5. Pablo Aimar (Argentina)
A technically gifted and creative attacking midfielder, Aimar excelled as an advanced playmaker. Compatriot Lionel Messi even stated in 2002 that Aimar was one of his biggest influences as a player. Aimar went on to represent his home country 52 times and played in the 2002 and 2006 World Cup.
After starting his senior career at River Plate in 1996, he amassed La Liga totals of 215 games and 32 goals over eight seasons with Valencia and Real Zaragoza between 2001 and 2008. Aimar then spent five years in Portugal with Benfica, winning nine major titles between the three teams.
Aimar joined Malaysian club Johor Darul Ta’zim in 2013 and became the highest paid player ever to feature in the Malaysia Super League. He ultimately made 8 appearances for the club and scored two goals before a series of injuries resulted in him being released on 21 April 2014.
Aimar earned a champions medal for his time with Johor Darul Ta’zim as the club went on to win the title at the end of the season