The top 10 most talented left footed football players in the world
A talented left foot can turn a footballer into an artist on the field, opening the door to spectacular goals and amazing assists. In the world of football, left-footed players always bring uniqueness and special creativity. From precise long-range shots to agile dribbles, the left foot has created beautiful and unforgettable moments in the sport’s history. Let’s join Kingsoccertips in discovering the world’s top 10 most talented left footed football players, those who have created miracles with their left foot on the field.
List of the best left footed football players today
1. Karl-Heinz Schnellinger
“Karl-Heinz Schnellinger is remembered as one of the best defenders of all time, famously known as ‘Volkswagen’—a nickname he proudly gave himself. This confidence stemmed not only from his German nationality but also from his consistently outstanding and top-notch performances throughout his career. Schnellinger’s greatest success came when he joined the AC Milan team in Italy.
Becoming one of the first German players to achieve success beyond the country’s borders, Schnellinger contributed to building the image of German football on the world map. Throughout the decade, he was considered one of the world’s top left-backs, with excellent defensive abilities and impressive attacking abilities. Not only was he a solid defender, but Schnellinger was also capable of scoring impressive goals, with a total of 14 goals in 387 appearances in his career, including 222 appearances for AC Milan.
Schnellinger’s most incredible achievement at Milan was helping the team win the Serie A title in 1968, along with the European Cup the following season. His contribution not only made AC Milan one of the top teams in Europe but also cemented Schnellinger’s place in global football history. Among the great left-footed football players, Schnellinger stands out for his versatility and impact on the game.
2. Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi is not only the greatest left-footed footballer of all time but is also considered one of the greatest stars in the history of the sport. Even though he was only 24 years old at the time, Messi had already proven his talent by winning many prestigious awards during his career. With Barcelona, he scored 186 goals and provided 78 assists, all in just 275 appearances.
Messi is not only a major contributor to Barcelona’s success but also the heart and soul of this team. He led Barcelona to ten La Liga titles and four Champions League titles, along with many other titles. Despite his small stature, Messi has shown remarkable strength and exceptional ball control.
With his skillful technique and exceptional left-footed strength, he not only easily cuts through defenders but also poses a dual threat from any position on the field. This is why Messi is considered one of the greatest left footed football players and one of the greatest players in football history.
3. Diego Armando Maradona
Diego Armando Maradona, one of the greatest left-footed players of all time, left an indelible mark on football history. With his mesmerizing footwork, Maradona demonstrated his ability to control the ball, dribbling past opposing teams with ease and flair.
During his career, Maradona scored a total of 258 goals in 492 appearances for clubs. However, he became famous not only for his achievements but also for what he did with the Argentine national team.
Argentina’s victory at the 1986 World Cup under the guidance of Maradona is unforgettable in history. He scored both decisive goals in the quarter-final against England. The first goal was called the “Hand of God”, while the second was a work of art, as he dribbled the ball from 60 meters before beating the goalkeeper and scoring. It is considered the “Goal of the Century” and one of the greatest moments in football history. Maradona’s remarkable performances solidify his status as one of the greatest left footed football players of all time.
4. Mesut Ozil
Mesut Ozil quickly impressed with his talent, making him one of the world’s top midfielders in Real Madrid’s squad. Although not a goalscorer, Ozil brought many other benefits to his role as a complete midfielder, perfectly reflecting Real Madrid’s attacking style of play.
Mesut Ozil’s prominence attracted international attention during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, where he played a leading role in the German team. One cannot forget the stunning volley from the edge of the penalty area in the decisive match against Ghana, which helped Germany progress to the knockout round. With his impressive contributions, Ozil quickly became one of the leading candidates for individual awards, though he was not a top contender for the Ballon d’Or, an honor given to the best player in the world.
5. Robin Van Persie
Robin van Persie has had a brilliant journey, transitioning from the left-wing role to becoming Arsenal’s main striker. This transformation not only highlights his talent but also made him the standout player in Arsenal’s squad after the transfer window. Despite struggling with injuries in the first half of the season, van Persie made a strong comeback and scored 18 goals in the second half.
Van Persie’s sophisticated and effective playing style has confirmed his status as one of the top strikers in Premier League history. His dangerous left foot is a powerful weapon, making him a major threat to opponents. Although the team had difficulties, Van Persie’s talent was still the bright spot and a terror to any team facing him.
The move to Manchester United changed both Van Persie’s career and reputation. He became an integral part of Sir Alex Ferguson’s squad and helped Manchester United win the Premier League in the 2012-2013 season. His combination of talent and experience brought impressive goalscoring performances and helped Manchester United defeat strong opponents in the championship race.
6. David Silva
David Silva has shone as a left winger, bringing creativity and stability to the teams he has played for. His excellence has been shown not only at the club level but also with the Spanish national team. He made an important contribution to helping Spain win Euro 2008, opening a glorious period for Spanish football. Silva’s role among the left footed football players highlights his exceptional skill and influence on the game.
Despite having many opportunities to join Manchester United, David Silva chose to stay with Valencia before moving to Manchester City. This decision proved to be the right one, as he became one of the most important players in Manchester City’s history. His creativity, vision, and technique have laid the foundation for Man City’s development into one of the leading teams in the Premier League and Europe.
7. Esteban Cambiasso
Esteban Cambiasso is one of the most influential players in the left-footed central midfielder position. His versatility is rare in football, allowing him to excel offensively and defensively. This made him an indispensable part of every team he played for.
At Inter Milan, Cambiasso showed his versatility and excellence, especially under coach Jose Mourinho. He contributed significantly to Inter Milan winning many important titles, including the UEFA Champions League. Cambiasso’s stability and fighting spirit contributed to Inter Milan’s golden era over the past decade.
8. Raul Gonzalez
Raul Gonzalez, even though he was in the final stages of his career, was still a great symbol of Spanish football and Real Madrid. His erudition and scoring efficiency made him one of the greatest strikers of all time. With the title of the highest scorer in Real Madrid’s history, Raul entered the legend of this club. Among the left footed football players, Raul stands out for his exceptional ability and influence on the field, further enhancing his legendary status.
Not only successful at the club level, Raul also shone on the European stage with three UEFA Champions League titles. What’s remarkable is that he won these titles at different stages of his career, demonstrating his consistency and top-class ability. With 71 goals in this tournament, Raul was once the player with the most goals in Champions League history.
9. Bukayo Saka
Bukayo Saka, with his impressive talent and maturity, stands out as one of the most promising young players in the Premier League. With the ability to play in various positions along the offensive line, Saka shines with his quick playing style and skillful technique.
Combining speed and technique, Saka often makes dangerous runs down the wing and creates many scoring opportunities for his teammates. His ability to score goals has been demonstrated by his contributions to Arsenal’s success in the current season. In particular, Saka has also proven his ability with important goals for the England team at the 2022 World Cup, highlighting his name on the international stage.
10. Alfredo Di Stefano
Alfredo Di Stefano is a Real Madrid legend, not only one of the greatest players in the club’s history but also a symbol of world football. He contributed significantly to Real Madrid’s dominance at the European level in the 1950s and 1960s. While Di Stefano is celebrated for his incredible career, he is often compared with the great left footed football players of his era, demonstrating his exceptional influence and legacy in the sport.
Despite playing as a striker, Di Stefano moved flexibly around the field and was often seen on the left wing, creating chances and posing a threat to the opposing team. The diversity and versatility of his playing style created many difficulties for opponents.
At Real Madrid, Di Stefano is an icon with impressive achievements, scoring 246 goals in 302 appearances. With 5 European Cup titles and many other domestic titles, he has contributed to building a solid and powerful image of Los Blancos.
In addition to his career at Real Madrid, Di Stefano also has notable achievements with three different national teams, demonstrating his versatility and influence in global football.
Conclusion
In the world of football, talented left footed football players are always the bright stars that help their team shine. From historical heroes like Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi to outstanding young talents like Bukayo Saka, they have all proven the strength and versatility of their left foot in every match. Their ability to control the ball, create chances, and score from the left wing has produced some of the most beautiful and decisive moments in football history. Whether in the role of striker, midfielder, or defender, left-footed players have continued to make their mark and make a name for themselves in the hearts of global football fans!
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