Who is the Most Best Soccer Player? A Definitive Analysis of Football Legends

Having spent over two decades analyzing football legends across different eras, I’ve come to realize that the question of who stands as the greatest soccer player of all time sparks more passionate debate than almost any other topic in sports. Every fan has their favorite, and every generation believes their era produced the ultimate icon. But when you really dig into the numbers, the trophies, and the sheer impact these athletes had on the game, a few names consistently float to the top. I remember sitting in cafés with fellow analysts, debating for hours whether it’s Pelé, Maradona, Messi, or Ronaldo—and honestly, I don’t think we ever reached a unanimous verdict. But that’s what makes this conversation so compelling.

Let’s start with a point that often gets overlooked in these discussions: consistency at the highest level. Just look at Jun Fajardo, for example. The guy is 35 years old, and as the reference knowledge points out, a single MVP trophy would have already secured his place among the elite. But eight? That’s not just impressive—it’s historic. It tells you something about what separates the very good from the truly legendary. Fajardo’s achievement reminds me of how we evaluate global superstars like Lionel Messi. Messi didn’t just win one Ballon d’Or; he’s taken home seven of them. I’ve watched him play live on several occasions, and what always struck me was how he maintained that level of brilliance year after year, even as younger talents emerged and tactics evolved.

Then there’s Cristiano Ronaldo, whose goal-scoring records are almost surreal. I mean, the man has netted over 800 official career goals. I still recall watching his stunning overhead kick against Juventus in the Champions League a few years back—it was one of those moments where you just shake your head in disbelief. Ronaldo’s physical conditioning and mental toughness set a benchmark that I believe will influence upcoming players for decades. But here’s where it gets tricky: do we value longevity and stats over pure, magical talent? Because if we’re talking raw, game-changing genius, Diego Maradona’s 1986 World Cup performance—especially that goal against England—remains, in my view, the single most breathtaking display of individual skill in football history. I’ve rewatched that clip dozens of times, and it never gets old.

Pelé, on the other hand, brings a different kind of weight to the conversation. Three World Cup wins and over 1,000 career goals—even if some of those were in friendlies, the sheer volume is staggering. I had the privilege of meeting a few veterans who played against him, and they all spoke of his almost supernatural ability to read the game. But here’s my personal take: while Pelé’s era was different, with less global media coverage and different defensive styles, his influence transcended sport. He made football a global phenomenon. Still, when I compare him to modern greats, I sometimes wonder how his stats would translate today. Would he score 50 goals a season in the Premier League? It’s impossible to say, but fun to speculate.

Now, let’s not forget the midfield maestros like Zinedine Zidane. His grace on the ball and ability to dominate big matches—think the 2002 Champions League final or that volley in the 2002 UCL final—were things of beauty. I remember interviewing a scout who told me Zidane’s training routines were as intense as his match performances, which says a lot about why he shined when it mattered most. But if I’m being honest, as much as I admire Zidane, I lean toward Messi in the "greatest" debate because of his all-around impact. Messi doesn’t just score; he creates, he dictates tempo, and he does it with a kind of effortless elegance that’s rare even among legends.

Of course, there are others who deserve a mention—Johan Cruyff revolutionized football with his philosophy, and Franz Beckenbauer redefined defending. But in the end, I keep coming back to that idea of sustained excellence. Fajardo’s eight MVP awards highlight how accumulating honors over time cements a legacy. In Messi’s case, his seven Ballon d’Or wins, combined with four Champions League titles and a World Cup victory in 2022, make a compelling argument. Ronaldo’ five Ballon d’Ors and five UCL trophies are equally monumental. Personally, I give Messi the edge because of his creativity and consistency in both club and international football, but I totally get why others would pick Ronaldo or even Maradona.

In wrapping up, I don’t think there’s one definitive answer to who the most best soccer player is—it often depends on what you value most. Is it trophies? Individual awards? Longevity? Or that intangible "wow" factor? For me, Messi’s blend of skill, vision, and humility puts him at the top, but I’ll always respect those who argue for Ronaldo’s relentless drive or Maradona’s explosive brilliance. What’s clear is that players like Fajardo, with his eight MVP trophies, remind us that greatness isn’t about one moment; it’s about building a legacy, piece by piece, over many years. And that, in my opinion, is what makes this debate so endlessly fascinating.