Ronaldinho is too, although I'd not mentioned him as the OP did. A true magician with the ball. I do agree about Messi too, great to watch. Cristiano is the man for goals, but doesn't entertain like some of the other greats.
Shinske Nakamura hasnt retired yet lol, he still wrestles with the Wwf. And here's one that goes back a bit, a wizard on the wing who made you stand up... Steve Coppell.
Glavin Redfearn outside of Barnsley Gazza Brazil's Ronaldo Van Basten Baresi Maldini Henry Roberto Carlos Ronaldinho Zidane
Craig Hignett. He remains the best player I’ve seen play for Barnsley. A slight nose in front of Redders then a bootlace to Hourihane then Ashley Ward. Notable mentions to Paddy McCort, Adam Hammill and Vaz Te. Those guys were fun to watch. Outside of our bubble - R9, Zidane, Roy Keane and Maldini all for massively different reasons. Not one player but I’m greedy.
Definitely Ronaldinho. I remember him doing an interview with a football magazine when he was at the top of his game and they asked him how it felt being the best player in the world. He laughed and said he wasn’t even the best player at Barcelona. Phenomenal player, and to think that Manu passed him over because he wanted the opportunity to get down to London to party after a match!
That season he had under Robson at Barca; unplayable. Gutted they never kept hold of him (LVG decision I believe), also hated the fact he played at Madrid, although I don’t think he ever replicated the form he show that season under Robson
Carrying on that theme of exciting players who always made you stand up (even though he wasn't with us that long)... What about Clint Marcelle.
I'll chuck Big Eric Winstanley into the mix Along with Ray Mchale ( often very underated for the role he played)