Best players of the 60s

Soccereco, Staff Writer

Published: 11:28, 13 Apr 2023

The 1960s was a decade of great change and cultural revolution, and the world of football was not immune to this.

The 1960s was a golden era for football, with some of the most iconic and legendary players of all time gracing the field. From the dominance of Real Madrid to the emergence of Brazil as a footballing superpower, this decade saw some truly great players leaving an indelible mark on the game. In this article, we take a look at some of the best players of the 1960s.

Pelé

It would be remiss to talk about football in the 1960s without mentioning Pelé. The Brazilian striker was at the peak of his powers during this decade, scoring a remarkable 523 goals in 539 appearances for Santos. He also played a key role in Brazil's 1962 World Cup win and was named the tournament's best player. Pelé's skill, pace, and goal-scoring ability saw him become one of the greatest players in history and a true icon of the game.

Alfredo Di Stéfano

Alfredo Di Stéfano is one of the all-time greats of the game and was a dominant force in the 1960s. The Argentine-born striker helped Real Madrid win five consecutive European Cups between 1956 and 1960, and was instrumental in their continued success in the 1960s. Di Stéfano was a versatile player who could play in a variety of positions, but it was his ability to score goals and create opportunities for his teammates that made him stand out.

Eusébio

Eusébio da Silva Ferreira, commonly known as Eusébio, was a Portuguese striker who played for Benfica and the Portuguese national team in the 1960s. He was known for his incredible pace, dribbling skills, and ability to score goals from any position. Eusébio won the European Cup with Benfica in 1962 and was the top scorer in the tournament that year. He also finished as the top scorer in the 1966 World Cup and was named the tournament's best player.

George Best

George Best was a Northern Irish winger who played for Manchester United in the 1960s. He was known for his incredible dribbling skills, pace, and ability to score goals. Best played a key role in Manchester United's European Cup win in 1968 and was named the club's Player of the Year that season. He was also a regular in the Northern Ireland national team and played in the 1966 World Cup.

Bobby Charlton

Bobby Charlton was an English midfielder who played for Manchester United in the 1960s. He was known for his incredible long-range shooting ability, and was a key player in Manchester United's European Cup win in 1968. Charlton was also a regular in the England national team and played a key role in their World Cup win in 1966, scoring two goals in the final.

Franz Beckenbauer

Franz Beckenbauer is one of the greatest defenders of all time and was a dominant force in the 1960s. The German defender played for Bayern Munich and was known for his elegant playing style and ability to read the game. Beckenbauer helped Bayern Munich win three consecutive European Cups between 1974 and 1976 and was also a key player in the West Germany national team that won the 1974 World Cup.

Lev Yashin

Lev Yashin is widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time and was a dominant force in the 1960s. The Soviet goalkeeper played for Dynamo Moscow and was known for his acrobatic saves and incredible reflexes. Yashin won the European Championship with the Soviet.

In conclusion, the 1960s was a decade of great change and innovation in football, with tactical developments and technological advancements helping to shape the game as we know it today. The era produced some truly outstanding players who have become legends of the sport, and their legacy continues to influence and inspire new generations of footballers.