From Pelé and Maradona to Messi and Ronaldo, the greatest soccer players in the world have made a lasting impression on fans, commanding a cult-like following that extends across generations. But these legends are few and far apart. Not everyone gets to achieve the heroic status they have crafted for themselves.

So, what makes this elite league of players so special? Their superior technical skills are certainly an important factor that sets them apart. But many more elements contribute to their success—some of them you will hardly expect. If you are a budding soccer player, learning what makes a great athlete could propel you toward greatness, too. So, let’s take a look at the essential factors that all world-class players possess.

They Make Physical Fitness a Priority

Fitness and technical skills go hand in hand. On their own, they can’t deliver the results soccer legends are able to achieve time and time again. Physical fitness is important for building speed, agility, balance, and coordination. It also plays a role in developing endurance. Moving quickly through defenders, for instance, will test all these abilities. Enduring a physically strenuous game for 90 minutes alone will require extensive stamina.