Pele combined speed with creativity, skill with physical power and stamina with athleticism at a level never seen before. Voted the International Athlete of the Century by the IOA (International Olympic Association). 77 goals in 92 appearance in the Canary yellow Jersey (the iconic No 10), 650 goals in 694 matches for his clubs. Fifty years after his last World Cup, he still tops most GOAT lists. Pele (Edson Arantes Do Nascimento) of Brazil and FC Santos needs no introduction. After all, soccer is the ultimate team sport. The latter criteria modified to embrace the great goalkeepers, defenders and mid-fielders and their wonderful saves, interceptions and passes. Membership of this ultra-elite club demands longevity and consistency in impactful performances, trophies & international laurels and of course – goals and assists.
The GOAT debate simmers on with country and club loyalties thrown in and generational perspectives kicking in. Step forward to the modern era and many find it difficult to comprehend that there has ever been a player that does magical things with the football that a certain Barcelona player does. Move the clock forward to the 80’s and all of Argentina and Naples and much of the world shouts the name ‘Maradona’. For the elderly generation of Brazil football fans the answer is obvious.
This has not stopped the billion plus football-crazy fans mulling over just that or umpteen expert panels on TV debating just that. The greatest individual player in a quintessentially team sport is an anomaly and incongruity of sorts.
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