Players that didn't make the top 25 list but were still notable.
Known as Little Bird, and for most Brazilians the greatest of all players. Garrincha was named as the player of the tournament in Brazi's success at the 1962 World Cup. He stands alone with Diego Maradona as a player who won the tournament almost single handedly. Was also instrumental in the 1958 World Cup.
The Dutch legend who has won the Ballon d'Or three times, created the infamous 'Cruyff Turn' and had huge success both as a player and as a manager.
The Brazilian magician widely recognised as one of the most talented players of his generation. He made his name playing for Barcelona, but has also starred for AC Milan.
Alfredo di Stéfano was the driving force behind Real Madrid's domination of the European Cup in the late 1950's. Real won the trophy five times in a row, with the Saeta rubia (blonde arrow), as the Argentinean was called because of his speed, scoring in each of the finals. Di Stefano was an incredibly versatile forward, who combined speed with a superb technique, stamina, tactical insight, and an ability to score goals.
A profile of Dutch master Marco Van Basten. Most famous for his breathtaking goal for Holland in the 1988 European Championships, he also starred for Ajax and AC Milan.
A focus on Italian legend Paolo Maldini, who spent all 25 seasons of his career at AC Milan. The defender won five European Cups, seven league titles and one World Cup with Italy.
Beckenbauer was a versatile player who started out as a midfielder but made his name as a defender. He is often credited as having invented the role of the modern sweeper or libero. Twice selected the European Footballer of the Year, he appeared 103 times for West Germany and played in three World Cups. He remains the only player to Captain and manage his country to a World Cup Win. He lifted the World Cup trophy as captain in 1974, and repeated the feat as a manager in 1990. With the club Bayern Munich, he won three consecutive European Cups from 1974 to 1976, and the Cup Winners' Cup in 1967. Beckenbauer is the only player to captain three European Cup winning sides.
A feature on Zinedine Zidane. The creative midfielder won a World Cup and European Championship, plus is one of only two players to be crowned FIFA World Player of the Year twice.
A profile of Brazil's Ronaldo. The prolific striker made his debut for his country at 17 and went on to star for PSV, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and AC Milan.
A look at Gabriel Batistuta. The prolific Argentinean striker is the all-time leading goalscorer for his country and scored 168 goals in 269 appearances for Fiorentina.
A profile of Argentinean ace Diego Maradona. Seen by many as the best player of all time, Maradona is probably most famous for two contrasting goals in the 1986 World Cup against England.
A look at legend Pele, one of the best players of all time and Brazil's leading scorer. He is the only man to win three World Cups and he played in Brazil's great 1970 side.
Carles Puyol Saforcada is a Spanish former professional footballer who played his entire career for Barcelona. He mainly played as a central defender, but he could also play in either full-back position, mostly as a right-back. Praised for his defensive qualities and leadership, he is widely regarded as one of the best defenders and captains of all time. He was Barcelona's captain from August 2004 until his retirement in 2014, and appeared in 593 competitive matches for the club. He won 18 major club titles, including six La Liga trophies and three Champions Leagues. Puyol won 100 caps for Spain, and was part of the squads that won Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup. In the 2010 World Cup semi-final, he scored the only goal of the game against Germany.