The Best Player Names on PES and ISS: Rankings, Real Names & Teams

For soccer video game fans, few things are as exciting as discovering legendary players in PES (Pro Evolution Soccer) and ISS (International Superstar Soccer). These games have brought football legends to life, allowing players to control the world’s top talent. In this guide, we explore the best player names in both games, their rankings, real-life teams, and career highlights.

Top Players in PES

PES has always been known for its realistic player stats and licenses, making it a fan favorite for competitive gaming. Here are some of the most notable players across recent PES editions:

1. Lionel Messi

• Position: Forward

• PES Ranking: 95–97 (depending on edition)

• Teams: FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Miami CF

• Highlights: 7× Ballon d’Or winner, FIFA World Cup 2022 winner

2. Cristiano Ronaldo

• Position: Forward

• PES Ranking: 94–96

• Teams: Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, Al-Nassr

• Highlights: 5× Ballon d’Or winner, European Championship 2016 winner

3. Neymar Jr.

• Position: Forward

• PES Ranking: 92–94

• Teams: Santos, FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain

• Highlights: Champions League winner, Olympic gold medalist 2016

4. Kylian Mbappé

• Position: Forward

• PES Ranking: 91–93

• Teams: AS Monaco, Paris Saint-Germain

• Highlights: FIFA World Cup 2018 winner, multiple Ligue 1 titles

5. Kevin De Bruyne

• Position: Midfielder

• PES Ranking: 91

• Teams: Chelsea, Wolfsburg, Manchester City

• Highlights: Premier League multiple-time winner, UEFA Champions League finalist

Top Players in ISS

ISS (International Superstar Soccer), a classic from the 90s, may not have the licenses of modern games, but its players became iconic thanks to unique names and gameplay balance. Many players in ISS were inspired by real-life stars, though sometimes slightly renamed due to licensing restrictions.

1. R. Maradona (Diego Maradona)

• Position: Forward

• Team: Argentina

• Highlights: 1986 FIFA World Cup winner, considered one of the greatest ever

2. G. Baresi (Franco Baresi)

• Position: Defender

• Team: AC Milan / Italy

• Highlights: 3× Serie A champion, 1982 FIFA World Cup winner

3. Z. Zidane (Zinedine Zidane)

• Position: Midfielder

• Team: France / Juventus / Real Madrid

• Highlights: 1998 FIFA World Cup winner, 3× FIFA World Player of the Year

4. R. Gullit (Ruud Gullit)

• Position: Midfielder

• Team: Netherlands / AC Milan

• Highlights: 1988 UEFA European Championship winner, multiple Serie A titles

5. P. Maldini (Paolo Maldini)

• Position: Defender

• Team: AC Milan / Italy

• Highlights: 7× Serie A champion, 5× UEFA Champions League winner

Why Player Names Matter in PES and ISS

Player names are more than just labels—they reflect skills, legacy, and strategy in both games. PES offers modern realism with accurate stats, while ISS brings nostalgia and fun gameplay with legendary players and slightly quirky names. Fans often debate the best names, but the truth is, it’s the combination of stats, style, and history that makes these names unforgettable.