The Most Elegant Midfielders in the History of Football

Recently, people have been in awe of one of the best young players in the world – Jude Bellingham. There’s no question about the fact: Bellingham is actually, one of the best football players overall right now. The fact that he is 20 years old just makes it even more special. Many people who follow football, – even the most passionate betting enthusiasts – did not expect this to happen. But Jude Bellingham, his unique and elegant style of play has given us the basis to discuss some of the greatest and most elegant midfielders to ever grace the game of football.

Here are a few of the legends who danced on the pitch.

Andres Iniesta

This wonderful football god began his football career at a young age, joining the youth academy of Barcelona, La Masia at the age of 12. Iniesta made his first-team debut for Barcelona in 2002 and quickly established himself as a key player for the club. 

He played a crucial role in Barcelona’s success during the 2000s and 2010s, helping the team win numerous domestic and international titles including nine La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League titles. Known for his exceptional technical skills, vision and ability to control the game, Iniesta became an integral part of Barcelona’s midfield. 

He formed a formidable and now iconic partnership with fellow midfielders Xavi Hernandez and Sergio Busquets that was instrumental in the team’s success. Iniesta’s most memorable moment came in the 2010 FIFA World Cup final when he scored the winning goal for Spain against the Netherlands, securing Spain’s first-ever World Cup victory. 

His accolades speak for themselves, but this man was poetry in motion on that green stage. Even people who hated Barcelona back then loved watching him play. He deserved everything football gave him.

Ronaldinho

The full name of this football deity is Ronaldo de Assis Moreira. But, you know him as Ronaldinho.

The smiling wizard ruled the football domain for many years. He played for several clubs throughout his career, including Gremio, Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, Milan, Flamengo and Atletico Mineiro. Ronaldinho’s most successful period came during his time at Barcelona from 2003 to 2008. He played a key role in the team’s success, helping them win many domestic and international titles, including two La Liga titles and the UEFA Champions League in 2006.

He also won the holy grail of football back in 2002 when he won the World Cup. But, his titles fail in comparison to his playing style. He figuratively broke so many ankles with his faints and wonderful play, and he made so many people fall in love with football.

Ronaldinho was joy personified and for that, we thank him.

Andrea Pirlo

Pirlo started his career in 1995 at Brescia Calcio where he quickly gained recognition for his exceptional passing ability and vision on the field. In 1998, Pirlo moved to Inter Milan, one of the top clubs in Italy. 

However, he struggled to secure a regular starting position and was loaned out to Reggina and then sold to AC Milan in 2001. Just imagine that! It was at AC Milan where Pirlo truly flourished and became one of the best midfielders in the world. During his time at AC Milan, Pirlo won several titles, including two UEFA Champions League trophies (2003 and 2007) and two Serie A titles (2004 and 2011). 

He was a key player in Milan’s success, known for his precise passing, exceptional free-kick taking and calmness under pressure. Because of that calmness on the pitch, he was able to show how this sport should be played when you play with love. He was like a ballet dancer.

Many coaches like to show their young students videos of Pirlo at training camps. That says a lot about this man’s talent.

Zinedine Zidane

We saved the best for last. With all due respect to others on this list, this man was the most mesmerizing to watch. His grace has never been seen before and after his career. If you think of footballers as ancient warriors, many of them are good, but Zidane was Achilles. And his heel was just fine.

Zidane began his professional career at AS Cannes in 1989 before moving to Girondins de Bordeaux in 1992. It was during his time at Bordeaux that he gained recognition for his exceptional skills and technique. In 1996, this genius made a high-profile transfer to Juventus, where he achieved great success. He won two Serie A titles and reached the UEFA Champions League final in 1997. 

Zidane’s performances caught the attention of top clubs, and in 2001, he made a record-breaking transfer to Real Madrid for a then-world record fee. At Real Madrid, Zidane became a key player and played a crucial role in the team’s success. He won numerous titles including the UEFA Champions League in his debut year.

With France, he won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000.

Later, he became a coach and won three consecutive Champions League titles with Real Madrid.