Enter the legendary figure of the sport, Pele, whose recent declaration has reignited the flames of this enduring conversation.
In a recent interview on the popular Pilhado YouTube channel, Pele boldly stated, “In the current generation of players, Cristiano Ronaldo is the best. He’s the number one because of his remarkable consistency.”
This resolute proclamation immediately sent shockwaves through the soccer community, with fans and analysts dissecting every word of this revered figure.
However, Pele’s admiration for Ronaldo does not mean he overlooks the extraordinary talent of Lionel Messi. In fact, he made sure to emphasize this point, stating, “But we cannot overlook Messi, even though he isn’t a forward.”
This nuanced perspective recognizes Messi’s unparalleled skill set, which transcends traditional positions and has made him a true artist on the field.
When asked to contemplate the greatest player in the illustrious history of the sport, Pele, in his trademark humility, admitted, “That’s a tough one.” He acknowledged the extraordinary abilities of players like Zico, Ronaldinho, and Ronaldo Nazario, each leaving an indelible mark on the beautiful game.
The European stage, a breeding ground for soccer legends, also produced luminaries like Johan Cruyff and Franz Beckenbauer, adding further complexity to this intriguing debate. Nevertheless, Pele firmly asserted, “But I believe Pele was superior to them all,” an affirmation of his immense self-belief and the heights he reached during his playing days.
This isn’t the first time Pele has weighed in on the Ronaldo vs. Messi debate. In June 2016, he unequivocally stated that Cristiano Ronaldo was superior to Messi, a statement that resonated loudly across the soccer landscape.
Furthermore, Pele, if given the role of coach, would unequivocally choose to have the Portuguese superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo, as a crucial part of his lineup, underscoring the impact and influence that Ronaldo wields on the pitch.
Interestingly, Pele has also expressed a compelling desire – the desire to share the pitch with Lionel Messi, an aspiration that reveals the true camaraderie and respect that great players have for one another. In January 2018, the legendary “Soccer King” described Messi’s style as more comprehensive, stating, “Messi plays a more comprehensive game, while Ronaldo is a fantastic striker.”
This statement further illuminates the subtle differences in their playing styles and reinforces the age-old adage that beauty lies in diversity.
Pele’s declaration, while stirring up fervent discussions, underlines the ever-evolving nature of the soccer world. As we witness the rise of new talents and the achievements of current stars, the debate surrounding the world’s greatest player is far from settled.
The opinions of legends like Pele add a rich layer of insight, reminding us that soccer’s beauty resides not only in its artistry on the field but also in the passionate discourse it inspires among fans and players alike.
