[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

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he made beating an opponent look easy

[Catel]

Laurent Blanc ! Absolute class.

[roxbury]

Tugay.

[Teso Dos Bichos]

Originally Posted by Catel

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)