FIFA 100

On March 4, 2004, at a gala ceremony in London, to mark the 100th anniversary of the foundation of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), the international governing body of football revealed the FIFA 100. The list contains the world-renowned Brazilian striker Pelé's choice of the "greatest living footballers". The figure 100 refers to the 100th anniversary of FIFA and not the number of players listed, which is actually 125. Apparently Pelé found it too difficult to list just 100. The list contains 123 professional men and 2 women players (Michelle Akers and Mia Hamm both from the United States). At the time the FIFA 100 was selected, 50 of the players were still active, with the remaining 75 retired from the game.

The Americas (34)

Argentina (10)

• Gabriel Batistuta
• Hernán Crespo
• Mario Kempes
• Diego Maradona
• Daniel Passarella
• Javier Saviola
• Omar Sivori
• Alfredo Di Stefano
• Juan Sebastián Veron
• Javier Zanetti

Brazil (15)

• Carlos Alberto
• Cafú
• Roberto Carlos
• Falcão
• Junior
• Pelé
• Rivaldo
• Rivelino
• Romário
• Ronaldinho
• Ronaldo
• Djalma Santos
• Nilton Santos
• Sócrates
• Zico

Chile (2)

• Elías Figueroa
• Iván Zamorano

Colombia (1)

• Carlos Valderrama

Mexico (1)

• Hugo Sánchez

Paraguay (1)

• Romerito

Peru (1)

• Teófilo Cubillas

United States (2)

• Michelle Akers
• Mia Hamm

Uruguay (1)

• Enzo Francescoli