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Best Left-Footed Footballers In History

Left-footed footballers have always brought a unique flair to the game. Only around 20% of professional players are naturally left-footed, which makes them a rare commodity and gives them a distinct advantage on the pitch. Defenders, who are used to facing right-footed players, often find it harder to predict or block the movements of a left-footed attacker. Their ability to cut inside from the right wing and curl shots or crosses with their stronger foot adds an unpredictable dimension to attacking play. Many left-footers have a natural grace and creativity, which helps them dominate in attacking roles, especially as playmakers, wingers, or attacking midfielders. This article talks about the 10 best left-footed footballers that the world has ever seen.

Best Left-Footed Footballers In History

Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi is arguably both the greatest left-footed footballer and the greatest footballer in history. The Argentine maestro has won everything: one FIFA World Cup, two Copa Americas, four Champions Leagues, and a plethora of league titles. He has played for three teams in his career: Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Inter Miami. Messi spent the majority of his career at FC Barcelona, scoring over 600 goals and leading them to unprecedented success. While he is nearing the end of his career, he will surely be remembered by generations of football fans and will go down not only in Barcelona’s history but in football history as one of the best football players in the world.

Diego Maradona

That left foot 😍

Sevilla say a special goodbye to the great Diego Maradona ❤️ pic.twitter.com/OjHcI6032R

— GOAL (@goal) November 26, 2020

Diego Maradona’s legendary left foot is part of football folklore. The Argentine icon led Napoli to two Serie A titles and took Argentina to World Cup glory in 1986. His solo goal against England, one of the greatest ever, was a masterpiece of left-footed control, dribbling, and finishing. Maradona also played for Barcelona, Sevilla, and Boca Juniors, but it’s his impact at Napoli and for his country that made him immortal. Maradona is another player who is considered to be one of the best footballers of all time and is one of the few people who can give Messi competition for the title of the best footballer.

Johan Cruyff

Credit: StatsBomb

Johan Cruyff was a football revolutionary whose left foot played a huge role in redefining the sport. A Dutch legend, he was the face of ‘Total Football’ and starred for Ajax and Barcelona. Cruyff won three Ballon d’Or, alongside various other titles with both Ajax and Barcelona and changed how the world viewed football tactically. His elegant left foot, combined with his intelligence, made him a brilliant dribbler, playmaker, and goal-scorer.

Ferenc Puskas

Ferenc Puskas was a goal machine with a legendary left foot. The Hungarian striker scored an astonishing 84 goals in 85 appearances for Hungary and won three European Cups along with five La Liga titles with Real Madrid. He even managed to lead Hungary to the final of the 1954 FIFA World Cup but could not help them clinch the trophy. Puskas was so good that he even had an award named after him, the ‘Puskas Award’, which was awarded for the best goal of the season.

Roberto Carlos

Roberto Carlos’ left foot was ridiculous 🧨pic.twitter.com/RomLNw9iAm

— GOAL (@goal) April 9, 2020

Roberto Carlos redefined the modern full-back role with his rocket of a left foot. The Brazilian legend spent the majority of his career at Real Madrid, where he won four La Liga titles and three Champions Leagues. Known for his insane pace and thunderbolt shots, Carlos also won the 2002 World Cup with Brazil. Another thing that Roberto Carlos was known for was his incredible free kicks, which allowed him to score many goals throughout his career.

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ALSO READ: 10 Best Players Who Played For Both AC Milan And Inter Milan

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Ryan Giggs

Credit: Wallpapers.com

Ryan Giggs is Manchester United’s most decorated player and one of the greatest left-footed wingers of all time. Playing his entire career at Old Trafford, Giggs won 13 Premier League titles, two Champions Leagues, and four FA Cups. His unmatched dribbling and pinpoint crosses made him a constant threat on the left wing. That stunning solo FA Cup goal against Arsenal is one of his most iconic moments. Giggs’ left foot delivered magic year after year and helped define the Sir Alex Ferguson era of dominance.

Mohamed Salah

Mohamed Salah has become a modern Premier League legend with his electric pace, dribbling, and goal-scoring left foot. After early stints at Basel, Chelsea, and Roma, he found global stardom at Liverpool. Salah broke the Premier League’s single-season scoring record in his debut campaign and has since led Liverpool to a Champions League and their first league title in 30 years. He also won his second Premier League title with Liverpool in the 2024/25 season with new manager Arne Slot.

Arjen Robben

You know you’re in trouble when Arjen Robben cuts onto his left foot…💥💥💥 pic.twitter.com/n86chG9rwE

— SPORTbible (@sportbible) February 16, 2017

Arjen Robben made a career out of one move, cutting in from the right and smashing a left-footed strike into the top corner. Everyone knew it was coming, but nobody could stop it. The Dutch winger starred for clubs like Chelsea, Real Madrid, and, most iconically, Bayern Munich. At Bayern, he won numerous Bundesliga titles and the 2013 Champions League, scoring the winning goal in the final. Injuries affected his career, but when fit, Robben was unstoppable.

Robin Van Persie

Credit: Flickr

Robin van Persie was a masterful striker known for his technique, vision, and wicked left foot. The left-footed Dutchman had successful spells at Feyenoord, Arsenal, Manchester United, and Fenerbahce. At Arsenal, he became one of the Premier League’s best goal scorers, and later, he won the league title with Manchester United in 2012–13, scoring 26 goals that season. Van Persie was also a hero for the Netherlands, scoring 50 goals, including the iconic flying header against Spain at the 2014 World Cup.

David Silva

David Silva is one of the most elegant and technically gifted left-footed midfielders that football has ever seen. He orchestrated play with vision, creativity, and effortless control. Silva spent a major part of his career at Manchester City, where he became a club legend, winning four Premier League titles and playing a key role in transforming the team into a dominant force. David Silva was also a key player for the Spanish football team and won two UEFA Euros and one FIFA World Cup while playing for the Spanish football team.

For more news articles and informative updates on some of the best left-footed footballers of all time as well as other football and cricket updates, keep reading GutshotMagazine.com.

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