Name some of the most well known soccer players in the world

While the best soccer players are a topic of regular debate among fans of the sport, the general consensus is that the most popular players known throughout the world are: Lionel Messi (Argentina), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal),  Pele (Brazil) and Diego Maradona (Argentina). Diego Maradona and Pele were both known worldwide as top talents in an earlier era, helping drive the growth of the biggest sport in the world and consequently leading their club teams and nations to trophies. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo also achieved incredible success, doing so during the rise of social media. Both Lionel and Cristiano have grown to 400+ million social media followers in different platforms-- putting them as some of the most followed individuals in the world.