Who Truly Is the Greatest Soccer Player in the World? Let's Settle the Debate

Having watched football for over two decades, I’ve come to realize that the debate over who truly is the greatest soccer player in the world is as timeless as the sport itself. Every generation has its icons—Pelé, Maradona, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Lionel Messi—but the conversation never truly settles. It’s fascinating how this question stirs such passion, and I find myself revisiting it often, especially when I see players like the former La Salle and University of Santo Tomas standout, who recently vowed to keep working hard despite an already notable performance last Tuesday. That kind of relentless drive, in my view, is what separates the good from the truly great. It’s not just about raw talent or flashy moments; it’s about consistency, mental toughness, and the ability to elevate one’s game when it matters most.

When I think about the contenders for the title of the world’s greatest, statistics inevitably come into play. For instance, Cristiano Ronaldo has netted over 800 career goals, while Lionel Messi boasts seven Ballon d’Or awards—a record that’s hard to ignore. But numbers alone don’t tell the whole story. I’ve always leaned toward Messi because of his almost supernatural dribbling and vision; he makes the impossible look effortless. On the other hand, Ronaldo’s athleticism and clutch performances in high-stakes matches, like scoring 140 goals in the Champions League, make a compelling case. Then there are emerging talents, like Kylian Mbappé, who at just 24 has already notched 250 career goals and led France to a World Cup victory. What strikes me, though, is how these players embody that same ethos as the La Salle and UST alum—pushing harder even after success. I remember watching Messi in his early Barcelona days, and what stood out wasn’t just his skill but his humility and work ethic, traits that resonate with that recent example of perseverance.

Beyond individual brilliance, the context of team achievements and global impact plays a huge role. Take Pelé, for example; he won three World Cups and scored around 1,300 goals, though some argue those numbers are inflated due to weaker opposition in his era. Still, his influence on the sport is undeniable. In my own experience covering football, I’ve seen how players like Zinedine Zidane or Diego Maradona could single-handedly change the course of a game—Maradona’s “Hand of God” goal in 1986 is a classic example of that magnetic, albeit controversial, greatness. But let’s be honest, the modern game is faster and more competitive, which is why I give extra weight to recent legends. Messi’s 91 goals in a single calendar year back in 2012 is a stat that still blows my mind, and it highlights why, for me, he edges out others. It’s not just about racking up trophies; it’s about those moments of pure magic that leave you in awe.

Of course, personal biases and cultural factors shape this debate too. Growing up, I admired players who combined flair with resilience—the ones who, like that La Salle and UTS graduate, never rest on their laurels. In today’s football landscape, we’re seeing a shift toward all-around players who excel in multiple roles, such as Kevin De Bruyne, whose passing accuracy hovers around 85% and who consistently drives Manchester City to titles. Yet, when I weigh everything—stats, influence, and that intangible “wow” factor—I keep coming back to Messi. His recent World Cup win with Argentina in 2022 felt like the final piece of the puzzle, cementing his legacy in a way that’s hard to dispute. But hey, that’s just my take; the beauty of this debate is that it’s never truly settled, and players like the one from La Salle remind us that greatness is a journey, not a destination. So, while I’ll argue passionately for Messi, I respect those who see it differently—after all, that’s what keeps football so endlessly captivating.