstars. But just who are the greatest players to ever grace the sport? In our latest List, Sportsmail's team of experts have selected the Top 50 footballers in history. This was clearly no easy task and there were stacks of legendary men who failed to make the cut. Now it's your turn - please tell us your greatest ever players by leaving your comments below or on our message boards. 20 Peter Schmeichel (Denmark) Some say it was his imposing stature and reflexes that kept the shotsout, others say it was his blinding-bright red nose that put offopposing strikers. Captained Manchester United to the treble in 1999 and won theEuropean Championship with Denmark in 1992. 19 John Charles (Wales) Rated as one of the best Welsh players of all time, Charles baggedgoals wherever he went, including Juventus after signing for a record £65,000 in 1957. 18 Lev Yashin (USSR) Lev the legend once considered a career in ice hockey but chose a lifebetween the posts and went on to save 150 penalties during his careerfor Dynamo Moscow and USSR. 17 Marco van Basten (Holland) If, for no other reason than his wonder volley against USSR at Euro '88, Van Basten deserves his place in our list. 16 Eusebio (Portugal) The legendary forward was top goal scorer at World Cup 1966 and scored 727 goals in 715 professional appearances. 15 Garrincha (Brazil) The man fans called 'the angel with bent legs,' which rates as theworst nickname of all time, helped Brazil to World Cups in 1958 and1962. 14 Ronaldo (Brazil) Blistering pace and accuracy has made Ronaldo the highest goal scorerin the history of the World Cup. Just don't mention the occasion wherehe picked up some 'ladies' of the night. 13 Paolo Maldini (Italy) One of the greatest defenders of all time, he is the most selectedplayer in the history of AC Milan and the Italian national side with126 caps. Maldini has just retired, only a matter ofweeks away from collecting his bus pass. 12 Bobby Moore (England) The only Englishman to have ever lifted the World Cup, 'Mooro' will beremembered as the personification of classy centre-back. 11 Zico (Brazil) Scorer of 52 goals in 72 internationals for Brazil, Zico will always be remembered as a free-kick master.

Source: Daily_Mail