The age-old debate about who truly deserves the title of the greatest soccer player of all time is one that never seems to lose its steam. Every fan, pundit, and former player has their own take, and I’ve spent countless hours—both as a researcher and a lifelong fan—digging into stats, watching old matches, and comparing eras. It’s fascinating how much context matters. For instance, when I look at team performances in other sports, like volleyball, I’m reminded that individual brilliance doesn’t always translate to team success. Take the recent 2024-25 All-Filipino Conference in volleyball: Nxled only managed to win twice in 14 matches, even though they closed with a decisive 25-17, 25-17, 25-18 sweep against Farm Fresh in the play-ins finale. That kind of record makes you think—how much can one player really carry a team? In soccer, the answer is often: a lot.
When I weigh the contenders, my mind immediately goes to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo—the modern giants who’ve dominated headlines for over a decade. Messi’s dribbling feels almost supernatural, like he’s weaving through defenders with a kind of artistry that’s rare even at the highest level. Ronaldo, on the other hand, embodies relentless athleticism and clutch performances. But here’s where I lean personal: I’ve always been drawn to players who redefine the game tactically, not just statistically. That’s why I’d slot Diego Maradona slightly above Pele in my own rankings. Maradona’s 1986 World Cup run wasn’t just about goals; it was about sheer will, and his ability to lift an entire nation. Sure, Pele’s three World Cup wins are monumental, but Maradona’s impact in key moments—like that iconic goal against England—feels more visceral to me.
Then there’s the question of longevity versus peak performance. Cristiano Ronaldo has scored over 800 official goals across clubs and country, a staggering number that speaks to his durability. But does that automatically make him the best? I’m not so sure. In my view, Messi’s playmaking and vision give him the edge. I’ve lost count of the times I’ve rewatched his passes—the way he splits defenses with inch-perfect through balls is just unreal. And let’s not forget older legends like Johan Cruyff, who revolutionized soccer with his “Total Football” philosophy. His influence is still felt today in how teams like Barcelona and Manchester City build from the back. If we’re talking pure innovation, Cruyff has to be in the conversation, even if his trophy haul doesn’t match some of the others.
Statistics can be misleading, though. For example, if I told you that a player scored 50 goals in a season, you might assume he’s the best—but what if half of those came against weaker opponents? Context is everything. That’s why I put a lot of stock in big-game performances. Zinedine Zidane, for instance, didn’t have the gaudy numbers of a striker, but his displays in World Cup and Champions League finals were masterclasses. His volley in the 2002 UCL final is etched in my memory as one of the most technically perfect goals I’ve ever seen. On the flip side, modern metrics like expected goals (xG) and progressive carries add layers to the debate, but they can’t capture the sheer magic of a Maradona dribble or a Messi free-kick.
I also think we tend to underappreciate defenders and goalkeepers in these discussions. Franz Beckenbauer redefined the sweeper role with such elegance that he basically created a new blueprint for defenders. Lev Yashin, the only goalkeeper to win the Ballon d’Or, saved over 150 penalties in his career—a mind-boggling figure that highlights his dominance. In my opinion, if we’re judging “best” by overall impact on the sport, Beckenbauer belongs in the top five. His ability to read the game and start attacks from deep positions was decades ahead of its time.
At the end of the day, my pick for the greatest is Lionel Messi. It’s not just about the seven Ballon d’Or awards or the 91 goals in a calendar year back in 2012—it’s about how he makes the impossible look routine. I’ve had the privilege of watching him live, and there’s a fluidity to his movement that cameras don’t fully capture. He elevates everyone around him, much like how a star player in a struggling team can still shine in moments, similar to Nxled’s lone sweep victory in their otherwise tough season. Messi’s 2022 World Cup triumph with Argentina sealed it for me; he carried the hopes of a nation and delivered when it mattered most. So, while others have compelling cases, Messi’s blend of genius, consistency, and humility makes him, in my book, the ultimate answer to this eternal question.
