Top 10 Best False 9s in football (21st Century)

The role “False 9” is a fascinating and unique role in football that gained more prominence in the 21st century. Unlike traditional strikers who primarily focus on scoring goals, a False 9 drops deeper into midfield, creating confusion for defenders and opening spaces for other attackers. This tactical innovation has been pivotal for some of the greatest players and teams of the modern era. Here’s our list of the top 10 best False 9s of the 21st century:

10. Thomas Müller

Teams: Bayern Munich, Germany

Muller’s best position has often been behind a more conventional striker or alone as a false nine, where he is given the ability to drift into and attack pockets of space. His understanding of the game and vision to find and link up with teammates have allowed him to thrive throughout his entire career at Bayern Munich..

Although Müller is often described as a “Raumdeuter” (space interpreter), his style of play aligns with the principles of a False 9. He thrives on dropping into pockets of space, dragging defenders out of position, and contributing both goals and assists.

Games: 927
Goals : 331
Assists: 315

9. David Villa

Teams: Spain, Barcelona (Retired)

Villa often operated as a False 9 for Spain during their dominant years from 2008 to 2012. His off-the-ball movement and ability to finish from almost any position made him a constant threat, even when not playing as a traditional striker.

8. Antoine Griezmann

Teams: Atlético Madrid, France

Griezmann has frequently operated as a False 9, particularly for France during their 2018 World Cup-winning campaign. His movement and ability to connect with midfielders and wingers made him a crucial part of Didier Deschamps’ tactical setup.

Games: 829
Goals: 312
Assists: 158

7. Wayne Rooney

Teams: Manchester United, England (Retired)

Rooney’s adaptability allowed him to operate effectively as a False 9. His ability to drop deep and create chances for Cristiano Ronaldo and others at Manchester United was instrumental in their success. Rooney’s versatility and work ethic made him a key figure in Sir Alex Ferguson’s legendary teams.

6. Roberto Firmino

Teams: Al-Ahli , Brazil

Firmino’s role at Liverpool under Jürgen Klopp is a modern example of the False 9. He often drops into midfield to create space for Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané. Firmino’s work rate, pressing, and creativity make him one of the most selfless and effective False 9s in the Premier League era.

 

5. Dennis Bergkamp

Teams: Arsenal, Netherlands (Retired)

While Bergkamp’s peak years came slightly before the rise of the False 9 as a defined role, his style of play fits perfectly into this category. He was a master of creating space, linking up with teammates, and scoring sublime goals, making him one of Arsenal’s all-time greats.

Dennis Bergkamp Career stats

Games: 884
Goals: 366

Assists: 185

4. Karim Benzema

Teams: Al-Ittihad Club, France

Before, Benzema is a hybrid forward who often plays as a False 9. His ability to drop deep and link up with Cristiano Ronaldo during Real Madrid’s dominance in the Champions League was crucial. In recent years, Benzema has added more goals and individual and team achievements to his career before moving to Saudi and drop form, but his intelligence in the False 9 role remains a defining aspect of his play.

Games: 923
Goals: 470
Assists: 220

3. Cesc Fàbregas

Teams: Spain, Barcelona (Retired)

Although primarily a midfielder, Fàbregas excelled as a False 9 for Spain during Euro 2012. His intelligence and precise passing allowed Spain to dominate possession and create goal-scoring opportunities without a traditional striker. His role in Spain’s victory highlighted his versatility and tactical intelligence.

2. Francesco Totti

Teams: AS Roma, Italy (Retired)

Totti was a pioneer of the False 9 role in Serie A. Under Luciano Spalletti, Totti redefined himself as a deep-lying forward who orchestrated attacks with his sublime passing and vision. He combined creativity with an eye for goal, making him one of the most iconic players in Italian football history

1. Lionel Messi

Teams: Inter Miami, Argentina

 

Lionel Messi epitomizes the False 9 role, particularly under Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona. His ability to drop deep, link up play, and then surge forward to score made him unplayable. Messi’s record-breaking 91 goals in 2012 showcased the effectiveness of this role. His dribbling, vision, and clinical finishing revolutionized how the False 9 is perceived.

Messi Career Stats

Games : 1083
Goals: 850
Assists: 379