The Greatest Footballers of the 1970s

No.1 Johan Cruyff

Johan Cruyff was known for his unique playing style, which combined technical ability, tactical astuteness, and creativity. Cruyff was also highly intelligent and had a deep understanding of the game, which allowed him to anticipate the movements of his opponents and teammates. He was a visionary player who helped revolutionize the sport with his innovative approach to attacking football, emphasizing positional interchangeability and collective movement.

No.2 Zico

No.3 Falcão

No.4 Liam Brady

No.5 Hans Krankl

No.6 Antonín Panenka

No.7 Michel Platini

No.8 Rob Rensenbrink

No.9 Ruud Krol

Krol is best remembered as the great left-back in the Total Football teams of both Ajax and the Netherlands in the early 1970s. His fine technique, attacking prowess, intelligence on the ball and great range of passing (with both feet) meant that he was the perfect full-back to fit into the flexible Dutch system.

Krol was so comfortable on the ball that he was also capable of switching into midfield if required. But it's as a defender for which Krol was best known, his defensive qualities and leadership perfectly complemented his attacking skills to make him one of the world's great all-round defenders, and the latter part of his career would see him move to a sweeper role, where his calmness and composure on the ball was ideal for organising his teams and starting attacks from the back.

No.10 Johnny Rep

No.11 Salif Keïta

The first ever winner of the African Footballer of the Year Award, Salif Keïta was a fantastic forward who was a prolific goalscorer throughout his career but particularly his six years in France, most famously with Saint-Étienne, and then with Marseille. He would win three Ligue 1 titles with Les Verts, his goals helping the side become the strongest side in France, and helping to set them on the course to becoming one of the most feared sides in Europe.