Ranked: The 20 best two-footed footballers in history

Being dominant with one foot is extremely impressive at the highest level of football, but being fluent with both feet is a rare and invaluable trait in the ever-changing game of football.

According to Psychology Today, approximately 79% of players are right-footed, reflecting a similar distribution in the general population. As a result, coaches often encourage players to develop their weaker foot to enhance versatility and unpredictability on the field. However, naturally two-footed players remain a rarity, making their ambidextrous abilities highly valuable in professional football. Join us as we take a loot at some of the best!

Nilis was renowned for his precise finishing with both feet, a trait that made him a lethal striker for clubs like PSV Eindhoven and Aston Villa. His versatility allowed the Belgian to score goals from all positions and angles, often using his weaker foot in critical moments. Nilis finished his career with 300+ goals, many of which were with his left foot, despite being right-footed. His two-footedness was integral to his reputation as a clinical forward.

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Lallana's ability to control, pass and shoot with both feet earned him recognition as one of England's most technical players. At Liverpool, his two-footed dribbling and vision were critical to his sides' chance creation and the high-intensity play demanded by coach Jürgen Klopp. Lallana's ambidexterity also made him a regular in England squads during his peak years.

Dembélé is one of the most two-footed players in the modern game. In a now-famous clip that emerged while he was playing for Rennes, he admitted to being "more left-footed". Moments later, however, he then said he took penalties with his right foot without explanation. The Paris Saint-Germain winger's unpredictable playstyle makes him a nightmare for defenders.

Diogo Jota has firmly established himself as a clinical two-footed forward, with nearly half of his goals scored with his weaker left foot. His versatility allows him to play across the front line, contributing with ambidextrous finishing and link-up play. Jota's unpredictability has been a key factor in Liverpool's attacking depth.

Quaresma, a journeyman winger who represented the likes of Barcelona, Porto, Inter Milan and Chelsea, could deliver dangerous crosses and shots with both feet. His ability to cut inside from either flank and deliver a ball accurately made him a difficult player to defend against. The Portuguese's two-footedness, along with his signature 'trivela' (outside-of-the-foot shot), made him an exciting player for both club and country.

Hleb's technical abilities and two-footedness were crucial to his role as a playmaker. Known for his dribbling and vision, the Belorussian could deliver precise passes, crosses and shots with either foot. His time at Arsenal, in particular, showcased his versatility as he often switched between playing on the left and right, seamlessly using both feet to create opportunities. Despite not always being a goalscorer, his ability to play in tight spaces with both feet made him a standout midfielder.

Fowler was one of the most prolific goalscorers in Premier League history. With over 180 career goals, his ability to score with both his left and right feet set him apart as a versatile and unpredictable striker. Whether it was from close range or long-distance shots, Fowler was equally dangerous on either foot. In fact, his two-footedness was a key part of his reputation as 'God' at Liverpool, as he could finish with precision from various angles.

Former Manchester United winger Nani was known for his flair and ability to create chances with both feet. Although he had a strong right foot, his left was just as effective, especially when cutting inside or delivering crosses. Nani's unpredictability, combined with his ability to score and assist using either foot, made him a dynamic player on the wing.

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Zambrotta was a highly skilled two-footed player, able to play effectively as a right-back, left-back and even as a wing-back. His ability to cross and pass with both feet made him an exceptional attacking defender, and his versatility helped Italy win the 2006 World Cup. Zambrotta's two-footedness allowed him to contribute both defensively and offensively on either flank, a rarity for full-backs.

Perišić is one of the most versatile wingers in modern football, with almost equal contributions from both feet. He has scored with his left and right in World Cup and Champions League finals, highlighting his ambidextrous talent. Perišić's ability to cross, finish and take set pieces with either foot has been a key asset for club and country for the past decade.

Son Heung-min has shown he can score freely with both feet, with over 40% of his goals coming from his weaker left foot, according to PremierLeague.com. In the 2019/20 season, the South Korean scored the Premier League Goal of the Season with a two-footed solo run. Son's ambidextrous finishing and playmaking have been crucial to Tottenham's recent success.

Sneijder remains one of football's greatest playmakers. The Dutchman was equally adept with both feet, which was key to his 2010 treble-winning season at the heart of Inter Milan's engine room. Scoring a joint-top five goals in the 2010 World Cup, his ambidexterity was crucial in leading the Netherlands to the final, too.

Cazorla's two-footedness was so exceptional that even his teammates couldn't tell his dominant foot. In La Liga and the Premier League, he scored and assisted consistently with both feet, alternating between sides when taking corners and freekicks. Despite injuries, his technical brilliance and ambidexterity remain a benchmark for midfielders.

Hoddle's ability to play pinpoint passes and strike the ball with either foot was unparalleled during his era. With over 100 career goals and countless assists, his ambidexterity made him England's creative engine. Hoddle remains one of the most skillful two-footed players in English history.

George Best's sublime control with both feet made him a nightmare for defenders. During his time at Manchester United, he netted 179 goals (per Transfermarkt), many of which came from his weaker foot. Despite his off-the-field struggles, Best's ambidextrous dribbling earned him a reputation as one of the most talented players in history.

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Kroos' ambidextrous passing and vision have been essential to Real Madrid and Germany's success. His two-footed ability allows him to distribute the ball with pinpoint accuracy, boasting a career pass completion rate above 90%. Kroos' composure and skill make him not just one of the most decorated players in history, but also one of the most complete midfielders.

Nedvěd's two-footed ability earned him the 2003 Ballon d'Or and a place among Europe's finest midfielders. The Czech mainly played as a wide midfielder or as a left-winger thanks to his incredible crossing ability with his left foot, paired with his ability to cut inside and shoot with his right foot—often from long range. His ambidexterity was pivotal to Juventus and the Czech Republic's success in the early 2000s, scoring 166 career goals. Known for his precision with either foot, it wasn't easy to tell which was, in fact, his strongest.

Cristiano Ronaldo has demonstrated remarkable proficiency with both feet throughout his career, particularly in the early part, when dribbling and silky skills were a key part of his repertoire. However, in June 2024, according to @TeamCRonaldo, he equalled Mohamed Salah's tally for left-footed goals (173 at the time), despite the Egyptian being naturally left-sided. This tally accounts for a significant portion of his total goals, underscoring his two-footed versatility.

Zidane's two-footed control was unmatched, as seen in his iconic 2002 Champions League final volley scored against Bayer Leverkusen with his weaker left foot. Zizou's ambidexterity made him a master of precision passing and dribbling, enabling him to dictate the tempo of games at the highest level for both Real Madrid and France throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Cruyff was the embodiment of two-footed play, essential to the revolutionary 'Total Football' philosophy he took from Ajax to Barcelona. With over 300 career goals and almost as many assists, Cruyff's ambidexterity baffled defenders. His trademark Cruyff Turn, executed seamlessly with either foot, remains a signature move for players today.

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