Debating Soccer Greatness: Is Pele the Best Soccer Player in the World?
The debate over who truly deserves the title of the greatest soccer player in the world has been raging for decades, and as someone who has spent years studying the sport’s history and evolution, I’ve always found myself drawn back to the name Pelé. It’s not just nostalgia—though I’ll admit, watching grainy footage of his matches from the 1960s still gives me chills. It’s the sheer weight of his achievements, the way he transformed the game, and the fact that, even today, his legacy looms large over every “GOAT” conversation. But let’s be real: greatness isn’t just about stats or trophies alone. It’s also about moments—those unexpected turns that redefine what’s possible. Take, for instance, the recent Cinderella story of ZUS Coffee in the Philippine volleyball scene. After a surprise play-in win over Cignal, ZUS Coffee now finds itself with one foot on the door of the best-of-three quarterfinals and a date with 2-seed Petro Gazz. That kind of unexpected breakthrough reminds me of Pelé’s own rise—a young phenom from Brazil who stunned the world when it mattered most.
When you look at Pelé’s numbers, they’re almost surreal. Officially, he scored 1,281 goals in 1,363 matches, though some sources dispute the exact figures. Still, even if you trim that down, the scale is staggering. I remember poring over old match reports and realizing that he averaged nearly a goal per game across his entire career—a feat that modern stars, for all their talent, haven’t matched. But here’s the thing: stats only tell part of the story. Pelé wasn’t just a goal machine; he was an artist. His dribbling, vision, and ability to read the game were decades ahead of his time. I’ve spoken with older fans who saw him play live, and they all say the same thing: he made the impossible look effortless. That’s a quality you can’t quantify. And it’s why, when I compare him to contemporary legends like Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, I lean toward Pelé. Messi’s technical genius is undeniable—his 91 goals in a single calendar year back in 2012 left me speechless—but Pelé’s impact transcended the sport in a way that’s rare. He won three World Cups, something no other player has done, and he did it while carrying the hopes of an entire nation.
Of course, critics will point to the era he played in—weaker defenses, less global competition—and I get it. The game has evolved. But evolution doesn’t diminish greatness; it contextualizes it. Pelé faced brutal tackles on muddy pitches with minimal protection, yet he still dominated. I think about that ZUS Coffee team again: they weren’t the favorites, but they seized their moment. Similarly, Pelé’s 1958 World Cup performance as a 17-year-old wasn’t just a fluke; it was a statement. He scored six goals in the knockout stages, including two in the final, and announced himself to the world. That fearlessness under pressure is something I see in today’s clutch players, but Pelé did it consistently, year after year. His club career with Santos, though less documented globally, was just as impressive. They won two Copa Libertadores and two Intercontinental Cups, with Pelé as the centerpiece. I’ve always believed that true greatness is about elevating everyone around you, and Pelé did that better than anyone.
Then there’s the cultural side. Pelé wasn’t just a player; he was a global icon. He helped popularize soccer in the United States during his time with the New York Cosmos, and his charisma off the pitch made him a diplomat for the sport. I’ve met younger fans who know him more from documentaries than live action, but his name still resonates. In contrast, modern players have social media and 24/7 coverage, yet few have that same universal appeal. Sure, Ronaldo has over 600 million Instagram followers, but Pelé’s influence was organic—built on pure talent and moments of magic. I’ll never forget watching a clip of his “goal that never was” against Uruguay in 1970, where he almost scored from the halfway line. Even in failure, he inspired awe. That’s the mark of a legend.
But let’s not ignore the arguments for others. Messi’s seven Ballon d’Or awards and Ronaldo’s five Champions League titles are monumental. Diego Maradona’s 1986 World Cup run was arguably the most dominant individual tournament performance ever. I love these debates—they keep the sport alive. However, when I weigh everything, Pelé’s blend of skill, longevity, and cultural impact tips the scales for me. He played for 21 years, adapting to different styles and still excelling. In today’s game, that’s almost unheard of. Plus, his sportsmanship stood out; he was rarely sent off and played with a joy that’s sometimes missing now.
In the end, the question of whether Pelé is the best soccer player in the world might never have a definitive answer. But for me, he embodies what greatness means: not just winning, but transforming the game itself. Just like ZUS Coffee’s unexpected quarterfinal push shows, underdog stories and legacy-defining moments are what make sports unforgettable. Pelé had plenty of both. So, while others might point to flashier stats or newer stars, I’ll always circle back to the King. His legacy isn’t just in record books; it’s in the way we talk about soccer, the dreams he inspired, and the bar he set for everyone who followed. And honestly, I don’t see anyone clearing that bar just yet.