Cristiano Ronaldo recently called himself the most complete footballer in history, sparking endless debates across social media and football circles. But what does it truly mean to be a complete footballer? Does excelling in one role make you complete? Or does completeness demand the ability to dominate across multiple facets of the game?
Most people confuse being a complete striker, midfielder, or defender with being a complete footballer. However, football is a game that requires a blend of technical ability, tactical intelligence, versatility, and leadership. Being a complete player is more than just excelling in a specific position—it’s about being able to adapt and perform exceptionally in various roles when required.
The Misconception of ‘Complete’
If we define completeness as excellence in a specific role, then players like Ronaldo and Messi, who have mastered goal-scoring and attacking play, would top the list. Similarly, N’Golo Kanté, with his defensive midfield dominance, could be labeled as a complete midfielder. Virgil van Dijk, for instance, is a complete defender, excelling in aerial duels, passing, and composure under pressure.
However, none of these players have been world-class across multiple positions or demonstrated the ability to perform at an elite level in different areas of the pitch. So, does that truly make them ‘complete footballers’?
The True Definition of a Complete Footballer
A truly complete footballer is someone who can seamlessly adapt to different roles, understand and execute multiple tactical requirements, and influence games beyond their natural position. This is where players like Philipp Lahm come into the discussion.
Lahm was a world-class right-back but also excelled as a left-back and a defensive midfielder. Pep Guardiola, one of the most tactically astute managers in history, once described Lahm as one of the most intelligent players he had ever worked with. Lahm’s ability to read the game, adjust his play to different positions, and dictate the tempo of matches made him a true all-around footballer.
Another example is Johan Cruyff, whose technical brilliance and tactical awareness allowed him to shine in multiple roles, from deep-lying playmaker to center-forward. His influence extended beyond individual brilliance—he orchestrated entire teams.
Zinedine Zidane was another player who embodied completeness. While known for his elegance in midfield, he could play deeper as a regista, move forward as an attacking midfielder, or even operate on the flanks when needed. His footballing brain allowed him to adapt and thrive in multiple tactical setups.
Versatility Over Specialization
While being an exceptional player in a specific role can make someone legendary, true completeness requires adaptability. Look at players like Clarence Seedorf, who won the Champions League with three different clubs while playing in different midfield roles. Or Sergio Ramos, who excelled as a right-back before transitioning into a world-class center-back and even stepping up as a goal-scoring defender when necessary.
Being complete in football is about more than scoring goals, tackling opponents, or providing assists—it’s about understanding the game on a deeper level and being capable of excelling in multiple positions when the team needs it.
Cristiano Ronaldo is undoubtedly one of the greatest goal-scorers of all time, and Lionel Messi is arguably the most naturally gifted player we have ever seen. However, calling oneself the ‘most complete’ footballer should go beyond attacking prowess. A complete footballer is not just a master of their primary role but someone who can adapt to different demands and still shine at the highest level.
While modern football tends to focus on specialists, history has shown that those who can perform in various roles, influence games in multiple ways, and understand football beyond just their position deserve the true ‘complete footballer’ title. So, before we crown the most complete player in history, we must ask: is being a great striker or midfielder enough? Or does true completeness lie in mastering the game itself?
Football debates never end, and that’s what makes the game so exciting. Who do you think is the most complete footballer of all time? Join the discussion now on iLOTBET and put your football knowledge to the test with our exciting football predictions and betting options.