Blue bottle jobs

Following Gary Neville’s “bottle job” comments, sportsbooks believe manager Mauricio Pochettino is on an increasingly hot seat at Chelsea.

The Argentine oversaw a 1-0 loss to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup Final on Sunday, a match that his side seemed totally in charge of at the end of the 90 minutes, but were then dominated in during the added half-hour before falling to Virgil van Dijk in the 118th minutes.

oddsmakers have Pochettino at +500 to be the next manager fired

With just 13 matches left to prove himself in the Premier League, oddsmakers have Pochettino at +500 to be the next manager fired, second only to Burnley’s Vincent Kompany.

Pochettino odds for the sack

Chelsea’s lavish spending spree on young talents has been well documented since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital took over in West London. But the results expected of a billion-dollar-plus cash splash have not coalesced—not in any way.

Sunday was a gentle reminder of the instability that the Blues are battling. After seizing control from a tired Liverpool that had three teenagers on the pitch at the end of extra time, Pochettino made the costly decision to play for penalties (which he admitted after the match).

Klopp’s kids against the blue billion-pound bottle jobs.”

Sky Sports’ and former Manchester United defender Gary Neville summed up the match by saying “[It was Jurgen] Klopp’s kids against the blue billion-pound bottle jobs.”

Although Chelsea still finished the match with a younger squad on average, it also was a far more expensive amalgamation of players. 

The loss meant that Chelsea still has not won a trophy since Roman Abramovich left the club. They are also just 11th in the table, three points ahead of Fulham and one behind West Ham. 

European qualification was supposedly a “must” for Pocehttino this season, both for the reputation of the club and to balance a budget that is glowing red, but according to FanDuel Sportsbook, Chelsea is -390 to miss out on the top six for the second straight season.

What’s in store?

Short of a miracle turnaround in form, Chelsea’s last chance to qualify for Europe could come in the FA Cup. They face a fifth-round tie with rivals Leeds on Wednesday in what could be decisive times for Chelsea’s fifth manager of the past year and a half.

A loss would almost assuredly put Pochettino even closer to Kompany (+300 next manager to be sacked) in odds. However, a future without the 51-year-old may not be as bright as many supporters would hope.

Every manager will be in trouble with this team.”

According to the Daily Telegraph’s Matt Law, an associate of an anonymous top coach supposedly linked with succeeding Pochettino at Chelsea commented: “Every manager will be in trouble with this team.”

Hansi Flick (+100), the former German national coach, is the favorite to take the reins at Chelsea if Pochettino is dismissed. Girona (third in LaLiga) manager Michel Sanchez (+140) is next, followed by club legend Jose Mourinho (+200), Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi (+450), and Barcelona’s Xavi Hernandez (+500).

Chelsea is a -220 favorite to defeat Leeds in the FA Cup on Wednesday. A draw to determine their potential opponent in the quarterfinal will take place shortly before the match. 

Manchester City, Liverpool, and Manchester United are still alive in the competition and could await the Blues.

The post Gary Neville Blasts Chelsea as Odds of Mauricio Pochettino Getting Fired Grow appeared first on Vegas Slots Online News.

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By Frank Scoblete

I am guessing that almost all casino players have a method of betting, even those few who just throw out their money willy-nilly wishing and hoping for some blind luck from the non-existent gods and goddesses of such luck. That’s a system, although an uninformed one.

Sadly, those divine beings of luck departed long ago and they included the Greek and Roman civilizations whose many citizens hoped there was something more to existence than just the plain-old existence they experienced in their daily lives.

Most other players will play some aspect of a set method or several methods of them. They too probably think that somehow or other these methods will lead to long-term wins and not just simply good luck tonight. Hope is eternal. Players want their hopeful anticipation to be realized. Some players still don’t know how the casinos get their edges over these hopeful players and they think everything is luck, luck that can be (at times) counted upon.

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St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner, and here at VegasSlotsOnline we’re looking for one lucky Guinness lover to become our professional Irish stout taster ahead of the big day! 

That’s right, we want to pay you to test out your favourite Irish tipple. But, if beer isn’t your thing, not to worry! You can swap frothy pints for delicious shots of Baby Guinness instead.

we’ve also revealed where you can find the most and least expensive pints of Guinness

To help Brits decide where they might like to celebrate on March 17, we’ve also revealed where you can find the most and least expensive pints of Guinness across the UK. We looked at 30 of the biggest cities in the UK and analysed the cost of Guinness at four of the most popular UK pub chains. And yes, we’ve found the cheapest places for Baby Guinness shots too. 

Get paid £200 to be a Guinness (or Baby Guinness) taste tester this St. Patrick’s Day! 

Think the luck of the Irish could be with you this March? As we said, we’re offering one very lucky beer-lover the chance to be paid £200 ($254) to taste multiple pints of Guinness (or shots of Baby Guinness) this St. Patrick’s Day. 

And the reason why is simple. We want to reveal once and for all which popular UK pub chains pour the best pint of Guinness. So, if you share our love of the Irish stout — and live in the UK — we want to hear from you! 

What exactly is required, you ask? First, we’ll send you £25 ($32) to cover all of your Guinness-sipping expenses. All you then need to do is purchase one pint of Guinness at three of the leading pub chains in your local area (we’ll let you know which ones closer to the time). 

Bonus points if the bartender pours your Guinness with a shamrock in the froth!

Then, we need you to drink them (obviously), and review them based on the quality of the pour, the aroma, appearance, flavour, and mouthfeel of each pint. Bonus points if the bartender pours your Guinness with a shamrock in the froth! 

Once you’ve sent us your thoughts (and photographic evidence of each pint or shot) we’ll send the remaining £175 ($222) over to you as a reward for all your hard work.  

It really is as simple as that. So, if you think you’re up to the job, fill out the form below and let us know why you’re the perfect person for this extremely tasty role. 

Please fill out the form here.

Where in the UK can you get the cheapest pint of Guinness?

Even if you don’t land the job, it doesn’t mean you can’t do your own Guinness tasting this St. Patrick’s Day. But, where in the UK is home to the cheapest pint of Guinness? 

Taking the crown as the most affordable place in the UK for enjoying a pint of Guinness is Bradford. Pints of the black stuff cost as little as £3.85 ($4.88), on average, across the northern city. 

Coastal cities Southend-on-Sea and Swansea come in joint second, with residents able to pick up a Guinness for £4.03 ($5.11). Plymouth rounds off the top three cheapest places in the UK for Guinness, with one pint averaging £4.12 ($5.22). 

Top 10 cheapest UK cities for a pint of Guinness:

Rank	City	Price of pint of Guinness
1	Bradford	£3.85
2	Southend-on-Sea	£4.03
3	Swansea	£4.03
4	Plymouth	£4.12
5	Newport	£4.15
6	Sunderland	£4.17
7	Coventry	£4.17
8	Preston	£4.23
9	Wolverhampton	£4.23
10	Kingston upon Hull	£4.27

On the other end of the spectrum, London is home to the most expensive Guinness (surprise, surprise). A pint of the stout will set drinkers back a whopping £6.30 ($7.99) — nearly double the price of the frothy beverage in Bradford. 

This is followed by Edinburgh, with Guinness averaging £5.27 ($6.68) per pint across some of the most popular pub chains in the city. Birmingham is in third, though pints are a little more affordable here, at £4.87 ($6.17). 

Top 10 most expensive UK cities for a pint of Guinness:

Rank	City	Price of pint of Guinness
1	London	£6.30
2	Edinburgh	£5.27
3	Birmingham	£4.87
4	Bristol	£4.83
5	Manchester	£4.78
6	Leeds	£4.75
7	Reading	£4.70
8	Blackpool	£4.63
9	Cardiff	£4.59
10	Nottingham	£4.57

Which city is home to the cheapest price for a Baby Guinness shot?

If pints aren’t your thing, maybe you’ll be enjoying a few Baby Guinness shots this St. Paddy’s Day instead. If you don’t know what we mean by that, it’s a delicious concoction of coffee liquor (usually Kahlua or Tia Maria) topped with a layer of Irish cream (aka Baileys). There’s no actual Guinness in sight here, but it looks just like a mini version of the real thing!

Glasgow is in third, offering Baby Guinness shooters for £3.11 ($3.94)

Nottingham is the best place in the UK to head for a Baby Guiness, as the shot costs as little as £3.03 ($3.84) across the city. In second place is Swansea, with one shot costing around £3.09 ($3.92). Glasgow is in third, offering Baby Guinness shooters for £3.11 ($3.94). 

Top 10 cheapest UK cities for a shot of Baby Guinness:

Rank	City	Price for shot of Baby Guinness
1	Nottingham	£3.03
2	Swansea	£3.09
3	Glasgow	£3.11
4	Coventry	£3.20
5	Liverpool	£3.21
6	Sheffield	£3.21
7	Bristol	£3.24
8	Newport	£3.26
9	Leicester	£3.28
10	Southampton	£3.28

We’ve also looked at which cities might pull the purse strings a little tighter if you’re ordering shots this St. Paddy’s Day. 

Not only is London the most expensive city for a pint of Guinness, it also claims the top spot for the most expensive Baby Guinness, with one shot averaging £4.48 ($5.68) in the capital. Leeds is in second at £4.08 ($5.17), and Edinburgh also ranks on both lists, with Baby Guinness costing around £4.05 ($5.13) in the Scottish city. 

Top 10 most expensive UK cities for a shot of Baby Guinness:

Rank	City	Price for shot of Baby Guinness
1	London	£4.48
2	Leeds	£4.08
3	Edinburgh	£4.05
4	Belfast	£4.02
5	Preston	£3.89
6	Cardiff	£3.88
7	Birmingham	£3.75
8	Southend-on-Sea	£3.68
9	Milton Keynes	£3.68
10	Derby	£3.55

How to apply for the role and the T&Cs

• All applications for the Guinness taste tester job must be submitted by the March 15. Any entries made after this date will not be counted.
• Applicants may only submit one application and subsequent applications will not count.
• Applications are open to UK residents only and they must be over 18. Applicants will be reminded to drink responsibly. 
• The first instalment paid to the winner will be a total of £25 ($31.69). With this budget, the winner will be instructed to purchase one pint of Guinness at three leading pub chains in their local area. 
• The winner must provide photographic evidence and fill out a form providing their review. The pint of Guinness will be rated on a number of different factors such as quality of pour, aroma, appearance, flavour and mouthfeel.
• The remaining amount of £175 ($222) will only be transferred to the winner once the three reviews and photographs are submitted.
• This is not an offer of full-time employment.
• If the selected winner does not respond within 24 hours of winning, the job will be forfeited and given to another entrant.

Sources & Methodology 

VegasSlotsOnline pulled together a seedlist of the 30 most populated cities in the UK. For each city, the research then calculated the cost of a pint of Guinness and a shot of baby Guinness advertised on four of the UK’s leading pub chains mobile apps. The pub apps included in the study were:

• O’Neills
• Wetherspoon
• Greene King
• My Pub

The average cost of a pint of Guinness and a shot of Baby Guinness in each city was then calculated, and the cities were ranked from most to least expensive.

The post Sláinte! Get Paid to Drink Guinness This St. Patrick’s Day appeared first on Vegas Slots Online News.

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here is an old saying in poker: “A chip and a chair.” That’s all it takes for someone to turn their fortunes around and win big. For Archie Karas, that’s essentially what it came down to. He went to Las Vegas with $50 in his pocket and built a gambling dynasty.

After winning $40 million as one of the top sports bettors in the United States, he fell as quickly as he rose. His story is like few others and Karas has carved out a niche as a legendary gambler for better or for worse.

Gambling in His Blood

Long before you could play conveniently at an online casino, Anargyros Karavourniotis was just a kid getting started in gambling. He would shoot marbles in an effort to win enough to keep himself fed, having grown up the son of a poor construction worker.

He would invent his own games and quickly won good pocket money. Rather than following in his dad’s footsteps, he came to America to chase a dream. He started as a successful pool shark before moving on to his true calling.

The Up-and-Down Life of Archie Karas

Though many of today’s gamblers get started with online blackjack or poker, Karas sat down at the poker table in person. He was fearless at the table, winning $2 million seemingly overnight. All of it was gone by December 1992.

It would lead him to what some would call a “come to Jesus” moment. While most gamblers would pack it in after those huge losses, the experience took Karas on the journey to become a millionaire once again.

$50 into $40 million

Karas moved to Vegas with $50 in his pocket. He ultimately found a friend to loan him $10,000 with a whopping 50% interest. He started out in razz and tripled his money inside of three hours. He paid the friend back and kept going from there.

He went on a streak that could only be called “The Run.” By the 1995 rolled around, he had managed to earn $40 million. He became a feared name in both Razz and poker, even scaring off some of the big names.

Then the casinos came after him. He was arrested five times for perpetrating alleged casino scams. It all caught up to him when he was put in the infamous “black book,” marking the end of his gambling career in 2015. He still lives in Las Vegas but will never be able to achieve his previous heights in gambling while there.

Conclusion

Few went on the kind of journey that Karas did. Though his huge wins were often gone before he knew it, no one had the kind of experiences that he managed. When we think of movies about gamblers, Karas lived that life to a tee.

The post The Story of Archie Karas appeared first on Casino.com Blog.

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Print Studio, a popular casino game studio highly regarded for its carefully crafted games with exciting themes, has released a new slot game, Tarasque.

Thrilling gameplay and amazing win potential:

The new title leads players to Tarragon, a mysterious town that is about to celebrate the holiday of St. Martha. But once the festivities begin, the villagers will realize that nothing is what they expected and they will be drawn into the adventure of their lives.

Tarasque combines fantastic, captivating gameplay and unique features. What makes this new online slot stand out from other titles in the market is humor, which adds a different tone to the whole gameplay.

The game has a return to player (RTP) of 96.32%, which can be increased to 96.46-97.02% through Bonus Buy options. The volatility is rated 4 out of 5. 

Apart from fantastic gameplay, the slot also has a huge win potential of 20,000x the bet and is set on an 8×8 grid.

To win a prize, the player must create a cluster. But the real fun begins once the Morph feature is triggered. Whenever a spin occurs, one symbol will help replace the whole cluster with one symbol, which helps in creating a win and causes more symbols to drop to the grid, causing a chain reaction and increasing the win potential of the game.

Once the first progressive feature is activated, the Tarasque begins. Tarasque symbol is simultaneously Wild, and it collects all winning symbols that surround it. However, when the Wild is full, it returns the collected symbols to the grid, causing massive wins to occur and further increasing the win potential

Captivating Progressive Features:

The game doesn’t have regular bonus rounds, but players can enjoy a range of Progressive Features. Whenever a win is achieved, the feature meter gets filled. The meter has five stages, and each stage can unlock fantastic features. Every level of the meter consists of four features, and once it’s unlocked, one of them is triggered. The features become better and more powerful as the level increases.

If the Wild Spikes feature is activated, 24 Wilds appear on the grid, and it’s much easier for the player to form a win. There’s also a Blazing Gaze feature, which removes all low-paying symbols from the grid, resulting in a cascade, and increases the win potential, allowing only high-paying symbols to be a part of the win.

Mage’s Morph feature adds up to 45 powerful morphing symbols to the grid.

Print Studio is a Maltese-based studio that became well-known for its captivating slots with edgy themes and fantastic features. Among them is a hit release Darkness, which was released back in October 2023, and rapidly became a hit among players all over the world.

MPS makes arrests in China

The Chinese Ministry of Public Security (MPS) arrested 93 suspects on home soil connected to an illegal RMB 725.5bn ($100.8bn) online gambling platform based in the Philippines.

mega cross-border online gambling case”

State media outlet CCTV stated that Sichuan police operating under the MPS, China’s nationwide police force, uncovered the “mega cross-border online gambling case.”

While the MPS arrested the near 100 suspects on the Chinese mainland in June, the server for the illegal online platform, trade named as CAGAYAN, was located in the Philippines.

The MPS said the platform’s operators promoted the illegal online site in China to attract Chinese nationals to sign up for memberships and deposit funds.

Chinese nationals targeted

Inside Asia Gaming on Friday cited the MPS as stating its investigation uncovered over 300 people linked to the site’s operations. Under the guise of hotel services jobs with high salaries, these suspects recruited Chinese nationals to move to the Philippines.

On arrival, CAGAYAN staff would train the recruits “to accept online gambling jobs and become core members of the online gambling platform.”

Media reports estimate the illegal platform had almost one million members and that over 50,000 agents of Chinese nationality were involved.

hatched a plan to arrest them when they returned to China for vacation

In order to apprehend the Chinese suspects based in the Philippines, the MPS hatched a plan to arrest them when they returned to China for vacation in June 2023. The MPS split its forces into several groups and conducted police raids in over 20 provinces “including Henan, Hebei and Hunan.”

The result of this carefully planned operation was the arrest of the 93 suspects, along with bank cards and mobile phones. The ensuing investigation led to the recent publicizing of the scale of the illegal platform, with its “running account” of $100.8bn.

China on a roll

The take-down of the illegal Philippines operation is another massive win for the MPS and the Beijing’s commitment in 2020 to creating a “blacklist” system for illegal cross-border gambling tourist destinations, such as the Philippines.

Beijing’s big breakthrough came in 2020 when police shuttered 2,260 illegal online gambling platforms and arrested over 75,000 people. A year later, the MPS made history by taking down junket kingpin Alvin Chau.

The massive fallout from Chau’s demise continued last week when the Hong Kong regulator SFC warned of delisting two Macau gambling firms once owned by the imprisoned gambling maven.

The post China Police Arrest 93 Involved in $100.8bn Philippines Online Gambling Platform appeared first on Vegas Slots Online News.

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By Spencer Musick

Entering a casino for the first time can be overwhelming, especially when faced with the array of games available. Many newcomers lean towards slot machines due to their simplicity and lack of required skill. However, slots come with a high house edge and can quickly deplete your bankroll.

For those seeking electronic gaming without the steep house edge, video poker is an excellent alternative. It blends excitement with better value for money compared to slots. This article will cover the fundamentals of video poker and slots, emphasizing why video poker might be the better choice.

The Basics of Video Poker and Slot Machines

Video poker and slot machines offer different experiences for players, despite both being based on a random number generator inside the machine that determines the outcome of each spin (or press of the button). In video poker, this random number generator (RNG) determines what cards appear on the screen, while in a slot machine, it determines which symbols appear on the reels with each spin.

Both video poker and slot machines use a random number generator (RNG) to determine outcomes. Video poker involves strategy, as you’re dealt cards and decide which to keep or discard to form the best hand. Success requires understanding which cards to hold based on the game variant, leading to better long-term returns.

Slots, meanwhile, are luck-based, with players hoping for the right combination of symbols for a win. The lack of strategic input and purely chance-driven outcomes contrast sharply with video poker’s decision-making aspect.

In addition, video poker typically presents more favorable odds than slot machines, thanks to its reliance on skill as well as chance. Both games operate on fixed odds, but video poker usually provides a fairer gambling opportunity, as playing the game with a proper strategy will always yield better results in the long run.

Video poker machines also use random number generators to determine outcomes

Choosing video poker over slots might appeal to those who value having control over their game outcomes and enjoy the strategic aspects of gaming. Offering a blend of skill-based play and the chance for significant payouts, video poker provides a distinct gaming experience from watching the reels spin on slots.

Differences in Gameplay

Video poker and slot machines offer vastly different gaming experiences, despite both involving elements of luck. Video poker demands strategic play and decision-making, where you receive a set of cards and can swap out any number of them to form the best poker hand possible given your initial draw. This process requires you to evaluate the potential of your cards carefully to maximize your chances of winning. How you make these decisions is not a matter of luck or hunches: you must follow a proper video poker strategy if you hope to get the maximum return from the game.

Conversely, slot machines operate entirely on chance. Players spin the reels and hope that the right symbols align across the paylines for a win. Strategy doesn’t play a part in slots; it’s all about the luck of the draw.

For those who appreciate the challenge of strategic gameplay and the ability to influence the game’s outcome, video poker presents an appealing option over the purely luck-driven excitement of slot machines.

Strategies for Winning at Video Poker vs. Slots

When it comes to strategies for winning, video poker emerges as the clear winner for players. Slots offer no way to walk away from the casino a winner over the long term. Video poker, on the other hand, is not just about luck; it’s about making smart choices based on the cards you’re dealt. This is where strategy comes into play.  

All video poker strategies are based on an understanding of how each winning combination of cards provides value back to the player. And here is some good news! You don’t have to know the mathematical ins and outs of these calculations to increase your chances of winning. Video poker strategy cards are available for all commonly-found Video Poker variants, and we provide some right here on the American Casino Guidebook website.

Video poker software can warn you when you make a playing error.

If you really want to perfect your video poker game, you can look into buying video poker software which will show you how to play your hands correctly and warn you if you make any mistakes. 

Most casual players only need to learn a very simple strategy for whatever game it is that they want to play. A simple strategy will provide a great return to the player without being overly complicated or taking too long to learn.

While both games offer excitement and entertainment value, video poker allows for a level of skill-based play that gives players more control over their outcomes compared to slots where it’s all about the luck of the spin.

Payouts and Odds Comparison

When it comes to gambling, understanding the payouts and odds can make a significant difference in your overall experience. And when comparing video poker to slot machines, this is no exception.

In all video poker games, the video poker pay table is clearly displayed on the screen, allowing players to see exactly what they can expect to win for each hand. This transparency gives players a sense of control and allows them to make informed decisions about which hands are worth betting on.

An 8/5 jacks or better video poker pay table

Additionally, video poker usually offers better odds than slot machines. With proper strategy and skillful play, some variations of video poker actually offer an edge over the house. This means that over time, if played correctly, you’re more likely to come out ahead in video poker compared to slots.

Understanding the payouts and odds in both video poker and slots is crucial for making informed decisions and maximizing your chances of winning big. So why settle for uncertainty when you can choose a game like video poker that offers better transparency and higher odds?

Advantages of Playing Video Poker over Slots

As we have explained in this article, there are many distinct advantages to playing video poker over slots.

Unlike slots where you simply spin the reels and hope for a winning combination, in video poker you get to make decisions that can impact your outcome. Your decisions and skill affect the game outcome. On our website, we offer information on our website about which video poker variants offer the best return to the player (link).

Additionally, when playing video poker, you can find variations of the game with different pay tables. This allows players to choose a game that suits their preferences and desired level of risk-taking. With slots, on the other hand, your only choice is which machine theme appeals, what denomination you would like to play, and what comps the casino offers for your play.

So while both video poker and slot machines have their merits for casino enthusiasts looking for thrills and potential winnings; those seeking a game where strategy plays a role should consider giving video poker a try! It offers greater control over gameplay decisions along with better odds – providing an edge for those willing to put their skills into action!

The Verdict on Video Poker vs. Slots

Video poker presents a compelling case for players seeking a blend of skill, strategy, and entertainment. Its advantages over slot machines are clear, offering a more interactive and potentially rewarding gaming experience. By embracing the strategic challenges and learning the nuances of different video poker variations, players can significantly enhance their chances of success, making video poker not only an enjoyable but also a wise choice for casino enthusiasts.

So, before you next visit a casino or explore online gaming options, consider giving video poker a chance. Its unique combination of skill, strategy, and luck may just provide the winning edge you’ve been seeking, offering a refreshing alternative to the purely chance-driven excitement of slot machines. Video poker stands as a testament to the enjoyable complexities of casino gaming, inviting players to engage deeply with the game for potentially lucrative outcomes.

Spencer Musick is an advantage video poker player and sports journalist. He is based in Greensboro, North Carolina, but has lived as far afield as Beijing, China. He enjoys playing favorable casino games where comps and benefits create an advantage for the smart player. When he is not chasing good comp opportunities or enjoying a cold beer at a video poker bar top machine, you can find him running long distance road races at cities around the US, including Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and at the upcoming Boston Marathon! 

In this article, I end the debate once and for all, listing the top 10 best soccer players of all time based on their stats, honors, skills, and longevity. So, who is the GOAT? And more to the point, do you agree? This list is pretty definitive if you ask me…

10. Michel Platini

Number ten on our list of the best soccer players of all time is French midfield master, Michel Platini. He was an icon of football in the 70s and 80s, especially on the European stage, ultimately becoming the 6th president of UEFA from 2007 to 2015. His crowning glory came in leading France to victory in the 1984 European Championship and being named player of the tournament.

• National team: France
• Best World Cup performance: Semi-finalist (1986)
• Club teams: Nancy, Saint-Étienne, Juventus
• Position: Attacking midfielder
• Total number of games: 653
• Total number of goals: 353
• Major honors (team): European Championship (1984), Serie A (1983–84, 1985–86), European Cup (1984–85), Coppa Italia (1982–83), Cup Winners’ Cup (1983–84), Ligue 1 (1980–81), Coupe de France (1977–78).
• Major honors (individual): Ballon d’Or: (1983, 1984, 1985), European Championship Player of the Tournament (1984).
• Peak years: Late 1970s to mid-1980s

9. Alfredo Di Stefano

An Argentinian and Spanish soccer legend, Alfredo Di Stefano is most known for being part of the dominant Real Madrid side that won the first five European Cups between 1955 and 1960. His versatility meant he could operate as either a striker or attacking midfielder, and his game-to-goal ratio (0.72) is up there with the very best in history.

• National team: Argentina, Spain
• Best World Cup performance: Did not play in a World Cup
• Club teams: River Plate, Millionarios, Real Madrid, Espanyol
• Position: Forward/Attacking midfielder
• Total number of games: 706
• Total number of goals: 509
• Major honors (team): Argentine Primera División (1945, 1947), Campeonato Profesional (1949, 1951, 1952), La Liga (1953–54, 1954–55, 1956–57, 1957–58, 1960–61, 1961–62, 1962–63, 1963–64), Copa del Rey (1961–62), European Cup (1955–56, 1956–57, 1957–58, 1958–59, 1959–60).
• Major honors (individual): Ballon d’Or (1957, 1959)
• Peak years: Late 1940s to early 1960s

8. Zinedine Zidane

Zinedine Zidane was a mercurial talent that sometimes springs to mind for the wrong reasons (we’re looking at you, Marco Materazzi). But “Zizou” was undoubtedly the best player in the world for some years and the crucial part of the dominant French team of the late 90s and early 00s.

With the build and presence of a midfield enforcer, he also had the elegance, ball control, vision, and technique that has rarely been seen elsewhere on a football pitch.

• National team: France
• Best World Cup performance: Winner (1998)
• Club teams: AS Cannes, Girondins de Bordeaux, Juventus, Real Madrid
• Position: Attacking midfielder
• Total number of games: 803
• Total number of goals: 156
• Major honors (team): Serie A (1996–97, 1997–98), La Liga (2002–03) Champions League (2001–02), World Cup (1998), European Championship (2000).
• Major honors (individual): Ballon d’Or (1998), FIFA World Player of the Year (1998, 2000, 2003), French Division 1 Player of the Year (1995–96), Serie A Footballer of the Year (2000–01), European Championship Player of the Tournament (2000).
• Peak years: Late 1990s to early 2000s

7. Franz Beckenbauer

“Der Kaiser” was a German icon and the only player on our list to play in a primarily defensive position. Despite being deployed as a center-back or sweeper, Beckenbauer’s technical ability and leadership made him the essential cog in the dominant Bayern and West Germany teams of the mid-70s. The latter being widely regarded as one of the best soccer teams of all time.

His game-to-goal ratio of 0.13 is also outstanding for a defender and highlights his ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch.

• National team: West Germany
• Best World Cup performance: Winner (1974)
• Club teams: Bayern Munich, New York Cosmos, Hamburger SV
• Position: Sweeper/Center-back
• Total number of games: 857
• Total number of goals: 112
• Major honors (team): Bundesliga (1968–69, 1971–72, 1972–73, 1973–74, 1981–82), DFB-Pokal (1965–66, 1966–67, 1968–69, 1970–71), European Cup (1973–74, 1974–75, 1975–76), European Cup Winners’ Cup (1966–67), North American Soccer League (1977, 1978, 1980), World Cup (1974), European Championship (1972).
• Major honors (individual):  Ballon d’Or (1972, 1976), Footballer of the Year (Germany) (1966, 1968, 1974, 1976).
• Peak years: Late 1960s to mid-1970s

6. Johan Cruyff

Johan Cruyff arguably left a bigger legacy on soccer in his time as a coach than a player. That, and the work he did helping to establish Barcelona’s La Masia youth academy, which developed the talents of Pep Guardiola, Lionel Messi, and many others.

However, as a player, Cruyff’s dribbling and creativity were unrivaled in an era of superstars. He was the Ballon d’Or winner three times in four seasons. Though he was cruelly denied the biggest prize in world football when West Germany (led by a certain Franz Beckenbauer) won the World Cup in 1974. Despite this, he still goes down in history as one of the best soccer players of all time.

• National team: Netherlands
• Best World Cup performance: Runner-up (1974)
• Club teams: Ajax, Barcelona, Los Angeles Aztecs, Washington Diplomats, Levante,       Feyenoord
• Position: Forward/Attacking midfielder
• Total number of games: 761
• Total number of goals: 433
• Major honors (team): Eredivisie (1965–66, 1966–67, 1967–68, 1969–70, 1971–72, 1972–73, 1981–82, 1982–83, 1983–84), KNVB Cup (1966–67, 1969–70, 1970–71, 1971–72, 1982–83, 1983–84), European Cup (1970–71, 1971–72, 1972–73), La Liga (1973–74), Copa del Rey (1977–78).
• Major honors (individual): Ballon d’Or (1971, 1973, 1974), Dutch Footballer of the Year (1968, 1972,1984).

5. Ronaldo Nazario

The first of two Ronaldos on our list (spoiler alert), Ronaldo Nazario is considered by many to be the most complete striker in the history of soccer. He is a double World Cup and Ballon d’Or winner, and in his prime, the combination of power, speed, technical skill, and finishing ability made him almost unplayable.

Despite having his career curtailed by a repetitive patellar tendon injury, Ronaldo is undoubtedly one of the best Brazilian soccer players of all time and still managed to score 414 goals in 616 games for club and country, with a game-to-goal ratio of 0.67.

• National team: Brazil
• Best World Cup performance: Winner (1994, 2002)
• Club teams: Cruzeiro, PSV Eindhoven, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, AC Milan, Corinthians
• Position: Striker
• Total number of games: 616
• Total number of goals: 414
• Major honors (team): KNVB Cup (1995–96, Copa del Rey (1996–97), UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup: 1996–97, UEFA Cup (1997–98), La Liga (2002–03), Copa do Brasil (2009), World Cup  (1994, 2002), Copa América (1997, 1999).
• Major honors (individual): FIFA World Player of the Year (1996, 1997, 2002), Ballon d’Or (1997, 2002), Serie A Footballer of the Year (1998), UEFA Club Footballer of the Year (1997–98), FIFA World Cup All-Star Team (1998, 2002).
• Peak years: Late 1990s to early 2000s

4. Cristiano Ronaldo

A true legend of the past two decades, Cristiano Ronaldo has helped shape the vision of what a modern soccer player should be. His athleticism, professionalism, work ethic, and longevity have created a mold that many younger players will surely aspire to follow. However, his legendary goalscoring ability, especially in clutch moments, will likely never be matched.

During an era-defining rivalry with Lionel Messi’s Barca, as a Real Madrid player, the Portuguese master managed to secure four Champions League titles in five seasons. He also won five Ballon d’Or trophies and the first major trophy in Portugal’s history across an illustrious career.

• National team: Portugal
• Best World Cup performance: Semi-finalist (2006)*
• Club teams: Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, Al Nassr
• Position: Forward
• Total number of games: 1,206*
• Total number of goals: 873*
• Major honors (team): Premier League (2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09), FA Cup (2003–04), Football League Cup (2005–06, 2008–09), Champions League (2007–08, 2013–14, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18), FIFA Club World Cup (2008, 2014, 2016, 2017), La Liga (2011–12, 2016–17), Copa del Rey (2010–11, 2013–14), Serie A (2018–19, 2019–20), Coppa Italia (2020–21), European Championship (2016), UEFA Nations League: (2018–19).
• Major honors (individual): Ballon d’Or (2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017), FIFA World Player of the Year (2008), Premier League Player of the Season (2006–07, 2007–08), La Liga Best Player (2013–14), Serie A Footballer of the Year (2019, 2020).
• Peak years: Late 2000s to late 2010s

*To date

3. Diego Maradona

If you look up the phrase “tortured genius”, Diego Maradona’s name will surely be included in the description. His outstanding dribbling, technical skill, and mental resilience were made all the more fascinating by his challenges off the pitch, and his willingness to do whatever it took to win, including embracing the “hand of god”. Sorry, England fans.

Maradona never won the Ballon d’Or because, for the majority of his career, only European players were eligible. Still, he was named FIFA Player of the Century in 2000, an award he shared with the next player on our list.

• National team: Argentina
• Best World Cup performance: Winner (1986)
• Club team(s): Argentinos Juniors, Boca Juniors, Barcelona, Napoli, Sevilla, Newell’s Old Boys
• Position: Forward/Attacking midfielder
• Total number of games: 680
• Total number of goals: 345
• Major honors (team): Argentine Primera División (1981), Copa del Rey (1982–83), Serie A (1986–87, 1989–90), Coppa Italia (1986–87), UEFA Cup (1988–89), World Cup (1986).
• Major honors (individual): FIFA Player of the Century (2000), FIFA Goal of the Century (2002).
• Peak years: Late 1970s to mid-1980s

2. Pele

The joint-best player of the 20th century comes in at number two on our list. Pele pips Maradona to the position based on his superior goalscoring record, and because he is the only player in history to have lifted the World Cup on three occasions.

Despite having never played for a European club team, Pele’s exploits on the international stage are even more incredible when you consider the brutal treatment he received from opposition defenders.

Like Maradona, other teams often decided the best way to stop Pele was to kick him, and the rules back then resembled something closer to modern kickboxing than soccer. Even with this treatment, Pele had a career goal-to-game ratio of 0.91 and inspired Brazil to three World Cup trophies in four tournaments.

• National team: Brazil
• Best World Cup performance: Winner (1958, 1962, and 1970)
• Club teams: Santos, New York Cosmos
• Position: Forward/Striker
• Total number of games: 858
• Total number of goals: 789
• Major honors (team): Campeonato Brasileiro Série A (1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1968), Copa Libertadores (1962, 1963), North American Soccer League, Soccer Bowl (1977), World Cup (1958, 1962, 1970).
• Major honors (individual): FIFA Player of the Century (2000).
• Peak years: Late 1950s to early 1970s

1. Lionel Messi

If this list had been written before December 2022, there would have been an argument that Lionel Messi could not take the number one spot. A World Cup win had evaded Messi for many years, and surely the true GOAT must have won the ultimate prize in soccer at least once. Well, the greatest player of all time settled the debate once and for all when he lead his team to a win in Qatar in 2022.

Amongst his many achievements, Leo has won the most major team trophies of any player in history (44), the most Ballon d’Ors (8), the most Best FIFA Men’s Player awards (3), and is the only player in history to score 40+ goals in 12 consecutive seasons. And of course, he’s topped our list of the best soccer players of all time!

All hail the GOAT, Lionel Andrés Messi.

• National team: Argentina
• Best World Cup performance: Winner (2022)
• Club teams: Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Miami
• Position: Forward/Attacking Midfielder
• Total number of games: 1079*
• Total number of goals: 832*
• Major honors (team): La Liga (2004–05, 2005–06, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2012–13, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2017–18, 2018–19), Copa del Rey (2008–09, 2011–12, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2020–21), Champions League (2005–06, 2008–09, 2010–11, 2014–15), FIFA Club World Cup (2009, 2011, 2015), Ligue 1 (2021–22, 2022–23), World Cup (2022), Copa América (2021).
• Major honors (individual): Ballon d’Or/FIFA Ballon d’Or (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2023), Copa América Best Player (2015, 2021), La Liga Best Player (2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2011–12, 2012–13, 2014–15), Argentine Footballer of the Year (2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023)
• Peak years: Late 2000s to 2010s

*To date

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Lead image credit: Football Pictures/Flickr, PDM 1.0