When compared to the overall number of those who play the sport there are only a handful of professional athletes in the Soccer world.

1. Pro Soccer Player Facts
When compared to the overall number of those who play the sport there are only a handful
of professional athletes in the Soccer world. It takes a unique kind of person to be a
professional soccer star - these athletes need to be extremely fit and their soccer skills need
to be top-notch. Goal-keepers, defenders, mid-fielders, strikers. Every single professional
player lives and breathes football. At this very moment there are new stars in the making all
around the globe. The soccer community looks forward to seeing these athletes on the field
in the future. Now for some statistics on a few of the greatest footballers of the modern age.
1. Pelé, Brazil
Pelé earned his career as one of the best footballers in the world by sheer skill and love for
the game. He was first recognized as a brilliant 17-year-old in 1958.Almost 12 years later he
was acknowledged as a huge part of one of the greatest ever teams to ever grace the
competition - The Brazilian Soccer Team. As the all-time top scorer for Brazil, Pele has scored
a total of 1,281 goals during his spectacular career.
2. Lionel Messi, Argentina
He is the top member and key forward for arguably the best club team in the history of the
sport - Barcelona. Messi has the distinct ability to turn the tide of a match in an almost
instantaneous fashion. He has a reputation for this. Messi has insane control over the ball
while sprinting full speed at top speed. The Argentinian has removed and doubts concerning
his ability to perform for his country. Messi has scored more than 400 goals in his career. In
his early career his extreme talent was was recognized by Barcelona F.C when he was just a
kid playing for their junior league.
3. Zinedine Zidane, France
The French athlete scored two goals and lead France to victory in the 1998 World Cup final.
Zidane is well known for his headers but his footwork is absolutely brilliantly too. He has
used this skill to cut teams to shreds time and time again. With his impressive, almost
magical ability to constantly keep opponents at bay Zidane was known as one of the best all
rounders on the field. Zidane almost single-handedly inspired France to victory during the
World cup in 2006, four years after he scored one of the greatest goals in recent European
Cup history. He went on to win the trophy with Real Madrid. Zidane retired in 2006.
4. Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal
Following his transfer from Manchester United, Ronaldo continues to be the key player and

2. one of the biggest stars for Real Madrid. The squad is composed of many world-class players
and Ronaldo stands prominently among them. During his young career Ronaldo has quickly
become one of the world’s most effective professionalathletes. This reflects his relentless
desire for greater skill and self-improvement. Ronaldo has been praised for his phenomenal
athleticism, beautiful footwork and many thrilling goals. Ronaldo has scored 400 plus goals
in his entire career.
5. Arjen Robben, Netherlands
As many have mentioned “There is something weird, crazy and unique about Arjen Robben”.
The athlete has been noted for his all left foot play. Opponents at the 2014 World Cup
weren't able to keep him under control and this was the case for opponents throughout his
career both at Bayern Munich and Chelsea where he achieved great successes. It is often
comically stated that “Robben is always on the ground writhing in pain because the only way
his opponents can stop him is by fouling him”.
6. Neymar, Brazil
Right up until he took a knee in the back from Juan Zúñiga, Neymar has shown he can lead
Brazil offensively in the World Cup. Neymar is a fresh and talented athlete and many are
watching him closely as he progresses quickly both off and on the field. He plays for
Barcelona F.C.