Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and the 10 Best Dribblers in Football

From time to time, a well known saying reminds us just how hard the game of football really is.

"When somebody tells you nothing is impossible," the saying goes, "ask him to dribble a football."

It's true.

Rarely has something so easy been so very, very hard for 99 percent of the world. And when you think about it, that's exactly what dribbling is.

Easy but difficult.

Everybody can dribble. The first time you touch a ball with your foot, it's probably to dribble around your backyard as a toddler.

But when it's one-on-one, can you beat a defender with nothing more than your individual skills?

It's a tough task and, when it's done right, it's one of the most exciting parts of soccer.

Who hasn't been awed by the skills and inventiveness of a South American maestro? The speed and power of a forward running past a defender?

With all that in mind, here's a list of 10 of the greatest dribblers in world football today.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo has a bag full of tricks ready to use every time he dribbles.

The stepovers, the back heels, and the turns.

As much as everyone hates to admit it, Cristiano Ronaldo is a great dribbler. Perhaps even the best in the world today.

No, Crissy, people don't hate you because you're "rich and handsome." They hate you because you're really, really good.

And really, really annoying.

Lionel Messi

Here's a guy that's a lot easier to like.

Lionel Messi is a 5' 7" striker for Barcelona. But you already knew that. Everybody already knows that.

Why?

Because of stuff like this. He makes it look so easy, doesn't he?

It also doesn't hurt that he's not an arrogant d-bag like Crissy Ronaldo.

Kaka

Kaka isn't the player he used to be, but the Brazilian is still one of the best dribblers in the world.

His first touch and quickness are top-rate, and his awareness and field presence are huge assets for Real Madrid.

Put together, those qualities often lead to world-class goals.

Check some out here.

Robinho

Robinho is shooting in that picture, but dribbling might be what he's best known for.

Well, that and silly quotations.

Like Crissy Ronaldo, Robinho is a fan of the stepover. He puts the move to great use on the field, often freeing himself or others for goalscoring opportunities.

Here's a pretty good example.

Sergio Agüero

Back when he played for Atletico Madrid, Sergio Agüero was a bit under the radar.

Now that he's playing in England for Manchester City, everybody knows who he is.

His club has something to do with that, but Agüero has also earned his own fame thanks to dazzling skills.

He's already scored eight goals in seven Premiership matches this season. Dribbling has been one of the keys to unlocking English defenses, though it hasn't hurt that he's also a great finisher.

Anyway, here are some highlights from his days at Atletico Madrid.

Arjen Robben

Remember when the Netherlands made it to the World Cup final last year?

Arjen Robben was one of the biggest reasons they did it.

Speed and dribbling are the hallmarks of Robben's game. When he's at his best, so are Bayern Munich and the Netherlands.

And Robben can be pretty hard to stop.

Ronaldinho

An oldie, but still a goodie.

Once upon a time (not that long ago), Ronaldinho was perhaps the most feared player in the world. His combination of tricks, speed, skillful touches, passing and finishing made him one of the world's top players.

He's still around, and while he's not as great as he used to be, he's still among the world's best dribblers.

Here are some outstanding highlights. Enjoy.

Ryan Giggs

Here's another old-timer that can still get it done.

Ryan Giggs, who turns 38 in November, scored what is widely considered one of the best goals of all time. It came after a long, winding run against Arsenal at an important point in an FA Cup semifinal match.

You can view it, and admire it, here.

These days, Giggs has lost a step or two, but he's still one of the world's top dribblers. He still knows how to run at players, and he can still control the ball in close quarters.

Andres Iniesta

Lionel Messi gets all the accolades at FC Barcelona.

Fernando Torres, David Villa and Xavi tend to get all the plaudits for Spain's brilliance.

But Andres Iniesta is quietly one of the world's best dribblers—and one of the world's best players.

He might not be as well known as some of his more illustrious teammates, but he's a brilliant player in his own right.

If you're not sure, click here.

Gareth Bale

Tottenham Hotspur's Gareth Bale is one of the most exciting players in the Barclay's Premier League.

When he gets the ball on the wing, watch out.

With Bale, it's not so much about fancy moves and finesse, it's about speed and power.

When he's at his best, it's a breathtaking sight.