The Soccer 100

The Athletic is back, returning with 100 compelling profiles of soccer's most celebrated characters, from Dixie Dean, whose 1928 record for the most goals scored in an English top-flight season remains unbroken, to Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi, whose stellar performances in the 2022 World Cup final drew almost 1.5 billion television viewers. Each feature brings to life a player who has left his own mark on the game, whether he is known for a distinct trademark flash of skill - such as Johan Cruyff's celebrated turn - or renowned for reinventing tactics or even entire positions.