Most elegant footballers

[brassmonkey]

In your opinion who are some of the most elegant and graceful footballers in the history of the game?

Some names: Rivelino, Francescoli, Beckenbauer, and of course Zidane

[dor02]

Scirea, Antognoni and Rivera were very graceful. They didn't need to trick their opponenents. The ball was glued to their feet and they could dribble smoothly and neatly. Beckenbauer and Platini are the only non-Italians that spring to mind now.

[Cabster22]

My favorite player to watch now is Lionel Messi. I just like watching him play... Id say hes graceful

[Martininho]

All of the above are certainly legit; I would also add the following (limiting my answers to those whose play I've seen, so players like Garrincha and Meazza remain the stuff of legend):

Beckenbauer (again, and just because), Cruyff, Carlos Alberto, Valderrama, Giacinto Facchetti (I have great affection for those who can "attack from the back"), Baggio, Gullit, Hagi, Platini, Socrates, Zico, Roger Milla, Klinsmann, van Basten, Baresi, Rijkaard, Lillian Thuram, Rio Ferdinand, and of course, Pele who could combine both explosiveness with consummate grace. No doubt I have omitted worthy players that others will add.

[JohnnyZ54]

Kaka. He just seems to glide across the field. He's a joy to watch. I was surprised by way Kaka was neutralized by Zidane and Vierra in the WC. Ronaldinho as well.

[Cassano]

Roberto Baggio

-a2V0_uRpZs

he made beating an opponent look easy

[Catel]

Laurent Blanc ! Absolute class.

[roxbury]

Tugay.

[Teso Dos Bichos]

Laurent Blanc ! Absolute class.

That's a very good call.

[LOS_DE_ABAJO]

MATIAS FERNANDEZ(ex Colo Colo, now is at Villarreal,ESP)
He just has so much skill, touch, and potency.
(voted the Best Player in the Americas in 06', succeding Carlos Tevez)

[mariealus]

nobody seems to remember redondo?

i'd say when he is on, riquelme.

[mak9]

cryuff...I love his style of play

but I think he is more of an explosive footballer

[mabe_moncayo]

it´s difficult to remember all graceful soccer players... but come on MARADONA.... i can name a few I love, henry, zizou, robinho,pele, platini,ronaldinho, aimar... sooo many

['Chopper']

Glenn Hoddle, Jim Baxter, Davie Cooper, Frank LeBoeuf, Ruud Gullit, Jan Molby,
Brian Laudrup, Liam Brady, Laurie Cunningham.

[Quaresma_7]

nobody seems to remember redondo?

i'd say when he is on, riquelme.

hes a player that is filled with class honour and a true sense of loyalty...

Madrid fans loved him... and he refused to be payed his wages by the AC Milan board when he was out with his lengthy injuries..

[cooldude]

Zola!!!!!!!

[juanse_moncayo]

it´s difficult to remember all graceful soccer players... but come on MARADONA.... i can name a few I love, henry, zizou, robinho,pele, platini,ronaldinho, aimar... sooo many


I agree but where is Ronaldo??? hehe:D Bien Nanita!!

[The circle of life 0]

As much as i love the man, Maradonna was a quick player who would dribble through, around, beside, and over (huh huh) the defenders.

As much as i hate this guy and think that he is overrated, Ronaldinho is very graceful.

Mr.Best maybe?:cool:

[zenden]

Maldini and Rafa Marquez are both elegant as f*ck.

[American Dream]

Valdo (1990's) and Nené(1980's), both from Benfica.

More recently, Zidane and Rui Costa.