FIFA Street Legends: Honoring the Greatest Street Footballers in the Game

Every sport has its legends, each more revered and remembered with more fondness than the last. Football, the world’s most beloved sport, is no exception. From Maradona to Pele, the list is long and full of iconic players, many of whom have found immortality in the FIFA series itself. But today we honor the players who didn’t always make the headlines, and the game mode in which they made their names – FIFA Street.

FIFA Street was a game mode introduced as part of the FIFA series in 2005, and was available in various iterations all the way until 2012, when FIFA Street 3 was released. Unlike traditional FIFA games, a Street match opted for a more zoomed-out view of the pitch, and focused heavily on acrobatics and skill moves to outplay opponents. This mixed with exuberant players wearing outlandish kits created an atmosphere distinct from any other in the series, and brought a new breed of players to the limelight.

The stars of FIFA Street have often been footballers whose skill and style were not always appreciated in the real environment. Many were Brazilians plying their trade in the youth leagues, but had yet to prove themselves in a professional setting. Others were South American and African players, their speed and grace rarely seen on the traditional pitch, and always providing a show. But regardless of who they were, each Street Legend was a master of the skill moves, and had a flair for the spectacular rarely seen elsewhere on the field.

So today, in the spirit of honoring FIFA’s most innovative game, we take a look at the top 5 Street Legends, their stories, and their skill on the pitch.

Ronaldinho

The Brazilian legend himself was a Street Legend, and often referred to as the face of FIFA Street. He had all the makings of a traditional player, tall and strong, but was also blessed with the combination of speed and skill that had made him famous in Brazil by the time he was 19. Ronaldinho’s style was unhindered by FIFA Street’s unusual rules and setup, finding success in every game in which he played, both on the field and in the game. He is perhaps best remembered for his backheel pass, a move he perfected over his long career and one that is still sought after by players the world over.

Neymar

Like Ronaldinho, Neymar was an instant hit in FIFA Street 3, coming to prominence in the world of football by the time the game was released. Neymar was considered an even greater Street Legend than the already legendary Ronaldinho, and had some of the most efficient skill moves in the game. His signature ‘Samba Dance’ saw him use his body’s agility, balance, and strength to perform some of the most elaborate tricks ever seen in the game. Although he is now considered a permanent fixture in the world of football, Neymar is still remembered as a Street Legend, and his skills immortalized in FIFA Street 3.

Marcelo Dos Santos

Also known as ‘El Matador’, Marcelo was another Brazilian wonderkid who found fame in the world of street football. He demonstrated precocious athletic ability in his youth, appearing in games at the age of 14 and quickly rising to the top of the league. Marcelo’s style of play was marked by a unique combination of speed, strength, and skill, which he used to great effect on the street. He was also famous for having an eye for goal, often scoring long-range shots or perfectly placed through balls.

Kaká

Before becoming the world’s most expensive player and rising to the top of the world of football, Kaká was already known for his exploits on the street. His lightning-fast speed and intricate ball control enabled him to easily outmaneuver his opponents, and he was famous for his “flick up” move, which would see him kick the ball up and over opponents in an effort to score or keep possession. Kaká is still often cited as one of the greatest of all time in the FIFA Street series, and his success in FIFA Street 3 proves he deserved the title.

Sergio Aguero

The Argentine powerhouse was already a household name by the time FIFA Street 3 was released, having been a part of the top leagues since the age of 18. His stocky frame carried an unparalleled level of speed and agility, which made him an unstoppable force in the game. One of his most iconic moves was his dribbling ability, which allowed him to easily glide past opponents and create scoring chances. His style of play has since been copied by many players in the game, and Sergio Aguero will forever be remembered as one of the greatest Street Legends in the FIFA series.

It is clear that there have been many skilled players in the FIFA Street series, and that is why they are remembered with such fondness in the world of football today. Ronaldinho, Neymar, Marcelo, Kaká and Sergio Aguero are just a few of the players who have become Street Legends, and we tip our hats to them for their skill and artistry in the game. May these Street Legends be honored forever.