Football has been changed in many ways with the upgrading of technology. You can even visit websites like 10bet Africa to place your bets on the outcome of a game; however, the football players are the stars of the show. Come with us as we take a look at football players who have revolutionized the football field and changed football forever.
Pele- Edson Arantes do Nascimento
Edson Arantes do Nascimento, popularly known as Pele, was born on 23 October 1940 and was born in Brazil. He became a professional football player and played as a forward. Pele was named the greatest by FIFA for all his work on the football field.
The forward position in football is when a player of a certain team plays as close as possible to the opposing team’s goal. Playing this position means that they are the most responsible for scoring goals.
Pele’s debut happened in 1958 during the World Cup at the very tender age of 17. What set Pele apart from other players was the skill and joy he brought to the field. He changed the way football was played forever.
He didn’t only make things better on the field but also made things better within the narrative surrounding football in America. He won as much as he could and also helped to popularise the sport in America. He did this by becoming very popular in the New York Cosmos.
Pele’s career didn’t stop on the field as he later became the Minister of Sports for Brazil. The only thing we’d wish for is the opportunity to bet on Pele’s skill during his heydays. Speaking of bets, there are many betting sites in Africa that you can start placing your local and international bets with.
Diego Maradona
Diego Maradona was born on 30 October 1960 and was born in Argentina. Diego’s full name was Diego Armando Maradona. Diego was more than just a professional football player, and he also became a manager. Diego was truly one of the best and was one of the two winners of the FIFA Player of the 20th-Century award.
After Pele, Diego is one of the best players to hit the field. Under his leadership, Argentina made it to the World Cup in 1986. They didn’t just make it; they earned the World Cup title. He also scored the very famous Hand of God goal against England. Little did Maradona know that he was sealing his fate with history as FIFA later named that goal, Goal of the Century.
It is for this reason that Diego Maradona was the best.
Johan Cruyff
Hendrik Johannes Cruijff OON was born Amesterdam in the the Netherlands on 25 April 1947. He was a Dutch professional player and played as a midfielder and a forward. Cruyff was so good that he even has a book.
Johan was not only good in the field but also doubled as a manager. Cruyff has won Ballon d’Or three times in 1971, 1973, and 1974. He created a revolution during the 70s. It was also during this time that the Netherlands became one of the best footballing nations.
The Dutch were able to reach the World Cup finals twice and began playing a new style called Total Football. Rinus Michels initially created total football; however, Total Football was put into action and refined by Cruyff.
Under the leadership of Johan, Cruyff led Oranje to earn second place in the 1974 Cup. This was disputed by many because Oranje was considered to be one of the best teams at that time.
Johan Cruyff decided that he would retire from playing football after he led his team, once again to the 78 Cup. Unfortunately, this is where they finished second once again.
Cruyff won many things within his career, which include the Dutch league, which he won eight times, the European Cup, which he won eight times with Ajax. Johan Cruyff also won the Spanish League title with Barcelona.
Cruyff has become an icon for his work within football.
Conclusion
There are many players who have changed and had extensive involvement in the way football is today. These players have been adorned with awards, titles and have made their mark in history as one of the best football players who have made a change.
It’s important for us to recognize their contribution and truly see that football is more than just about kicking the ball around. Football is truly about the players because they make the game great.