10 Most Influential People in Football History [Ranked]
Football wouldn't be where it is today without the impact of many key figures.没有众多关键人物的推动，足球运动就不会发展到今天的局面。Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi revolutionised the limits footballers can reach with their record-breaking careers.克里斯蒂亚诺·罗纳尔多和莱昂内尔·梅西以其破纪录的职业生涯，不断刷新着足球运动员的极限。
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People like Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini were hugely controversial but still held powerful positions.塞普·布拉特和米歇尔·普拉蒂尼等人物虽然饱受争议，但他们在足球管理层中曾长期占据重要地位，对足球的发展产生了深远影响。The beautiful game, as it is known, would not be where it is today without a select few people. These are individuals who either introduced laws that revolutionised the sport, some of the most powerful figures who implemented rules and steered the direction football would go in, or players whose legacy goes beyond just having a great career, but includes lasting moments that, to this day, shape what the current generation does.足球这项被称为“美丽的运动”的运动，发展到今天离不开一些关键人物的影响。这些人包括引入了彻底改变足球运动的规则的先驱、实施规则并引领足球发展方向的强大人物，以及那些不仅拥有辉煌职业生涯，还留下了至今影响当代足球的经典瞬间的球员。
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Of course, the status of these people will have changed throughout the years. The players may no longer be in their prime, and the officials may have been ousted from power. But when it comes to who had the biggest impact throughout the history of the sport, GIVEMESPORT has compiled a list of ten names who have shaped the game and are consequently deserving of a place in the conversation of football's most influential people.当然，随着时间的推移，这些人的地位可能会发生变化。球员们可能不再处于巅峰状态，而一些官员也可能已失去权力。然而，当谈到足球历史上谁产生了最大影响时，GIVEMESPORT整理出了一份名单，列出了10位塑造了这项运动的人物，他们理应在足球史上最具影响力人物的讨论中占有一席之地。Dyke is widely credited with being an influential power in the rebranding of the Premier League
英超联赛的幕后推手While Greg Dyke might be known by some as a former long-standing chairperson of the FA, that is not why he makes this list. That is because his biggest achievement was the rebranding of England's top flight, known as the Premier League.
尽管一些人可能知道格雷格·戴克曾是前英格兰足总主席，但这并不是他上榜的原因。他最大的成就是重塑了英格兰顶级联赛，即英超联赛的品牌。
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Dyke played a pivotal role in the creation of the Premier League, marking a revolutionary shift in English football. As managing director of London Weekend Television in the early 1990s, he convened a crucial meeting with representatives from the "Big Five" clubs - Liverpool, Arsenal, Everton, Manchester United, and Tottenham - at the end of the 1990/91 season. Dyke proposed a new league that would allow these elite clubs to retain a larger share of television revenue, which had dramatically increased.
英超联赛的创立是英格兰足球的革命性转变的标志，戴克在其中扮演着关键角色。作为20世纪90年代初伦敦周末电视台的董事总经理，他敏锐地捕捉到电视转播收入出现迅速的增长的商机。他在1990/91赛季结束时召集了当时的“五大豪门”——利物浦、阿森纳、埃弗顿、曼联和热刺——代表们，举行了一个关键会议。戴克提议建立一个新联赛，允许这些精英俱乐部保留更大比例的电视转播收入。
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Their agreement led to the formation of the Premier League, officially launched on February 20, 1992, and transforming the financial landscape of professional football. To this day, the brand is as powerful as ever and is the most lucrative football league in the world.
他们的协议促成了英超联赛的成立。1992年2月20日，英超联赛正式启动，彻底改变了职业足球的财政格局。直到今天，英超联赛的品牌仍然一如既往地强大，是世界上最赚钱的足球联赛。戴克的远见为英超联赛的繁荣奠定了坚实的基础。The founder of the World Cup
世界杯的创始人You'll have heard of the Jules Rimet trophy, but who was the man it was named after? Rimet served as the president of FIFA from 1921 to 1954 and is best known for initiating the FIFA World Cup, the premier international football tournament that is still the tournament that players are most desperate to win. His vision was to promote football worldwide, and he successfully organized the inaugural World Cup in 1930 in Uruguay, where it became an instant success, attracting global attention.你可能听说过“儒勒·雷米特杯”，但你知道这个奖杯的命名者是谁吗？雷米特于1921年至1954年担任国际足联主席，他最伟大的成就就是创立了国际足联世界杯，这一顶级赛事至今仍是全世界足球运动员最渴望赢得的荣誉。他的愿景是在世界范围里推广足球运动，并于1930年在乌拉圭成功举办了首届世界杯，赛事一经推出就便风靡全球。![]()
His efforts in establishing the tournament helped to elevate football's status, fostering international competition and unity through sport. Rimet also championed the idea of amateurism in the sport, although the increasing commercial interests led to shifts in that philosophy. In recognition of his contributions, the World Cup trophy was named the Jules Rimet Trophy.
雷米特在创办世界杯赛事的努力提升了足球的地位，并通过体育促进了国际足球的竞争与团结。雷米特还倡导足球运动的业余主义理念，但随着商业化的深入，这一理念逐渐发生了变化。为了表彰他的贡献，世界杯奖杯曾经以他的名字命名为“儒勒斯·雷米特奖杯”。![]()
The first to score the most notorious type of penalty in footballNot an example of someone changing the landscape of the sport like Dyke and Rimet did. This time, it is merely a player who did something so unexpected and genius, that his name will forever live in on those who attempt to replicate it. Antolin Panenka is the man behind the 'chipped penalty' which has since led to some of the coldest moments in history.
与戴克和雷米特改变足球格局不同，安东宁·帕年卡只是以一项天才般的创新之举，将自己的名字永远镌刻在足球史册上。安东宁·帕年卡是“勺子点球”的鼻祖，这种点球方式至今仍带来一些足球史上最令人窒息的瞬间。
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During the 1976 UEFA European Championship final, Panenka executed a cheeky, delicate chip shot over the goalkeeper, securing victory for Czechoslovakia against West Germany. It became emblematic of skilful play and has since been emulated by numerous players around the world, adding an element of surprise and style to penalty-taking.1976年欧洲杯决赛，帕年卡面对西德队门将时，冷静地选择了将球轻轻挑过对方，这一大胆的举动为捷克斯洛伐克战胜西德锁定胜局。从此，“勺子点球”成为了足球场上技巧与胆量的象征，无数球员试图模仿这一经典动作，为点球增添了更多悬念和精彩。Panenka’s influence extends beyond the technique itself as it symbolises the importance of creativity and psychological strategy in football, forever changing how players approach high-pressure situations. His name is now synonymous with this unique penalty method, securing his legacy in the sport’s history.帕年卡的影响远不止于“勺子点球”本身。他的这一创举凸显了足球运动中创造力和心理战术的重要性，永远改变了球员们在高压下的处理足球竞技的方式。如今，他的名字已经成为“勺子点球”的代名词，并永载足球史册。Three-time Ballon d'Or winner and former UEFA President
三次金球奖得主兼前欧足联主席Michel Platini was influential both on and off the pitch. As a player, he was known for his extraordinary vision, passing, and goal-scoring ability, leading France to victory in the 1984 Euros and winning three Ballon d'Or awards. His playing style and leadership elevated the sport’s profile in France and globally, cementing his status as an all-time great.
米歇尔·普拉蒂尼在球场内外都具有重大影响力。作为球员，他以出色的视野、精准的传球和出众的进球能力而闻名，带领法国队夺得了1984年欧洲杯冠军，并三次荣膺金球奖。他的比赛风格和领导力提升了法国足球的声望，也为世界足球带来亮色，巩固了他作为足坛传奇的地位。![]()
After retiring, Platini served as UEFA president from 2007 to 2015, where he significantly impacted European football by implementing financial fair play regulations and expanding the European Championship format. However, his tenure was marred by controversy, including a ban from football for ethics violations related to a $2 million payment to him from FIFA's then-president, Sepp Blatter. These controversies have overshadowed his contributions, but his influence on football remains notable across the board, hence his inclusion on this list.
退役后，普拉蒂尼于2007年至2015年担任欧足联主席。在他的任期内，他推出了财政公平竞赛制度，扩大了欧洲杯的规模，对欧洲足球的发展产生了深远影响。然而，他的任期内受到一系列争议的影响，包括因为接受国际足联前主席布拉特向他支付的200万美元而违反道德准则，而终身被禁止参与足球事务。这些争议抵消了他的贡献，但他在足球上的影响仍然显著。这也是他入选这份名单的原因。Legendary Manchester United manager
曼联的传奇教练Not just the greatest coach in football, but in all of sport too. Sir Alex Ferguson had already made a name for himself in his native Scotland before the move that would ultimately cement his legacy for generations to come. Taking the helm in 1986, he transformed Manchester United back into a dominant force in English and European football, leading them to 13 Premier League titles and two UEFA Champions League victories. Ferguson was celebrated for his tactical acumen, ability to nurture talent, and skill in managing high-profile players.弗格森爵士不仅是足球史上最伟大的教练，更是整个体育界的传奇人物。早在执教曼联之前，他在苏格兰就已经声名远播。1986年，弗格森接手曼联，将这支豪门球队重新打造成了英格兰和欧洲足坛的主导力量，带领球队赢得了13次英超冠军和2次欧冠冠军。弗格森因其战术敏锐性、培养天才的能力以及管理顶级球员的技巧而备受赞誉。![]()
The longevity combined with constant success at just one club is something that football has not seen the like of both before and after. Having worked with some of the very best in the business and been a father figure to many of them, the Premier League would likely not be where it is today without the iconic Scot and what he was able to turn United into during the 1990s and 2000。弗格森在曼联执教的漫长岁月里，取得了持续不断的成功，这在足球历史上前所未见。一些最顶尖的人才共事，是许多球员的导师和职业生涯的关键人物。没有弗格森和他在上世纪90年代和2000年代为曼联所创造的辉煌，英超联赛可能不会发展成今天的情形。Football's all-time record goalscorer
The greatest goalscorer of all time. Given that this is ultimately what football is all about, having the most goals in history makes you worthy of a place on the list. Only one other man has more than Cristiano Ronaldo's five Ballons d'Or, but it's not just his incredible acumen on the pitch that makes the Portuguese so powerful and recognisable.作为足坛历史上的最佳射手，克里斯蒂亚诺·罗纳尔多的名字几乎成了进球的代名词。他所创造的进球纪录无人能及，足以让他在历史最佳球员的榜单上占据一席之地。虽然他获得的金球奖次数还不及另一人，但罗纳尔多在球场内外所展现出的影响力和认可度是独一无二的。![]()
What Ronaldo has impressively done is turn his talents into a marketing ploy, which means that the value of his name goes beyond the footballing landscape. His pull remains so powerful that he effectively put a whole nation's league on the map when he chose to join Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. That is just the tip of the iceberg for this man, who is arguably the sport's most incredible rags-to-riches story that there has ever been.罗纳尔多将个人天赋与商业运作完美结合，成功打造了个人品牌。他的名字早已超越了足球本身，具有巨大的商业价值。当他选择加盟沙特阿拉伯的利雅得胜利时，瞬间提升了整个沙特联赛的关注度，这充分证明了他的影响力。从一个默默无闻的少年成长为世界足坛巨星，罗纳尔多的励志故事堪称传奇。
Under Sepp Blatter, FIFA expanded its global reach, increasing the number of World Cup participants and launching initiatives to promote football worldwide. However, his tenure was marred by numerous scandals, including widespread allegations of corruption, bribery, and vote-buying that ultimately led to his resignation.在塞普·布拉特执掌国际足联期间，足球运动的全球影响力显著提升。他扩大了世界杯参赛队伍的规模，并积极推动足球在世界范围内的发展。然而，他的任期却被一系列丑闻所笼罩，包括广泛存在的腐败、贿赂和选举舞弊等。最终，这些丑闻迫使他辞去国际足联主席一职。![]()
Blatter's governance style drew comparisons to that of a dictator, characterised by a tight grip on power and a reluctance to implement meaningful reforms, despite mounting criticism. He turned what was designed to be a non-profit organisation into a multi-billion pound scheme that often bent the rules to their favour when it suited. In 2015, he was banned from football for ethics violations, cementing his legacy as a polarizing figure whose reign transformed the sport while simultaneously revealing deep-seated issues within its governing body.布拉特的管理风格常被比作独裁者，他牢牢掌控着权力，对外界批评充耳不闻，拒绝进行实质性的改革。他将一个本应是非营利组织的机构变成了一个价值数十亿英镑的商业帝国，并且为了利益可以无视规则。2015年，因严重违反道德准则，布拉特终身被禁止参与足球事务。他留下了一个两极分化的遗产：既推动了足球的发展，又暴露了国际足联内部深层次的腐败问题。The man behind the 'Bosman Rule'
Jean-Marc Bosman is a pivotal figure in football history, best known for his landmark legal case that transformed player mobility and transfer regulations. In 1990, Bosman, a Belgian footballer, challenged the restrictive transfer system that prevented players from moving freely between clubs at the end of their contracts. After a lengthy legal battle, the European Court of Justice ruled in his favour in 1995, establishing the principle that players could move freely without a transfer fee once their contracts expired.让·马克·博斯曼是足球历史上的一个关键人物，他以其里程碑式的法律案件改变了球员流动和转会规则。1990年，这位比利时足球运动员挑战了限制性转会制度，该制度阻止合同期满的球员自由转会至其他俱乐部。经过漫长的法律斗争后，欧洲法院于1995年裁定博斯曼胜诉，确立了球员在合同期满后可以自由转会且无需支付转会费的原则。![]()
This landmark ruling not only revolutionised player rights but also increased the bargaining power of athletes, allowing them greater freedom in their careers. Bosman’s case fundamentally changed the landscape of football transfers, leading to the modern era of player contracts.这一具有里程碑意义的裁决不仅完全地提升了球员权利，还增强了运动员议价的权力，让运动员在职业生涯中拥有更大的自由度。博斯曼案从根本上改变了足球转会的格局，标志着足球转会市场进入了一个全新的时代。Eight-time Ballon d'Or winner
It is harsh for the likes of Pele and Diego Maradona not to make this list. Their talents were way beyond the era they played in, and if it weren't for the two men who defined the modern era, they would probably remain the two greatest players ever. However, that distinction now belongs to Ronaldo and this man - Lionel Messi.将贝利和迭戈·马拉多纳排除在本名单之外似乎有些苛刻。他们的天赋远远超越了他们所处的时代，若不是两位定义了现代足球的巨星的横空出世，他们或许仍将被视为史上最伟大的两位球员。然而，这一殊荣如今属于罗纳尔多和梅西。
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Eight Ballon d'Or wins and every major team honour imaginable for club and country. Simply put, when you think of football, this is who you think of. This diminutive, unintimidating man is the most frightening and technically gifted human being to ever lace up a pair of boots. His dominance and inexplicable skill nearly put him at number one, but there is a very good reason he just misses out.梅西共八次荣膺金球奖，并囊括了俱乐部和国家队所能赢得的所有重大荣誉。简而言之，当你想到足球时，你就会想到梅西。这位看似身材小巧、不具威胁感的球员，却是足坛史上最具威胁、技术最精湛的球员。梅西的统治力和不可思议的球技几乎让他登顶榜首，但另一个人有充分的利用让他最终略逊一筹。The inventor of 'Total Football
Nowadays, every team, regardless of the quality of their squad, is pressured to play beautiful and attractive football. Route one, direct football is dying out as everyone tries to keep possession and attack at all costs. Some mistakenly put this down to Pep Guardiola's success, but the Catalan had to take it from somewhere, and that happened to be from Johan Cruyff.如今，无论球队阵容质量如何，都面临着追求“美丽足球”的压力。简单粗暴的长传冲吊战术逐渐被淘汰，取而代之的是强调控球、进攻的战术风格。有些人误以为这种趋势源于瓜迪奥拉的成功，但瓜迪奥拉的战术理念实际上源自于约翰·克鲁伊夫。![]()
Creator of the 'Cruyff turn,' the Dutchman is widely celebrated as the creator of 'total football.' Characterised by fluid positional interchange among players in this system any outfield player can take over another's role, promoting versatility and collective teamwork. This approach emphasises ball possession, quick passing, and high pressing, allowing teams to maintain constant offensive pressure while also being defensively solid.荷兰人克鲁伊夫不仅是“克鲁伊夫转身”的创造者，还被广泛誉为“全攻全守”足球的创立者。“全攻全守”战术强调球员之间的流畅换位，任何一名场上球员（除了守门员）都可以胜任多个位置，促进了球员的多功能特质和球队的团队协作。这种战术注重控球、快速传递和高位逼抢，通过持续的进攻施压，同时保持稳固的防守。
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That is literally the blueprint of how football is played across the board in the 21st century. To be the man that started it all, means you're the man who shaped how everyone views the sport. That's worthy of the number one spot.可以说，“全攻全守”战术已经成为了21世纪足球的模板。作为这一战术体系的开创者，克鲁伊夫塑造了当前每个人观看的足球形态（塑造了现代足球的形态），完全配得上足球史上最具影响力的人物排行榜的首位。Rank排名 | Name 人名 |
1 | Johan Cruyff 约翰·克鲁伊夫 |
2 | Lionel Messi 利昂内尔·梅西 |
3 | Jean-Marc Bosman 让-马克·博斯曼 |
4 | Sepp Blatter 塞普·布拉特 |
5 | Cristiano Ronaldo 克里斯蒂亚诺·罗纳尔多 |
6 | Sir Alex Ferguson 亚历克斯·弗格森 |
7 | Michel Platini 米歇尔·普拉蒂尼 |
8 | Antonin Panenka 安东宁·帕年卡 |
9 | Jules Rimet 儒勒斯·雷米特 |
10 | Greg Dyke 格雷格·戴克 |
