Top Right Footed Soccer Players Ever

When we talk about football, there’s a certain magic that comes from players who can do amazing things with just one foot. It’s pretty interesting how many of the all-time greats seem to favor their right foot. From dazzling dribblers to powerful strikers, these guys have shown that you don’t necessarily need to be ambidextrous to leave your mark on the game. This list looks at some of the best right footed soccer players ever, and honestly, it’s hard to argue with most of them.

Key Takeaways

• Many football legends have a strong preference for their right foot, influencing their unique playing styles.
• Skill with one foot doesn’t limit a player’s ability to reach the highest levels of the sport.
• Players like Messi and Maradona, despite their right-footed dominance, are often considered among the greatest ever.
• The list includes players known for dribbling, goal-scoring, and overall game impact.
• Historical bias and natural inclination seem to favor right-footed players in football.

1. Lionel Messi

Okay, so Lionel Messi. Where do you even start with this guy? He’s pretty much the GOAT for a lot of people, and honestly, it’s hard to argue. His left foot is just… different. It’s like the ball is glued to it when he’s dribbling. You see those videos where he just weaves through like five defenders without breaking a sweat? Yeah, that’s him.

It’s wild how much he relies on that left foot, too. Back in 2012, when he broke Barcelona’s scoring record, something like 79% of his goals were with his left. Only about 16% were with his right. It just shows you how much he’s honed that one foot to perfection.

Even as he’s gotten older and maybe lost a step, on the ball, nobody is better. He can go from zero to destruction in a second, just gliding past everyone and scoring from anywhere. It’s like watching magic.

He’s played all over the place – right wing, attacking midfield, striker – and just dominated. Started out on the right, apparently, and was a genius there. If he’d stayed there his whole career, he might have topped every list. But he moved around, did his thing, and became this legend we all know.

Here’s a quick look at some of his insane stats:

• Ballon d’Or Awards: 8 (as of late 2023, but who’s counting?)
• Career Goals: Over 800 (and still going!)
• Key Skill: Unbelievable dribbling and close control with his left foot.

Seriously, the guy is just a phenomenon. It’s like he sees the game differently than everyone else.

2. Diego Maradona

Diego Maradona. Just saying the name brings back a flood of memories for football fans, doesn’t it? This Argentinean legend is often tossed around in conversations about the greatest player of all time, and honestly, it’s hard to argue against it. He was something else.

Maradona was a magician with the ball, especially with his left foot. He had this incredible ability to weave through defenders like they weren’t even there. His low center of gravity, standing at about 5’5", really helped him stay balanced and change direction on a dime. It made him a nightmare for opposing teams to try and mark.

The 1986 World Cup is where Maradona truly cemented his legacy. He almost single-handedly dragged Argentina to victory, putting on some of the most memorable individual performances the tournament has ever seen. That quarter-final match against England, with both the ‘Hand of God’ goal and the ‘Goal of the Century’, is just legendary.

He played for some big clubs too, like Boca Juniors, Barcelona, and Napoli. At Napoli, he’s basically a god. He led them to their first-ever Serie A titles, which was a massive deal for the city and the club. He wasn’t just a scorer; he was a playmaker, setting up teammates with brilliant passes and dictating the tempo of the game. His dribbling was mesmerizing, and he could score from pretty much anywhere on the pitch. He truly was a one-of-a-kind player who left an indelible mark on the sport.

3. Garrincha

When you talk about the absolute legends of Brazilian football, Garrincha’s name just has to come up. His nickname, which means ‘little bird’ in Portuguese, perfectly captured his elusive style on the pitch. But he was also known as ‘Alegria do Povo,’ the ‘People’s Joy,’ and ‘Anjo de Pernas Tortas,’ the ‘Bent-Legged Angel.’ That last one is a nod to a condition he had where one leg was shorter than the other, which, believe it or not, didn’t stop him from becoming arguably the greatest dribbler the game has ever seen.

Seriously, this guy was something else. He played a massive role in Brazil winning the World Cup in both 1958 and 1962. Defenders just couldn’t get near him. He had this incredible ability to just dance past players, making it look easy even though he was dealing with a physical challenge most players never have to think about. His dribbling wasn’t just about tricks; it was about pure, unadulterated skill and a low center of gravity that made him almost impossible to tackle.

Garrincha’s impact on the game, especially during those World Cup victories, is undeniable. He brought a unique flair and joy to football that captivated audiences worldwide.

He wasn’t just a dribbler, though. Garrincha had a knack for scoring goals and setting them up, often when his team needed it most. He played for some big clubs, most notably Botafogo, where he became a true icon. His partnership with other Brazilian greats, like Pelé, was legendary, creating some of the most exciting football the world has ever witnessed. Even with his physical differences, Garrincha proved that talent and heart can overcome almost anything. He’s a reminder that sometimes, the most magical players come from the most unexpected places, and his legacy as one of the all-time greats is firmly cemented.

4. Pele

When you talk about football legends, Pele’s name just comes up, doesn’t it? This Brazilian superstar is often the first player people think of when discussing the all-time greats. He really defined an era with how many goals he scored. We’re talking about a mind-boggling record of three World Cup wins and an unbelievable tally of 1,279 goals in 1,363 games, and that includes friendlies.

It’s kind of wild to think that Pele never won a Ballon d’Or during his playing days. Back then, the award was only for players in Europe. But, they re-did the history of the award in 2016, and it turns out he would have won seven of them if the rules were different. Pretty amazing.

Here’s a quick look at some of his stats:

Pele’s impact on the game is hard to overstate. He wasn’t just a goal scorer; he was a symbol of Brazilian flair and a global ambassador for the sport. His performances in those World Cup victories are legendary, showcasing a blend of skill, vision, and athleticism that few have ever matched. He truly set the standard for what a forward could achieve on the international stage.

He led Brazil to three World Cup titles in 1958, 1962, and 1970, scoring 12 goals in those tournaments. It’s a record that speaks for itself. His career spanned from 1956 to 1977, a testament to his longevity and consistent brilliance. For anyone wanting to understand the history of the sport, looking into Pele’s career is a must.

5. Johan Cruyff

Johan Cruyff. What a name, right? This Dutch legend wasn’t just a player; he was a thinker, a revolutionary. He’s the guy most people associate with "Total Football," a style that basically said everyone on the field could do everything. Pretty wild when you think about it.

Cruyff was a genius with the ball, no doubt. He wasn’t about flashy tricks just for show, though. He mixed skill with smarts, making him a truly elite player. He once said something that really stuck with me: "Technique is not being able to juggle a ball 1,000 times. Anyone can do that by practicing. Then you can work in the circus. Technique is passing the ball with one touch, with the right speed, at the right foot of your teammate." That really sums up his approach – efficiency and precision over pointless flair.

He was a three-time Ballon d’Or winner, which is no small feat. His career stats are pretty impressive too:

Cruyff’s influence extended far beyond his playing days. He went on to manage top clubs like Barcelona and Ajax, continuing to shape the game with his innovative ideas. His impact on modern football is massive, and you can still see echoes of his philosophy today.

He was a midfielder who could play anywhere, really. Always moving, always creating space, always finding the right pass. He really changed how people thought about the game, and that’s why he’s remembered as one of the greats. You can read more about his incredible career and influence on the sport.

6. Zinedine Zidane

Zinedine Zidane, often called Zizou, was a player who just oozed class on the pitch. He had this incredible way of making the game look easy, even when things were super complicated. His first touch was just unreal, like the ball was glued to his foot. He could weave through defenders like they weren’t even there, using a few subtle moves to get past them.

While he was naturally right-footed, Zidane wasn’t afraid to use his left, and he scored some absolute stunners with it. Remember that volley in the 2002 Champions League final? Pure magic. But when he used his right foot, it was just as dangerous. He could unleash a rocket of a shot or thread a perfect pass to a teammate with just a little bit of space. He was elegance, for sure, but with a serious bite.

Zidane’s career was a masterclass in controlling the tempo of a game. He wasn’t just about flashy goals; he was about dictating play, making smart decisions, and elevating the performance of everyone around him.

He was a big part of that Real Madrid ‘Galacticos’ era, and his presence really added something special to that team. Before that, he was instrumental in France winning the 1998 World Cup and the 2000 Euros. Those were some golden years for French football, and Zidane was right at the heart of it all. His ability to control the ball and his vision on the field were just on another level, creating this aura that captivated fans everywhere. He really showed what it means to be a complete midfielder Zidane’s career.

Here’s a quick look at his club stats:

He truly was one of the best attacking midfielders the game has ever seen.

7. Michel Platini

Michel Platini, often called ‘Le Roi’ (The King), was a dominant force in European football during the 1980s. He was a midfielder who could do it all – score goals, make plays, and lead his team. It wasn’t just his right foot that was dangerous; he was known for being comfortable using his left too, which made him even harder to defend against.

Platini’s career highlights include winning three consecutive Ballon d’Or awards from 1983 to 1985. That’s a pretty incredible achievement, showing how consistently brilliant he was. He was the heart of the Juventus team that won major trophies, including the European Cup in 1985. He also captained France to victory in the 1984 European Championship, a huge moment for his national team.

Here’s a look at some of his career stats:

Platini’s vision on the field was exceptional. He had a knack for seeing passes others didn’t and could dictate the tempo of a game. His free-kick taking was also legendary, often finding the back of the net with precision.

He wasn’t just a scorer, though. Platini was a fantastic playmaker, known for his passing range and ability to control the midfield. His influence on the game was massive, and he’s rightly remembered as one of the greatest midfielders to ever play the sport. You can find more about his impact on attacking midfielders in general.

8. George Best

George Best was more than just a footballer; he was a phenomenon. This Northern Irish winger burst onto the scene with Manchester United and quickly became a global superstar. His dazzling footwork and electrifying pace made him a nightmare for defenders. He had this incredible ability to just glide past players, making the game look effortless, which is probably why he’s still talked about so much today.

Best was part of that legendary Manchester United ‘Holy Trinity’ alongside Denis Law and Bobby Charlton. By the age of 22, he’d already bagged domestic titles and a European Cup. It felt like he could do anything on the pitch. His close control was just out of this world, and those runs he’d make? They’d have you on the edge of your seat every single time.

He really transcended the sport, becoming one of the most famous faces on the planet. It wasn’t just his skill, but his whole persona. He was incredibly talented and had that undeniable charisma that drew people in.

George Best’s flair and skill on the ball were truly something special, captivating audiences worldwide during his peak years.

His career, though perhaps shorter than some might have hoped, left an indelible mark. He showed what was possible when raw talent meets an incredible stage, becoming a true icon of the game and a significant figure in the history of football.

9. Jairzinho

Jairzinho, often called the "Hurricane," was a force of nature on the right wing for Brazil. While perhaps not as flashy as some of his legendary teammates, his impact was undeniable. He holds the unique distinction of being the only player to score in every single match of a World Cup, achieving this feat in the 1970 tournament. That Brazilian squad is considered one of the greatest ever, and Jairzinho’s consistent goal-scoring was a massive part of their success.

His game was built on a potent mix of speed and intelligence. He wasn’t just a runner; he understood the game, making smart runs and positioning himself effectively. This combination made him incredibly difficult for defenders to handle. He was a forward who could consistently deliver, making him a vital attacking threat.

Jairzinho’s ability to find the back of the net in every game of the 1970 World Cup cemented his place in football history. It was a testament to his skill, determination, and knack for being in the right place at the right time.

Here’s a look at his incredible 1970 World Cup performance:

• Group Stage: Scored in all three matches.
• Quarter-finals: Found the net against Peru.
• Semi-finals: Scored against Uruguay.
• Final: Scored against Italy, capping off his historic run.

His career was filled with memorable moments, and his contributions to Brazilian football are significant. He was a player who could change a game with his directness and finishing ability, making him a true legend of the sport. You can find many clips of his impressive runs and goals on platforms like YouTube.

10. David Beckham

David Beckham. What a name, right? He’s one of those players you just instantly recognize, even if you’re not a massive football fan. His right foot was pure magic, capable of pinpoint accuracy from anywhere on the pitch. Think about that incredible goal from the halfway line back in 1996 – talk about making an entrance! It really set the tone for his whole career.

Beckham was a master of the set piece. Free kicks, corners, you name it, he could deliver. He had this amazing ability to bend the ball exactly where he wanted it, making him a nightmare for opposing goalkeepers and defenders. It wasn’t just about power, though; it was the precision that set him apart. He could whip in crosses that were almost impossible to defend and score from free kicks that looked like they were guided by a laser.

He played for some of the biggest clubs in the world – Manchester United, Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, and PSG – and won a ton of trophies along the way. He was part of that legendary Manchester United treble-winning team in 1999, which was just insane. He wasn’t the fastest or the most physically imposing player, but his vision and his right foot more than made up for it. He could unlock defenses with a single pass or a perfectly weighted cross.

Beckham’s influence went beyond the pitch. He became a global icon, a style trendsetter, and a household name. His ability to perform under pressure, especially in crucial moments like qualifying England for the 2002 World Cup with a late free-kick, cemented his legendary status.

Here’s a quick look at some of his career highlights:

• Premier League Titles: 6 (with Manchester United)
• FA Cups: 2 (with Manchester United)
• UEFA Champions League: 1 (with Manchester United)
• La Liga Title: 1 (with Real Madrid)
• MLS Cup: 2 (with LA Galaxy)

He might not have had the same flair as some of the other players on this list, but his dedication, his incredible right foot, and his sheer will to win made him a truly special player. He showed everyone that you don’t need to be a two-footed player to reach the absolute top of the game. His career is a testament to the power of specializing in what you do best, and for Beckham, that was his legendary right boot. You can see some of his early career moments, like that iconic 57-yard goal, and understand why he became such a sensation.

The Enduring Legacy of Right-Footed Footballers

Looking back at the players who’ve made a huge impact on the game, it’s clear that many of the absolute best have favored their right foot. From legendary playmakers to prolific goal scorers, these athletes have shown us that incredible skill and talent can shine brightly with a dominant right foot. While some players might be known for using just one foot, the sheer number of right-footed stars throughout football history speaks volumes about their lasting influence on how the sport is played and remembered. They’ve truly left their mark.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are most great soccer players right-footed?

It’s interesting how many top soccer players favor their right foot! While there’s no single reason, it might be because most people are naturally right-handed, and this often carries over to their dominant foot in sports. Plus, many players focus on perfecting their skills with their stronger foot from a young age.

Can a player be great without being good with both feet?

Absolutely! While being skilled with both feet is a big advantage, many legendary players have become famous by mastering one foot. They often use their incredible talent, smart plays, and powerful shots with their dominant foot to win games.

Who is considered the best right-footed player ever?

That’s a tough question, as many players have a claim to that title! Legends like Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona, Pele, and Johan Cruyff are often mentioned. Each of them had unique skills and left a huge impact on the game with their amazing right-footed play.

How important is dribbling for right-footed players?

Dribbling is super important for almost all soccer players, including those who are right-footed. Players like Garrincha and Maradona were famous for their amazing dribbling skills, using quick moves and close control to get past defenders.

Did players like David Beckham rely heavily on their right foot?

Yes, David Beckham is a perfect example of a player who was incredibly reliant on his right foot. He was known for his pinpoint accuracy with free kicks and long passes, using his powerful and precise right foot to create scoring chances and score amazing goals.

Are there any famous goalkeepers who are right-footed?

It might seem unusual, but yes! Even goalkeepers can have a dominant foot. Petr Cech, for instance, was known to be more comfortable kicking with his left foot, showing that even in specialized positions, footedness can be a factor.