Perfect 10s: L’Equipe’s Rarest Football Ratings Unveiled

L’Equipe 10/10 ratings are among the most elusive honors in football, reserved only for performances that transcend the ordinary. The French sports daily is notorious for its stringent and often unforgiving player scoring system, making a perfect 10 from L’Equipe a genuinely rare accolade. Over the years, only 18 players, including the likes of Erling Haaland, Lionel Messi, and Kylian Mbappe, have achieved this feat, etching their names into football folklore.

L’Equipe 10/10 Ratings: A Standard Few Meet

L’Equipe’s performance ratings carry significant weight in European football. Established as one of the toughest and most respected outlets, earning their highest mark is a testament to absolute excellence. Even football legends frequently receive modest scores, as the publication demands not just skill, but undeniable impact on the pitch.

A perfect 10/10 rating from L’Equipe is so uncommon that each instance becomes a major talking point. Players who have impressed the L’Equipe panel have done so by delivering unforgettable displays, often in high-stakes matches or against top-tier opposition.

Joao Neves Joins Elite Company

Joao Neves, the Portuguese midfield sensation, recently became the latest to earn the coveted 10/10 rating. His 2025 campaign has been nothing short of remarkable. Integral to Paris Saint-Germain’s historic first Champions League triumph and a key figure in Portugal’s Nations League victory, Neves produced a flawless performance against Toulouse in Ligue 1, compelling L’Equipe to break tradition and award him a perfect score.

Neves’ technical mastery, vision, and relentless energy dominated the match, influencing every aspect of PSG’s play. His ability to both disrupt opposition attacks and orchestrate offensive moves showcased a maturity beyond his years, making his 10/10 rating more than deserved.

The Legendary 18: Footballers with L’Equipe 10/10 Ratings

Achieving a 10/10 from L’Equipe places players in an exclusive group. The list includes:

• Lionel Messi: Widely regarded as one of the greatest players ever, Messi’s 10/10 performances have come in crucial Champions League encounters, where he has singlehandedly dismantled elite defences.
• Erling Haaland: The Norwegian striker’s record-breaking scoring feats in Champions League matches for Borussia Dortmund saw him awarded the perfect ten, reflecting both his clinical finishing and relentless movement.
• Kylian Mbappe: The French superstar’s electric pace and clinical finishing have dazzled on the biggest stages, earning him a place among the select few.
• Other Icons: The list features a mix of established legends and breakout stars, each having delivered a performance that not only met but exceeded the highest standards of modern football.

Why L’Equipe 10/10 Ratings Matter

The L’Equipe 10/10 rating holds significant prestige because of the outlet’s reputation for impartiality and critical analysis. Unlike other rating systems that may frequently award high scores, L’Equipe’s scale is reserved and methodical. A 10/10 is only awarded when a player’s influence is so profound that it alters the very fabric of the match.

For players, a L’Equipe 10/10 rating becomes a hallmark of their career—a moment of perfection recognized by even the harshest critics. For fans and pundits, it sparks debate and appreciation for the artistry and impact of a truly exceptional performance.

How Rare Are L’Equipe 10/10 Ratings?

To understand the rarity, consider that L’Equipe has covered thousands of matches since its inception, yet only 18 players have achieved the honor. The scarcity amplifies the significance, making each occurrence a historic event in football. These ratings are so rare that they are routinely analyzed and discussed for years, forming part of football’s rich tapestry of legendary moments.

Notable Performances That Earned a 10/10

Some of the most unforgettable L’Equipe 10/10 ratings include:

• Lionel Messi’s scintillating Champions League displays, where his dribbling and goal-scoring prowess left the world in awe.
• Erling Haaland’s explosive introduction to European football, marked by multi-goal hauls against top opposition.
• Kylian Mbappe’s hat-trick against Barcelona in 2021, which announced his arrival as a true global superstar.
• Joao Neves’ 2025 Ligue 1 masterclass, which combined defensive discipline, creative flair, and match-winning mentality.

Future Candidates for the Perfect 10

As football evolves and new stars emerge, speculation always surrounds who might next break into the L’Equipe 10/10 club. With rising talents continuing to push the boundaries of individual brilliance, the allure of the perfect rating endures. Players such as Jude Bellingham, Jamal Musiala, and others are tipped as potential future members, given their current trajectories and influence in major competitions.

The Impact of a 10/10 on Players’ Careers

Receiving a L’Equipe 10/10 can define a player’s legacy. It often coincides with pivotal career moments and is referenced in discussions about their best-ever performances. For many, it remains a personal milestone and a symbol of footballing immortality.

L’Equipe’s Legacy in Shaping Football Narratives

L’Equipe’s stringent rating system has become a benchmark for excellence, influencing how players’ performances are perceived worldwide. The 10/10 rating represents not just individual brilliance but also a moment when a player truly transcends the sport, inspiring teammates and fans alike.

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Opinion: The Significance of Perfection in Football

In my view, the rarity of L’Equipe’s 10/10 ratings only intensifies their prestige. These perfect scores are not handed out lightly—they represent the zenith of footballing achievement. For a player, joining this elite group is a career-defining honor, and for fans, it serves as a reminder that even in a sport filled with stars, true perfection is a fleeting yet unforgettable phenomenon.