Yaqeen Blog

The debate over the "Greatest of All Time" (GOAT) is the lifeblood of football. While every generation believes their heroes are the best, 2025 has brought a definitive shift in the rankings. Following a year of historic performances and legendary retirements, millions of fans worldwide have cast their votes to settle the score.

From the trickery of the streets of Brazil to the clinical precision of modern-day icons, these are the 10 greatest football players in history as voted by the fans.

1. Lionel Messi (Argentina)

Achievements: 8 Ballon d'Ors, 1 World Cup (2022), 4 Champions Leagues, 10 La Liga titles.

For the majority of fans in 2025, the debate is over. Lionel Messi sits alone at the summit. His 2022 World Cup triumph was the final piece of the puzzle, but it is his two decades of consistent "alien" performance that won the fans' hearts. Whether at Barcelona or Inter Miami, Messi’s ability to manipulate the ball—and the outcome of games—remains unparalleled in the history of the sport.

2. Pelé (Brazil)

Achievements: 3 World Cups (1958, 1962, 1970), 1,281 career goals (unofficial).

The "King of Football" remains a deity for fans across all ages. Pelé is the only player to have won three World Cups, exploding onto the scene as a 17-year-old and retiring as a global ambassador for the game. His legacy is the reason Brazil is synonymous with the "Joga Bonito" (The Beautiful Game).

3. Diego Maradona (Argentina)

Achievements: 1 World Cup (1986), 2 Serie A titles (Napoli).

If Messi is the god of perfection, Maradona was the god of passion. His performance in the 1986 World Cup—specifically the "Goal of the Century" against England—is widely considered the greatest individual campaign by any player. He transformed an underdog Napoli side into champions of Italy, earning a cult-like status that still thrives in Naples and Buenos Aires today.

4. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

Achievements: 5 Ballon d'Ors, 1 Euro (2016), 5 Champions Leagues, All-time leading goalscorer.

The ultimate athlete. Fans voted Ronaldo into the top four not just for his talent, but for his relentless work ethic. Ronaldo evolved from a flashy winger at Manchester United to the most clinical goal-scoring machine the world has ever seen. His five Champions League trophies and record-breaking international goal tally make him a statistically undeniable titan of the game.

5. Johan Cruyff (Netherlands)

Achievements: 3 Ballon d'Ors, 3 European Cups, Total Football Pioneer.

Cruyff didn't just play football; he reimagined it. As the heart of the "Total Football" era, his tactical intelligence and graceful movement changed the DNA of clubs like Ajax and Barcelona. Fans recognize Cruyff as perhaps the most influential individual in history, whose "Cruyff Turn" is still taught to every child on a playground today.

6. Zinedine Zidane (France)

Achievements: 1 World Cup (1998), 1 Euro (2000), 1 Champions League, 3 FIFA World Player of the Year awards.

"Zizou" was the definition of elegance. A player who could make a 50-yard pass look like a brushstroke on a canvas. His two goals in the 1998 World Cup final and his iconic volley in the 2002 Champions League final are etched into the memories of every fan who witnessed his era.

7. Ronaldo Nazário (Brazil)

Achievements: 2 World Cups (1994, 2002), 2 Ballon d'Ors, 3 FIFA World Player of the Year awards.

O Fenômeno. Before the knee injuries, Ronaldo was arguably the most terrifying force to ever play the game. He possessed a combination of power, speed, and technical ability that seemed impossible. His redemption arc in the 2002 World Cup, where he led Brazil to glory after years of injury heartbreak, remains one of football's greatest stories.

8. Franz Beckenbauer (Germany)

Achievements: 1 World Cup (1974 - Player, 1990 - Manager), 2 Ballon d'Ors, 3 European Cups.

The "Kaiser" (Emperor) invented the modern role of the attacking sweeper (Libero). He was the calm in the center of the storm, leading West Germany and Bayern Munich to total dominance in the 1970s. He remains the only defender to win two Ballon d'Ors, proving that greatness isn't reserved only for those who score the goals.

9. Ronaldinho (Brazil)

Achievements: 1 World Cup (2002), 1 Ballon d'Or, 1 Champions League.

If this list were based purely on "joy," Ronaldinho might be number one. For a brief four-year window at Barcelona, Ronaldinho played football with a level of creativity and smile-inducing flair that had never been seen before. He is one of the few players to ever receive a standing ovation from rival Real Madrid fans at the Bernabéu.

10. Alfredo Di Stéfano (Argentina/Spain)

Achievements: 5 consecutive European Cups, 2 Ballon d'Ors, 8 La Liga titles.

The backbone of the original Real Madrid dynasty. Di Stéfano was the "total footballer" before the term existed. He could defend, organize the midfield, and score at a prolific rate. He remains the only player to have ever been awarded the Super Ballon d'Or (in 1989), a testament to his status as the greatest of his era.

🏆 Honourable Mentions (The "Just Missed" List)

The 2025 vote was incredibly tight. These icons finished just outside the top 10 but remain legends in their own right:

• Ferenc Puskás: The man whose name is on the "Goal of the Year" award.

• Andrés Iniesta: The architect of Spain and Barcelona's golden era.

• George Best: "Maradona good, Pelé better, George Best."

• Luka Modrić: The evergreen maestro who broke the Messi-Ronaldo Ballon d'Or streak.

Who did the fans miss? Is there a player from your generation that deserves a spot in the Top 10?

🔗 Deep Dive Sources:

▪️ IFFHS: Official Ranking of the All-Time World's Best Players 2025

▪️ GiveMeSport: 40 Greatest Football Players of All Time Ranked

▪️ Radio Times: Best Football Players of All Time - The Final List

▪️ The Guardian: The 100 Best Male Footballers in the World 2025

For the modern football fan, the beautiful game never truly sleeps. Whether it is the frantic pace of the English Premier League, the tactical masterclasses of Serie A, or the continental prestige of the UEFA Champions League, staying informed requires a curated list of reliable sources. With the FIFA World Cup 2026 on the horizon, the need for real-time data, investigative journalism, and transfer rumors has never been higher.

In this comprehensive guide, we break down the top football websites every enthusiast should bookmark to stay ahead of the curve.

The Big Five: Dominating the European Leagues

The heartbeat of club football resides in Europe’s "Big Five" leagues. Each has its own distinct personality and dedicated digital hubs.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 English Premier League (EPL)

As the most-watched sports league in the world, the EPL generates an immense volume of content. Fans looking for official stats, fantasy football updates, and club-specific news should start at the source.

• Official Premier League Website: The definitive home for fixtures, live match centers, and the world-famous Fantasy Premier League (FPL).

• Sky Sports Football: Renowned for "Breaking News" and deep analytical pieces from former pros.

🇪🇸 La Liga

Home to technical brilliance and the legendary El Clásico, La Liga’s digital presence is essential for fans of Spanish football.

• La Liga Official: Excellent for tracking the rise of young talents and following the title race between Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atlético Madrid.

• Marca (English): The biggest sports daily in Spain, providing granular details on player movements and dressing room insights.

🇮🇹 Serie A & 🇫🇷 Ligue 1

From the defensive "Catenaccio" roots of Italy to the flair of the French league, these platforms offer the best coverage:

• Lega Serie A: The official portal for the Italian top flight.

• Ligue 1 McDonald’s Official: Keeping tabs on the talent-rich French league as it evolves in the post-Mbappé era.

Continental Glory: The UEFA Champions League

The UEFA Champions League represents the pinnacle of club football. Tracking the journey from the group stages to the final in Munich or London requires high-level analytical sites.

• UEFA.com: The primary source for official draws, coefficient rankings, and technical reports on match tactics.

• The Athletic (Football): While subscription-based, their long-form investigative pieces on Champions League tactics and club finances are industry-leading.

Road to the FIFA World Cup 2026

The 2026 World Cup, hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the USA, will be the largest in history with 48 teams. Staying updated on qualifiers, ticketing, and stadium logistics is crucial as we approach the summer of 2026.

• FIFA World Cup 2026 Hub: The central nervous system for the tournament. This is where you will find the official match schedule and host city profiles.

• FIFA Tickets Portal: The only legitimate source for ticket applications and hospitality packages.

• Fox Sports Soccer: As a primary broadcaster in the US, Fox provides excellent coverage of the CONCACAF qualifiers and USMNT/Mexico preparations.

Best for Transfers, Stats, and Deep Dives

Sometimes, fans need more than just scores. These sites specialize in the "numbers behind the game" and the frantic world of the transfer market.

• Transfermarkt: The gold standard for player market values, contract expiry dates, and agent information.

• WhoScored: A data-driven site that provides player ratings based on over 200 raw statistics.

• BBC Sport Football: Widely considered the most trusted source for verified transfer news and the famous "Gossip Column."

Quick Link Summary for Easy Access

Sources & Reference:

▪️ ESPN FC: Global Football News and Opinion

▪️ Goal.com: International Football Breaking News

▪️ OneFootball: Personalized Football News and Scores

▪️ Forbes Sports Money: The Business of Global Football

As the world’s eyes turn toward Morocco for the kickoff of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 this Sunday, a shadow looms over the tournament’s gleaming new stadiums. While the government prepares for a continental celebration, thousands of Moroccan youth are telling a very different story—one of arbitrary detentions, "horrific" police brutality, and a desperate plea for basic dignity.

This is the story of "Gen Z 212", the largest youth-led protest movement Morocco has seen since the Arab Spring, and the heavy price they are paying for demanding a future.

📱 What is Gen Z 212?

Named after Morocco’s international dialing code (+212), the movement is a decentralized, leaderless collective of young Moroccans born between 1997 and 2012.

Unlike previous movements led by political parties or unions, Gen Z 212 organized in the shadows of the internet—primarily on Discord and TikTok. What began as a small digital community exploded into a nationwide force of over 250,000 members, united by a singular frustration: Hogra (a Moroccan term for the denial of dignity and the feeling of being crushed by the state).

🏥 The Spark: A Tragedy in Agadir

While the movement grew from long-standing economic pain, the "boiling point" was reached in September 2025.

• The Catalyst: The tragic death of eight expectant mothers at a public hospital in Agadir due to a lack of basic medical care and staff shortages.

• The Disparity: Morocco currently has only 7.3 doctors per 10,000 people, far below the WHO recommendation of 15.3.

• The Slogan: Protesters began chanting: "We want hospitals, not stadiums!"—a direct jab at the billions being spent on sports infrastructure while public services crumble.

🚨 The Crackdown: Allegations of "Horrific" Abuse

The Moroccan government’s response to the September and October demonstrations was swift and severe. Human rights groups, including Amnesty International and the AMDH, have documented a disturbing pattern of state violence:

1. Arbitrary Detentions: More than 2,400 people are currently being prosecuted. Hundreds are minors, some as young as 12. 

2. Physical Abuse: Reports have surfaced of detainees being beaten with electrical wires and, in one harrowing case reported by The Guardian, an 18-year-old losing his teeth during a violent arrest at a snack bar.

3. Lethal Force: On October 1, 2025, three protesters were shot and killed by security forces in the town of Lqliâa.

4. Coerced Confessions: Lawyers report multiple procedural violations, with young protesters allegedly forced to sign "confessions" after hours of being denied food, water, or legal counsel. 

"My son was not even protesting... he was hit so badly he lost some of his teeth." — Testimony from a mother of a detained 18-year-old.

⚽ The AFCON Dilemma: Stadiums vs. Schools

The timing of these protests is no accident. Morocco is currently in a massive spending cycle as it prepares to host:

• AFCON 2025 (Starting this week)

• FIFA World Cup 2030 (Co-hosted with Spain and Portugal)

While the government argues these events bring tourism and global prestige, the youth movement points to the 35.8% youth unemployment rate and asks why a $75 million stadium in Rabat is a higher priority than a functional maternity ward.

🔮 What Happens Next?

Despite a temporary pause in October after a speech by King Mohammed VI—who promised increased social spending in the 2026 budget—the tension remains at a breaking point. As teams arrive for the Africa Cup of Nations, the "Gen Z 212" organizers have called for boycotts and renewed demonstrations to ensure the world doesn't just see the football, but also the faces of those in detention.

🔗 Official Sources & Reports:

▪️ The Guardian: Morocco accused of 'horrific' abuse of detained Gen Z protesters

▪️ ARTICLE 19: Morocco—End the crackdown on peaceful protests

▪️ ISS Africa: Gen Z 212 loses steam in Morocco but energy remains

▪️ Arab Center DC: Morocco at Breaking Point? The Rise of Gen Z 212

Get ready, football fans! We are less than six months away from the most ambitious sporting event ever conceived. The FIFA World Cup 2026™ isn't just a tournament; it’s a continental takeover. For the first time, three nations—Canada, Mexico, and the USA—will co-host a record-breaking 48 teams in a 104-match marathon that will redefine the "Beautiful Game."

Whether you’re planning to follow your team across the Atlantic or watching from home, here is the comprehensive breakdown of everything you need to know for the summer of 2026.

📅 Key Dates to Mark in Your Calendar

The tournament officially kicks off in the heat of Mexico City and concludes in the heart of the New York/New Jersey area.

• Opening Match: June 11, 2026 (Estadio Azteca, Mexico City)

• Group Stage: June 11 – June 27, 2026

• Round of 32 (New Knockout Round): June 28 – July 3, 2026

• Round of 16: July 4 – July 7, 2026

• Quarter-finals: July 9 – July 11, 2026

• Semi-finals: July 14 – July 15, 2026

• Bronze Final (Third Place): July 18, 2026 (Miami)

• The World Cup Final: July 19, 2026 (MetLife Stadium, New Jersey)

⚽ The New Format: 48 Teams, 104 Matches

FIFA has officially moved away from the 32-team format. The 2026 edition will feature 48 nations divided into 12 groups of four.

How the Knockouts Work:

The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-place finishers, will advance to a brand-new Round of 32. This adds an extra layer of high-stakes drama and means the eventual champions will have to play eight matches instead of the traditional seven to lift the trophy.

Fun Fact: The Estadio Azteca in Mexico City will become the first stadium in history to host matches in three different World Cups (1970, 1986, and 2026).

🏟️ Host Cities & Iconic Stadiums

The matches are spread across 16 world-class venues. If you're traveling, keep in mind the massive distances between these "hubs."

🎫 How to Get Tickets (Act Fast!)

As of December 2025, we are officially in the thick of the ticketing process. FIFA uses a Random Selection Draw system to ensure fairness.

1. Official Portal: The only place to buy legitimate tickets is FIFA.com/tickets.

2. Current Phase: The Random Selection Draw for single-match and supporter tickets is open until January 13, 2026.

3. Hospitality: For those looking for premium suites and "elevated" experiences, packages are available via FIFA.com/hospitality.

🔮 Predictions: Who are the Favorites?

Following the Final Draw on December 5, 2025, the groups are set, and the "Group of Death" honors go to Group L, featuring England, Croatia, and Ghana.

• The Favorites: Argentina (Defending Champs) and France remain the heavy bookmaker favorites.

• The Dark Horse: Morocco. After their historic 2022 run, they have a highly favorable draw in Group C against Brazil, Haiti, and Scotland.

• Player to Watch: This could be the final World Cup "dance" for legends like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, but all eyes are on Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland (making his WC debut with Norway).

Are you traveling to North America for the games? Which match-up are you most excited to see?

🔗 Official Sources & Deep Dives:

▪️ FIFA Official: Match Schedule and Full Fixture List

▪️ Olympics.com: Full List of 16 Host Stadiums and Capacities

▪️ DAZN News: Group Stage Breakdown and Kick-off Times

▪️ FIFA Tickets: Official Sales Portal and Application Guide

For many football supporters, the dream of following their nation at the 2026 FIFA World Cup turned into a financial nightmare when initial ticket prices were revealed. With the cheapest seats for the Final soaring into the thousands of dollars, fan groups launched a global campaign, accusing FIFA of "extortion."

In a major concession, world football’s governing body has finally announced the creation of a new "Supporter Entry Tier," offering a limited number of tickets for just $60 (£45) across all 104 matches, including the showpiece final. This move is a clear victory for fan advocacy, but the details reveal that accessible tickets remain fiercely scarce.

The Pricing Scandal: Why Fans Were Furious

The 2026 tournament, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, was always projected to be the most expensive in history. However, the true cost sent shockwaves through the football community:

• Final Sticker Shock: The cheapest general admission tickets for the World Cup Final were initially reported to be well over $4,000 (over £3,000), shattering previous World Cup records.

• Group Stage Hikes: Even entry-level group stage tickets ranged from $120 to $265, a staggering increase from the mere $21 promised by the host nations in their original bid.

• The Betrayal: Fan groups like Football Supporters Europe (FSE) labeled the original pricing a "monumental betrayal," arguing that the system prioritizes revenue (likely billions from dynamic pricing) over the loyal, traveling supporter base that creates the World Cup atmosphere.

The $60 Tier: A Concession with Caveats

Responding to the immense pressure, FIFA introduced the Supporter Entry Tier. This new category guarantees tickets at a fixed price of $60 USD for every single match, aiming to make the tournament "more affordable" for dedicated fans.

The catch lies entirely in the numbers and allocation:

• Tiny Allocation: The $60 tickets account for only 10% of the overall allocation given to each Participating Member Association (PMA), such as the English FA or the Mexican Federation.

• Limited Availability: This translates to only a few hundred seats per game—an insignificant number in stadiums designed to hold 80,000-100,000 fans.

• "Loyal Fan" Criteria: The distribution of these few affordable tickets will be managed by the PMAs, who are tasked with allocating them to "loyal fans." This means they will likely go only to members of official travel clubs or long-time loyalty schemes.

In a further small win for supporters, FIFA also agreed to waive the administrative fees for fans who book full team packages but whose nation is eliminated before the final rounds.

The Verdict: Appeasement or Real Change?

While the $60 price point is a genuine victory—especially for the Final—fan advocates remain unconvinced.

Ronan Evain, Executive Director of FSE, characterized the move as "nothing more than an appeasement tactic," proving that FIFA's policies were set arbitrarily and without consulting the people who actually attend the tournaments.

The 2026 World Cup has already received over 20 million ticket requests, confirming the demand is off the scale. While the price cut is a testament to the power of fan outrage, the vast majority of tickets remain prohibitively expensive, ensuring that the most accessible World Cup, which many fans were promised during the bidding process, is still financially out of reach for the global middle class.

Sources

◦ FIFA Official - New Ticket Pricing Tier Introduced for Fans (Dec 2025)

◦ Sky News - FIFA Announces 'More Affordable' World Cup Tickets After Outcry

◦ The Guardian - Fan Fury Over Extortionate Prices

◦ Football Supporters Europe (FSE) - Official Statements on 2026 Ticket Pricing

In a glittering ceremony in Qatar, the footballing world crowned a new king. Paris Saint-Germain and France star Ousmane Dembélé has been named the FIFA Best Men’s Player of the Year, cementing his status as the most dominant force in modern football.

Coming off the back of his Ballon d’Or win in September 2025, the 28-year-old’s triumph marks the first time a PSG player has claimed the trophy while representing the French giants, signaling a shift in the sport's traditional power balance.

A Record-Breaking Season: The Numbers Behind the Win

Dembélé’s 2024-25 campaign was nothing short of historic. Under the tactical brilliance of Luis Enrique, the former Barcelona and Dortmund winger evolved from a mercurial talent into a clinical, consistent match-winner.

• Statistical Dominance: Dembélé recorded an astonishing 51 goal contributions (goals and assists) in just 53 appearances.

• Silverware Sweep: He was the catalyst for PSG’s most successful season ever, securing four trophies, including the Ligue 1 title, the Coupe de France, and the Trophée des Champions.

• The Champions League Breakthrough: Most notably, Dembélé led PSG to their first-ever UEFA Champions League title, ending decades of heartbreak for the Parisian faithful.

The Final Shortlist: Beating the Best

The race for the 2025 award was one of the most competitive in recent memory. Dembélé emerged victorious over two of the game’s biggest icons:

1. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona): The teenage sensation who has revitalized the Catalan giants.

2. Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid): Dembélé’s international teammate, who enjoyed a prolific debut season in Spain.

The voting—conducted by national team coaches, captains, journalists, and fans—highlighted Dembélé’s "clutch" performances in high-stakes matches as the deciding factor.

From Injury Woes to Global Icon

Dembélé’s journey to the FIFA Best stage is a story of incredible resilience. Long plagued by hamstring injuries during his time in La Liga, his move to the Parc des Princes in 2023 proved to be the turning point.

By focusing on a personalized fitness regime and thriving in a system that maximizes his dual-footed dribbling and vision, he has become the "ultimate nightmare" for defenders worldwide.

"This award belongs to my teammates at PSG and France. Without the collective effort and the trust of Luis Enrique, this 51-goal season wouldn't have been possible." — Ousmane Dembélé during his acceptance speech.

What’s Next: The Intercontinental Cup

There is no rest for the world’s best player. Directly after the ceremony, Dembélé joined his squad to prepare for the Intercontinental Cup final against Flamengo. With a fifth trophy on the line, the Frenchman looks to end 2025 with an unprecedented haul of collective and individual honors.

Sources

◦ FIFA Official - The Best FIFA Football Awards 2025 Results

◦ L'Équipe - Ousmane Dembélé's Path to the Ballon d'Or and FIFA Best

◦ Opta Sports - 2024-25 Season Performance Metrics for PSG

◦ France Football - The Evolution of Ousmane Dembélé