Soccer has several players that helped change the development of the game: Di Stefano, Pele, Beckembauer, Cruyff, Maradona, Ronaldo, Zidane, and many others. They all made a mark in the history of the game. But there’s a new star called Lionel Messi who has been breaking every record, and he’s only 23 years old. Messi is claiming his place in history, but according to you, who is the best?
1.Diego Maradona
During his time in Napoli, Diego Maradona was him and ten more. He won every game by himself and made Napoli champions. A team that was very weak before he arrived. The World Cup title obtained by Argentina in Mexico ’86 is a monument to individual overcoming and self-love because with Maradona, impossible plays didn’t exist. He scored what is considered to be the best goal of all-time in that famous match against England in the semi-finals, and then managed to win the World Cup for Argentina in the final against Germany.
He was unstoppable; a true phenomenon. He shares the honor with Pele as the greatest football player of the 20th century, as voted by FIFA. Unfortunately, drug use cut his career short.
2. Pelé
Pelé knew all the tricks in the game but he always played around amazing players: Rivenlinho, Tostao, Garrincha, and Jairzinho, just to name a few. They all played as well as him, which made his work much easier than Maradona. He scored more than 1,200 goals during his career, an impressive number. Great dribbling, physical power, great vision for passing, and his three World Cup titles with Brazil, make him the maximum exponent of world soccer. He shares the greatest football player of the 20 th century award with Maradona.
3. Johan Cruyff
The Dutch player had impressive technical capacity, and elegance like only a few had. He was the best in the midfield area in an era where soccer was changing thanks to his “Clockwork Oranje.” He revolutionized Total Football. He was the best playmaker in the history of the game, and he was a leader. Thanks to him, Barcelona F.C can play the way they do today.
4.Zinedine Zidane
The French player was all elegance. He was humble, scored a lot, and won it all. He was an impressive player, with beautiful passing style, simplicity in the complex, physical strength, and a true leader. He led the French National Team to win their first World Cup ever, and deserves every recognition that we can give him.
5.Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi is only 23 years old and is already considered the best player of the last 20 years. Only time will tell, but many analysts already call him the best ever. He’s on his way to become to best player of all-time, ahead of Diego Armando Maradona. If we compare them by numbers, at the same age Messi already exceeds Maradona in titles, and performances.
He already won two Champions League, four domestic leagues with Barcelona F.C, Sub-20 World Cup, and Olympic Gold with the Argentinean Squad. He recently won his second consecutive Fifa World Player, and is currently breaking his own records set last season.
He’s arguably the best player of my generation, and I consider myself lucky to be witnessing his immense talent. He’s missing the World Cup title but I have no doubt he’ll win it one day.
