While there are plenty of skills most football players can boast of, only a few can lay claim to the fact that they are capable of using both feet effectively. Truly two-footed footballers are rare.
In the past, there are legendary footballers who were two-footed: the likes of Pele, Johan Cruyff, Zinedine Zidane, Glenn Hoddle, Zico, Socrates, Paulo Maldini, Alfredo Di Stefano, and George Best.
A two-footed player is an absolute nightmare for opposition defenders, especially in one-on-one situations — where they have no clue about what the attacker will do next.
Here, TOP SOCCER BLOG presents you with the top 10 best two-footed football players in the world in 2024.
1. Christian Eriksen (Manchester United)
Christian Eriksen is a Danish football legend and also one of the most two-footed football players in the world.
According to stats, he comes in second for being the most ambipedal footballer in the EPL, just behind Zeki Amdouni of Burnley.
In truth, Eriksen is a nightmare to play against as the midfielder can go either way due to his ability to use both feet for mesmerising dribbles.
He can equally shoot with both feet. The 32-year-old is also one of the best set-piece takers in football, as his two-footedness makes him a menace for opposition defenders.
Eriksen’s two-footedness has made him a tactically versatile player, who is also capable of playing as a central midfielder or mezzala in a 4–3–3 system.
2. Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
With his terrific vision and incisive passing, De Bruyne is arguably the best playmaker in the Premier League at the moment. He is also undoubtedly one of the best midfielders in the world.
What has distinguished the Belgian from other midfielders is his ability to play with both feet effectively. His passing with his weaker foot is breathtaking.
Furthermore, he has scored numerous stunning goals with either the right or left foot.
De Bruyne is often as said to be one of the best and most complete modern playmakers in football.
His technique, playmaking, skill, athleticism, work-rate off the ball, vision, crossing accuracy, wide range of passing, and accurate long-range shooting ability with either foot makes him a top player.
3. Ousmane Dembele (PSG)
Along with his mind-boggling dribbling and creative abilities, Ousmane Dembele is very comfortable using both feet on the ball.
The French winger is a commanding presence on either wing for Barcelona. With both feet, he can either swing in a wicked pin-point cross or cut inside to produce a blistering shot.
Due to his ability to effectively use both feet, he possesses superior technical ability, speed, and agility, which makes him easily get past opponents or beat defenders in one-on-one situations.
He has cemented his place as one of the best wingers in football currently.
4. Toni Kroos (Real Madrid)
Toni Kroos is regarded as one of the most technically gifted midfielders of this generation.
The German is one of those rare players who are impeccable with both feet in terms of passing, crossing, or shooting the ball.
He’s capable of splitting a defence — or scoring a goal — with either foot. He is one of the footballers with the best vision.
5. Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr)
Although many will argue that Cristiano Ronaldo is predominantly right-footed, the 39-year-old has shown over the years that he is two-footed.
The Portuguese attacker is very good in the air and can also score brilliant goals with both feet. In fact, every part of Ronaldo’s body is a goal threat to the opposition!
6. Son Heung-min (Tottenham)
Although we’ve seen Son Heung-min score powerful shots from outside the box with his right foot over the course of his career, the South Korean is perfectly adept at shooting and distributing with his left foot too.
Son is very difficult to play against due to his versatility across the frontline and his two-footedness.
Due his ambipedal ability, the Tottenham legend is a versatile player who can play in any forward position, be it as a winger, second striker, striker and can even be deployed as an attacking midfielder or wing-back.
7. Luka Modrić (Real Madrid)
One of the finest midfielders of the current generation, Luka Modrić formed a formidable midfield partnership with Kroos and Casemiro at Real Madrid.
The triumvirate propelled Madrid to numerous trophies and UEFA Champions League domination.
Luka Modrić is capable of dribbling and passing using either foot, as well as shooting with aplomb.
8. Diogo Jota (Liverpool)
Diogo Jota was one of the hottest young attackers in the world during his time at Wolves.
He was sought after by various top sides, and he ended up at Liverpool.
The Portuguese has hit the ground running since his arrival at Anfield and has already endeared himself to Liverpool fans.
More remarkably, Jota broke the excellent attacking partnership of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, and Roberto Firmino by benching the latter.
9. Ivan Perišić (Tottenham)
Ivan Perišić is renowned for his powerful shooting off either foot, explosive pace, and relentless work rate.
With his experience and versatility, the Croatian is able to offer plenty even at his age (35 years).
He is very versatile and two-footed. His two-footed abilities have come very useful while playing on either flank — helping him to cross or shoot even with his weaker left foot.
He recently joined Tottenham in the summer transfer window. Antonio Conte had worked with Perišić at Inter Milan and knows how important a player like Perisic is in his playing system — which relies heavily on wingbacks.
10. Sergej Milinković-Savić (Al Hilal)
No transfer window comes without Sergej Milinković-Savić being linked with a transfer to a top club, but the Serbian midfielder always remained at Lazio.
Nonetheless, in the 2023 summer transfer window, Saudi club Al Hilal announced the signing of Milinković-Savić on a three-year deal, for a staggering €40 million.
Sergei — who is one of the most underrated players in football — is brilliant in all aspects of his game. A lot of that is down to his ability with both feet.
He is great with ball control and dribbling and can shoot accurately with power.
Notable Mentions:
Other notable top two-footed football players in the world are:
- Youri Tielemans (Aston Villa)
- Pedri (Barcelona)
- Raphael Varane (Manchester United)
- Aaron Hickey (Brentford)
- João Cancelo (FC Barcelona)
- Henrikh Mkhitaryan (Inter Milan)
- Richarlison (Tottenham)
- Alexander Isak (Newcastle United)
- Neymar Jr (Al Hilal).
