Soccer Heroes Series: Greatest Footballers of All Time

Pele is a name recognized throughout the world, not only by fanatical football fans, but also those with a passing interest in the game. A national hero in his native Brazil, he earned the nickname "the king" because of his amazing exploits on the field. One year he had a staggering 66 goals to his name.

Arguably the best player ever to have come out of France, Zinidine Zidane - or Zizou as fans call him affectionately - enjoyed an epic career spanning two decades. A highlight of his career was the 1998 World Cup Final, where France beat the favorites, Brazil, in a 3-0 whitewash, two of those goals coming from Zizou himself, meaning that he single handily won France its first World Cup.

Arguably the best, certainly the most well-known South American soccer star, Diego Maradona made his debut in 1976, ten days before his sixteenth birthday. He played in four FIFA World Cups and was the joint FIFA player of the 20th century with Pele. He coaches currently.

Though his transfer from Barcelona FC to Real Madrid was considered one of the most controversial decisions of recent history, Louis Figo has taken things in his stride, refusing to get caught up in the hype. Figo was the 2000 European Footballer of the Year, the 2001 FIFA World Player of the Year, and was named amongst the FIFA 100.

His legacy lives in the saying "Maradona, good; Pele, better; George Best". Known mainly for his eleven year with the most famous club in the world - Manchester United - Best played for over 15 clubs in his 21 year career.

Sir Robert "Bobby" Charlton is one of the most esteemed and respected footballers of all time. As a midfielder he was feared by opponents for his attacking instincts, and dangerous long-line shots.

The football worlds most famous club has been steered since 1986 by the talented and capable Sir Alex Ferguson. The second longest running coach of Manchester United, Ferguson wasnʼt the popular choice to take over the reins from a succession of less successful leaders, but he soon changed minds, and brought to the club a host of new talent.

Franz Beckenbaur is regarded is one of the greatest footballers to have ever come out of Germany. Renown as the player who reinvented the position of "sweeper", the superstar played for his country on 103 occasions, and is also the only player to have captained his country to three European cups.

French footballer Fabian Barthez built a strong reputation over a long and successful career. Despite his father wanting him to play rugby, Barthez knew where his heart - and talent - lay, and instead joined Toulouse FC, then Man U. He also helped France to their first World Cup in 1998.

Samuel Etoʼo is one of Africaʼs most exciting and decorated football exports. He has participated in two World Cups and five African Nations Cups, winning two. He was also part of the squad that won the 2000 Olympic tournament. He currently plays for Italian club De Nationale, a long way from his humble beginnings in Cameroon.

Nicknamed "The Apache" for the Argentine neighborhood where he grew up, Carlos Tevez was born into a poor area, but his talent on the football field at both club and international level has given him a ticket to fame and wealth that will ensure he never again lives in poverty.

The royal title of King Kahn was fitting for the formidable stature of Oliver Kahn, the German goalkeeper who finished a distinguished career when he retired in 2008. He made his professional debut in 1987, and it wasnʼt long before he established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the Bunders league, possessing an uncanny ability to save penalty kicks.

Football fame and glory must have seemed a world away for Brazilian Rivaldo, who was born into extreme poverty in his hometown of Paulista. Officials there thought his poor health due to malnutrition would hold him back but Rivaldo was able to rise to the elite level, playing at FC Barcelona, where he spent five years building a solid name and reputation.