Top 10: Best Football Dribbles Ever

Hey guys, football is more than just goals; it's about the magic, the artistry, and those jaw-dropping moments that leave you speechless. And what embodies that more than a mesmerizing dribble? So, let’s dive into the top 10 best football dribbles ever that have graced the beautiful game, moments of pure genius that will forever be etched in football history.

1. Diego Maradona vs. England (1986)

Let's kick things off with the legendary Diego Maradona. The year was 1986, the stage was the World Cup quarter-final, and the opponent was England. Maradona, with the ball at his feet near the halfway line, embarked on a run that can only be described as a work of art. He twisted and turned, leaving a trail of English defenders in his wake. Each touch was perfect, each movement precise, and each defender he passed seemed more bewildered than the last. He dribbled past Peter Beardsley, Peter Reid, Terry Butcher (twice!), and Terry Fenwick before slotting the ball past Peter Shilton. This wasn't just a goal; it was a statement, a symbol of Maradona's unparalleled genius. The goal showcased Maradona's incredible close control, agility, and determination, cementing his place as one of the greatest footballers of all time. It's a dribble that transcends sport, becoming a part of cultural folklore, forever replayed and admired by generations. It’s not just the skill, but the context – the World Cup, the rivalry, the sheer audacity of it all – that makes this dribble the gold standard. Every young player dreams of replicating a moment like this, but there was only one Maradona, and this dribble is his masterpiece. The sheer brilliance and audacity of this dribble, combined with the significance of the match, make it the undisputed number one. It wasn't just a goal; it was a moment of pure footballing artistry, a testament to Maradona's unparalleled skill and vision. This dribble remains the benchmark against which all other great dribbles are measured. It encapsulates everything that makes football beautiful – skill, passion, and the ability to create something extraordinary out of nothing. For those who witnessed it live, it was a moment they would never forget. For those who have seen it since, it's a reminder of the magic that Maradona brought to the game. It remains an iconic moment, a true testament to the beautiful game and Maradona's enduring legacy.

2. Lionel Messi vs. Getafe (2007)

Next up, we have Lionel Messi, the modern-day maestro. In 2007, playing for Barcelona against Getafe, Messi produced a dribble that echoed Maradona's famous goal. Starting from near the halfway line, Messi weaved his way through the Getafe defense with mesmerizing skill. His close control, agility, and acceleration were simply breathtaking. He beat defender after defender, each touch bringing him closer to goal. The way he glided past players, the ball seemingly glued to his foot, was a sight to behold. He rounded the goalkeeper and slotted the ball into the net, completing a goal that will be replayed for decades to come. This dribble wasn't just about beating players; it was about the sheer artistry and grace with which Messi did it. It showcased his exceptional balance, speed, and vision. It was a moment of pure magic, a reminder of why Messi is considered one of the greatest footballers of all time. The goal was a carbon copy of Maradona's legendary strike, with Messi displaying similar speed, agility, and close control. It was a moment that solidified his status as a true heir to Maradona's throne. This dribble exemplifies Messi's ability to create something out of nothing, turning defenders inside out with his mesmerizing footwork. The way he effortlessly glides past opponents, the ball seemingly glued to his foot, is a testament to his unparalleled talent. It's a dribble that showcases Messi's exceptional balance, speed, and vision, a true masterpiece of individual brilliance.

3. George Best vs. Benfica (1968)

Now, let’s rewind to the 1960s and the legendary George Best. In 1968, playing for Manchester United against Benfica in the European Cup final, Best produced a dribbling masterclass that left the Portuguese side shell-shocked. He received the ball on the left wing, cut inside, and embarked on a run that showcased his incredible skill and audacity. He weaved his way past several Benfica defenders, leaving them trailing in his wake. His pace, trickery, and close control were simply too much for them to handle. He then calmly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper, sealing Manchester United's victory. This dribble wasn't just about scoring a goal; it was about the sheer confidence and swagger with which Best played the game. He was a true showman, and this dribble was his signature move. This dribble is a testament to Best's natural talent, his confidence, and his ability to perform on the biggest stage. He was a true entertainer, and his dribbling skills were a key part of his appeal. Best was known for his flamboyant style of play, and his dribbling ability was a key part of his arsenal. He could beat defenders with ease, creating chances for himself and his teammates. This dribble against Benfica perfectly encapsulates his talent and his impact on the game. The way he effortlessly glides past opponents, his quick feet and trickery leaving them bewildered, is a sight to behold. It's a dribble that showcases Best's exceptional balance, agility, and vision, a true testament to his genius.

4. Ronaldinho vs. Real Madrid (2005)

Ronaldinho, the master of the 'elastico' and the samba king, makes our list for his unforgettable performance against Real Madrid in 2005. Playing at the Santiago Bernabéu, Ronaldinho put on a show that had even the Madrid fans applauding. His dribbling was mesmerizing, his trickery outrageous, and his flair infectious. He scored two goals that night, both showcasing his incredible skill and creativity. But it was his overall performance, his constant tormenting of the Madrid defense, that earns him a place on this list. The way he toyed with the likes of Sergio Ramos and Iván Helguera was simply breathtaking. Ronaldinho's dribbling wasn't just about beating players; it was about humiliating them, about making them look foolish. This performance was a testament to Ronaldinho's unique talent, his ability to blend skill, creativity, and entertainment. The way he danced past defenders, his mesmerizing footwork leaving them spellbound, was a sight to behold. It's a dribble that showcases Ronaldinho's exceptional balance, agility, and vision, a true testament to his genius. This performance solidified Ronaldinho's status as one of the most exciting and entertaining players in the world.

5. Zinedine Zidane vs. Brazil (2006)

Zinedine Zidane, the epitome of elegance and control, makes our list for his masterful performance against Brazil in the 2006 World Cup quarter-final. While not a traditional dribbler in the same vein as Maradona or Messi, Zidane's ability to control the ball, to glide past players with deceptive ease, was a form of dribbling in itself. Against Brazil, he put on a clinic, dictating the tempo of the game, creating chances for his teammates, and generally running rings around the Brazilian midfield. His Cruyff turns, his subtle feints, and his ability to shield the ball were all on full display. This performance wasn't just about individual skill; it was about intelligence, vision, and the ability to control the game. This performance was a testament to Zidane's unique talent, his ability to blend skill, intelligence, and elegance. The way he glided past defenders, his subtle feints and turns leaving them bewildered, was a sight to behold. This dribble showcases Zidane's exceptional balance, agility, and vision, a true testament to his genius. This performance solidified Zidane's status as one of the greatest midfielders of all time.

6. Johan Cruyff vs. Sweden (1974)

Speaking of Cruyff, no discussion about great dribbles would be complete without mentioning the 'Cruyff Turn'. During a 1974 World Cup match against Sweden, Johan Cruyff executed a move that would become his signature. Receiving the ball near the touchline, with a defender closing in, Cruyff feigned a pass, dragging the ball behind his standing leg with the inside of his foot, before quickly turning and accelerating away. The defender was left completely bamboozled, and the 'Cruyff Turn' was born. This move wasn't just about beating a player; it was about innovation, about creating something new. The 'Cruyff Turn' is a testament to Cruyff's vision, creativity, and technical skill. It's a move that has been imitated by countless players since, but none have ever executed it with the same grace and precision as Cruyff himself. This simple yet effective move has become a staple in every footballer's repertoire.

7. Cristiano Ronaldo vs. countless opponents

Cristiano Ronaldo, the king of the step-over, earns his place on this list for his sheer consistency and effectiveness as a dribbler. Throughout his career, Ronaldo has terrorized defenders with his pace, power, and trickery. His step-overs, his chops, and his ability to cut inside and shoot have made him a nightmare for defenders. While he may not possess the same level of flair as some of the other players on this list, Ronaldo's dribbling is incredibly effective, allowing him to create chances and score goals with remarkable regularity. This is a testament to Ronaldo's dedication, hard work, and constant desire to improve. He has honed his dribbling skills through years of practice, making him one of the most dangerous attacking players in the world. Ronaldo's dribbling is a key part of his game, allowing him to beat defenders, create space, and score goals.

8. Garrincha vs. everyone

Garrincha, the 'joy of the people', was a dribbling genius. Despite having a physical deformity (his legs were bent in different directions), Garrincha possessed incredible balance, agility, and skill. He could dribble past defenders with ease, using his body feints and changes of pace to leave them trailing in his wake. Garrincha's dribbling was a key part of Brazil's success in the 1958 and 1962 World Cups. His ability to beat defenders and create chances made him a nightmare for opposing teams. This is a testament to Garrincha's natural talent, his determination, and his ability to overcome adversity. He was a true inspiration to millions of people around the world, showing that anything is possible with hard work and dedication.

9. Neymar vs. defenders

Neymar, known for his flair and trickery, is a modern-day dribbling sensation. With his lightning-fast feet and incredible close control, Neymar can beat defenders in a variety of ways. His step-overs, his flicks, and his ability to change direction in an instant make him a nightmare for defenders. While sometimes criticized for being overly theatrical, there's no denying Neymar's dribbling ability. He is a constant threat to opposing defenses, capable of creating chances and scoring goals with remarkable regularity. This is a testament to Neymar's natural talent, his dedication, and his constant desire to entertain. He is a true showman, and his dribbling skills are a key part of his appeal.

10. Stanley Matthews vs. defenders of his era

Finally, we have Stanley Matthews, the 'Wizard of Dribble'. Playing in the mid-20th century, Matthews was renowned for his incredible dribbling skills. His close control, his changes of pace, and his ability to beat defenders with ease made him a legend of the game. Matthews played at the highest level for over 30 years, a testament to his fitness and skill. He was a true pioneer of the game, and his dribbling skills inspired generations of players. This is a testament to Matthews' natural talent, his dedication, and his longevity. He was a true icon of the game, and his dribbling skills are still admired today.

These dribbles are more than just moments of individual brilliance; they are a testament to the skill, creativity, and artistry that makes football the beautiful game. They are moments that will be forever etched in football history, inspiring generations of players and fans alike.