The vast majority of the 100 best European football players of all time might no longer be lacing up their boots week after week to strut their stuff on the domestic, continental and international stage, but that doesn't mean we can no longer appreciate their genius; the esoteric brilliance only a minute few can comprehend but a great wave of supporters can marvel at. Plenty of players have come and gone, but these European stars have all left a lasting imprint on the continent - and for some, even in places further afield. There's goalscorers, creators, devastators and destroyers, all combined to provide a celebration of the greatest to grace the pitch.

Inevitably, some players will be ranked wrongly - at least, in an individual's eyes - but that's the nature of the beast. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder after all, but each of the following 100 European players have managed to catch the attention in their own unique way. Enjoy! The 100 best European football players of all time 100.

Toni Kroos His teammates may have grabbed the headlines throughout his career, but make no mistake: Kroos has been as vital to Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Germany’s 2014 World Cup-winning side as anybody. Kroos’ two-goal showing in the 7-1 demolition of hosts Brazil in the semi-finals that year was one of the most dominant performances ever seen on international football’s biggest stage. His incredible accuracy, technique, tactical prowess, and sheer physicality have made Kroos the.