The Most Clutch Players in Football

Football is not a continental but instead a worldwide game that brings excitement and enthusiasm among the fans. At the same time, to stand at the highest level one needs determination, self-assurance, and exceptional talent. Some players drive themselves differently from the rest as they define themselves the Most Clutch player in this beautiful game. Such souls consistently perform by stepping up when their team needs them most. So, here we have the list of the most clutch player in the football world.

1. Ronaldo

The most clutch player in football history is none other than Cristiano Ronaldo. He is known for his ability to save the team on the brink of time. Ronaldo is famous for lifting his team at crucial times and his recent performances proved it.

In 2016, Ronaldo scored a hat-trick in the second leg of UCL to overturn a 2-0 deficit into a 3-2 against Wolfsburg. Similarly, The Portuguese talisman scored a hat-trick in a crucial Quarter-Finals to destroy Bayern Munich 6-3 on aggregate. Atletico Madrid also became Ronaldo’s victim when he snatched the tie with another hat-trick in 2019 as Juventus went through to Quarter-Finals. Hat-Trick of the Portuguese legend against Spain in a 3-3 draw in the World Cup was also unforgettable.

2. Messi

World Cup winner is next. The Argentine maestro had won 7 Ballon d’Or and 7 FIFA The Best and that is surely Lionel Messi. Messi has saved Argentina and Barcelona more than a hundred times.

In a treble-winning season back in 2015, Messi bamboozled the whole Bayern squad with a brace to win the game 3-0. When Barcelona needed three points in 2017, Messi scored in the eleventh hour in El Clasico to silence Santiago Bernabeu. In recent times, Argentina played a must-win game against Mexico in Qatar World Cup and everything was against Albiceleste. Messi rose on the occasion and broke the deadlock and Argentina won 2-0.

3. Zidane

French magician who is called Zinedine Zidane was a phenomenal playmaker. He had the talent to create goal-scoring chances through cracking passes and always rose on major occasions. 

In the biggest event of football and scoring a brace in a Final is not a joke. Zidane scored Two Times against Brazil and led France to win their first-ever World Cup. Only 2 years later, Zidane once again scored a decisive penalty over Portugal that took France into the Finals and they won later on. Finals seem like Zidane’s close fella. French maestro came up with an iconic volley in a Champions League final in 2002. Galacticos clinched the 9th UCL trophy against Bayer Leverkusen.

4. Maradona

The argentine symbol in football, Diego Maradona. He is also inducted into the most clutch players of all time. Football genius was an outstanding dribbler and scored several clutch goals to unlock the path.

The goal of the Century can’t be old even 35 years later. He passed five defenders in a flash before beating the goalkeeper Peter Shilton. Another incredible goal came against the same opposition on the same stage like the World Cup which is called Hand of God. Argentina won 2-1 against England. Stunning free-kick against Juventus in 1985, when everything was caged and Maradona's goal gave Napoli a 1-0 victory.

5. Iniesta

Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta is next. One of the finest player in the history of Spanish football. Players like him could create problems for others through passing, dribbles, and goals. Undoubtedly, the whole Spain will always remain in his debt for his mesmerizing role in 2010.

Besides his magical gameplay, Iniesta has remained a big game player for Barcelona and Spain. His famous World Cup-winning Goal against the Netherlands just 4 minutes before the final whistle. Chelsea was leading 1-0 to 10 men Barcelona in 2009 Champions League. Iniesta came up with a surprising shot to level the game. Barca went through to the Final of the Champions League with an away goal. The only player to win Man of The Match in World Cup, Euro, and Champions League finals. 

6. Ramos

Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos is arguably one of the most decisive players in football history. He is not only a cemented wall but also a big-match player.

No one can forget his last-minute Goal in the Champions League 2014 that shattered Atletico Madrid dream. His sudden header eventually brought La Decima for Madridista. Galacticos were losing against arch-rival Barcelona in the 16/17 La Liga season. Ramos turned up with a key header enabling Real to win La Liga when Barca trailed by three points. He is the best defender but his influential goals make him different from other defenders.

7. Drogba

One of the finest and most significant player in Chelsea history is indeed Didier Drogba. Ivorian striker was always standing for The Blues when they are in need of a goal. 

Drogba has scored in four FA Cup finals for Chelsea. The interesting thing is that Chelsea won all those Cups. Moreover, the Ivorian master netted match-winning goals in three out of four cups. Not only the Pensioners but the whole Allianz couldn't ignore the equalizing goal of the Chelsea icon in the Champions League. Later on, he also scored a title-winning penalty in the same stadium.

Final Thought

Football is a game of technique and creativity. It provides outrageous moments and exciting contests. But those who fit their name for such occasions are the ones who can lift their team up in the most high-pressure situations. These clutch players are often the difference-makers between the two sides. The names of these exceptional individuals will always remember for their heroics. 

Read More: The Most Loudest Football Stadiums