Read more to know about our top 3 picks to know who is the god of football in 2024
Football stands as one of the most loved and watched sport worldwide, capturing the hearts of many. While numerous football players accumulate multiple titles in their careers, only a select few attain the status of being called the “God of football.” Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo often find themselves in this category. However, the true legends of the sport, widely acknowledged as the greatest footballers of all time, include Pele and Diego Maradona, affectionately known as the “Hand of God” in the football world.
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Greatest Footballers of All Time: Who is the God of Football Among Them?
The realm of football consistently produces legendary players, and below is a list of the top greatest footballers of all time who would often fit in the the category of being called the god of football.
| S. No | Player Name | Country | Goals | Assists |
| 1 | Pele | Brazil | 1279 | 231 |
| 2 | Diego Maradona | Argentina | 293 | 226 |
| 3 | Lionel Messi | Argentina | 826 | 361 |
| 4 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Portugal | 873 | 249 |
| 5 | Johan Cruyff | Netherlands | 296 | 167 |
| 6 | Zinedine Zidane | France | 152 | 149 |
| 7 | Ronaldo | Brazil | 357 | 94 |
| 8 | Ronaldinho | Brazil | 230 | 187 |
| 9 | Franz Beckenbauer | Germany | 72 | 76 |
| 10 | Alfredo Di Stefano | Argentina | 302 | 1 |
Greatest Footballer of All Time – Our Top 3 Picks
Pele- God of Football
Pele, whose real name is Edson Arantes do Nascimento, stands as one of the all-time greats in football and has been bestowed with the title of “the greatest” by FIFA, earning the title “God of Football” worldwide. Renowned for his prolific goal-scoring ability, Pele was a force to be reckoned with on the field. During his era, he held the distinction of being the most celebrated and highest-paid footballer globally, launching his football journey at the tender age of 16.
The Brazilian football icon gained widespread acclaim after a remarkable hat trick against France in the 1958 World Cup semifinal, propelling him to stardom. In recognition of his exceptional contributions, the Brazilian government declared Pele a national treasure. Even today, Pele remains unparalleled, consistently topping the list of the greatest football players of all time.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo serves as a shining testament to the possibilities one can attain through football. Transitioning from a humble upbringing in an impoverished area to now residing in luxury mansions, Ronaldo has undoubtedly traversed an extraordinary journey. His unwavering determination, passion, and relentless ambition for football have firmly established him as one of the greatest footballers in history.
Read More: Top-5 Goals from Cristiano Ronaldo
In terms of his goal-scoring career, Ronaldo has netted a remarkable total of 745 goals for various clubs (Real Madrid, Manchester United, Juventus, Sporting CP, and Al Nassr combined) and an additional 128 goals representing the Portugal National Team.
Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi, the unstoppable football talent hailing from Argentina, has emerged as the preeminent football player from the nation, succeeding the legendary Diego Maradona. Messi’s prowess on the field earned him the prestigious FIFA World Player title an impressive five times, consecutively in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2015.
Known for his exceptional passing abilities and adept navigation through crowded defences, Messi’s achievements are nothing short of extraordinary. In the 2011-2012 football season, he stunned the world by scoring an astonishing 73 goals. Additionally, Messi played a pivotal role in leading Argentina to World Cup glory for the first time in 36 years. His remarkable performance earned him the Golden Ball award, recognising him as the best player in the tournament, with seven goals and three assists to his credit.
Bonus Pick: Diego Maradona
Diego Maradona stands as one of the football world’s greatest players, renowned for his artistic prowess and exceptional skill on the field. Undoubtedly an iconic figure, Maradona exhibited remarkable leadership qualities that never failed to captivate spectators. Making his debut at the remarkably young age of 14, he became the youngest football player from Argentina.
Maradona’s contributions to his team were nothing short of extraordinary, culminating in significant triumphs such as the 1986 World Cup victory, which brought pride to his nation on numerous occasions.
Conclusion
Football has had some great players grace the game in all its years. Unfortunately, not many careers stand out like the likes of Pele, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi or Diego Maradona – who have carved a legacy on the football pitch. With Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi continuing their careers as of 2024, tables changing over results to crown the new GOAT of football is around the corner.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who was the god of football?
Pele, born Edson Arantes do Nascimento, stands among the greatest footballers in history and earned the title of “the greatest” from FIFA, universally acknowledged as the Deity of Football. Renowned for his prolific goal-scoring prowess, Pele was an unstoppable force on the field.
Who is the best Messi or cr7?
Ronaldo boasts a higher tally of career goals in both domestic and international competitions, whereas Messi holds the edge in terms of assists across both arenas. However, a significant statistical contrast is evident, as Messi has participated in over 100 fewer games than his rival – a predictable outcome given his two-year age difference with the Portuguese icon.
Who is the football goat?
Cristiano Ronaldo is widely recognized as the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) in contemporary football, with many considering him the greatest player in history.
Who is faster Messi or Ronaldo?
Top Speed: Ronaldo triumphs with a speed of 34 km/h compared to Messi’s 32.5 km/h. Acceleration: Messi claims the lead, reaching top speed more swiftly. Average Speed: They are neck and neck, with Messi holding a slight edge at 23 km/h compared to Ronaldo.
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