Lionel Messi Named Greatest Footballer of All Time by FourFourTwo – But What About Cristiano?

The renowned British football publication FourFourTwo has released its list of the top 100 greatest footballers in history. At the pinnacle of this ranking stands former Barcelona forward Lionel Messi. The Argentine icon, who has won multiple Ballon d'Or titles and played a crucial role in Argentina's 2022 World Cup triumph, has been recognized as the most outstanding player the sport has ever seen.

In second place is Brazilian legend Pelé, a three-time World Cup winner and a name synonymous with football excellence. Completing the top three is another Argentine footballing genius, Diego Maradona, whose dazzling skills and leadership inspired Argentina's 1986 World Cup victory.

Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the most decorated players in modern football, occupies the fourth position on the list. The Portuguese star, known for his goal-scoring prowess and longevity, remains a defining figure in football history.

Here is the top 10 ranking of the greatest footballers of all time, according to FourFourTwo:

1. Lionel Messi (Argentina)
2. Pelé (Brazil)
3. Diego Maradona (Argentina)
4. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
5. Johan Cruyff (Netherlands)
6. Ronaldo Nazário (Brazil)
7. Zinedine Zidane (France)
8. Franz Beckenbauer (Germany)
9. Alfredo Di Stéfano (Spain)
10. Marco van Basten (Netherlands)

The ranking has sparked discussions among football fans, with debates surrounding the placements of certain legends. While some argue that Pelé and Maradona's influence on the game is unmatched, others highlight Messi's consistency, longevity, and success at both club and international levels as a testament to his superiority.

Published by Patrick Jane
06.02.2025