Dribbling is football’s great act of defiance: one player, the ball and the nerve to take everyone on. We ranked the magicians on close control, the difficulty of what they attempted and how often it came off.

1. 1

   Lionel Messi

   Barcelona · Argentina

   The most effective dribbler in history — low centre of gravity, impossible balance, and end product every time.

2. 2

   Diego Maradona

   Napoli · Argentina

   The 1986 slalom past England remains the gold standard of dribbling under pressure.

3. 3

   Garrincha

   Brazil · Brazil

   The Little Bird beat the same defender twice for fun; the most joyful dribbler the game has seen.

4. 4

   Ronaldinho

   Barcelona · Brazil

   Elastico, no-look, flip-flap — improvisation turned into a one-man entertainment industry.

5. 5

   George Best

   Manchester United · Northern Ireland

   Balance, courage and showmanship; the first footballing pop star, and a genuine genius with the ball.

6. 6

   Ronaldo Nazário

   Brazil · Brazil

   Dribbling at full sprint — the step-overs against defenders who simply could not keep up.

7. 7

   Zinedine Zidane

   Real Madrid · France

   The roulette in tight spaces; strength and grace that made the ball seem glued to his feet.

8. 8

   Neymar

   Barcelona / PSG · Brazil

   The most extravagant dribbler of the modern era, with a trick for every situation.

9. 9

   Arjen Robben

   Bayern Munich · Netherlands

   Everyone knew the cut inside onto the left foot was coming, and nobody could stop it.

10. 10

    Eden Hazard

    Chelsea · Belgium

    Glide, balance and the impossible-to-foul change of direction that defined his Chelsea pomp.

A LeaguePaper editorial ranking — opinion, offered for argument.