Carlo Ancelotti has declared Pele as his choice for the greatest footballer of all time, placing the Brazilian legend above Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Diego Maradona, and others. In an interview with CONMEBOL, Ancelotti emphasized Pele’s unique achievements, crediting his exceptional career and multiple World Cup victories as reasons for his top ranking. The discussion revolved around what sets Pele apart from even the most celebrated modern stars.
Addressing the challenge of comparing players from different eras, Ancelotti shared:
“I can’t say definitively because Pele belongs to a different generation. What Pele achieved in his career—on top of the World Cups he won—was something truly special. The others have been spectacular players. Starting with Ronaldo, whom I had the good fortune to coach, to Messi, whom I’ve seen, and all the others. But it’s difficult to choose. Based on what he achieved in his career, I believe Pele deserves first place.”
It is notable that Pele’s professional debut with Santos happened three years before Ancelotti was born. While Ancelotti never managed Messi, he was Cristiano Ronaldo’s coach during his tenure at Real Madrid, providing him firsthand insight into Ronaldo’s qualities as a player.
Ancelotti supports Cristiano Ronaldo’s claim to being the most complete player
Earlier this year, Cristiano Ronaldo claimed that he is the most complete footballer ever, insisting his speed, strength, ambidextrous scoring ability, and aerial skills surpass those of Lionel Messi and his peers. In a LaSexta interview, Ronaldo confidently expressed:
“I think I’m the most complete player there has ever been. That’s my opinion. It could be a question of taste but I think it’s me. I do everything in football. I head well, I take set pieces well, I shoot well with my left foot, I’m fast, I’m strong, I jump. I don’t see anyone better than me and I tell you that with all my heart.”
Responding to Ronaldo’s statement, Ancelotti acknowledged the striker’s lasting impact in football during a press conference:
“Cristiano has left his mark on an era, he is leaving his mark on an era. For me, he has been the best. Also because he has helped me a lot, with the goals he has scored, to remain calm on the Real Madrid bench.”
During his time at Real Madrid under Ancelotti, Ronaldo played 101 matches and scored 112 goals, a tally he also matched in 115 games managed by Zinedine Zidane. This goal-scoring consistency further cements Ronaldo’s place as one of the game’s greatest.
The ongoing debate over the greatest player highlights football’s evolving history
The conversation sparked by Ancelotti’s views underscores the complexity of ranking players across different football eras. While Pele’s achievements at Santos and in the international arena remain unparalleled, the contributions of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi continue to reshape modern football history. Ancelotti’s perspective reflects both respect for the legendary past and recognition of the modern game’s outstanding stars.
As the debate regarding the greatest of all time advances, Ancelotti’s insights add a nuanced voice, combining personal experience with a historical viewpoint. His endorsement of Pele as the GOAT, coupled with admiration for Ronaldo’s completeness on the field, enriches the ongoing discourse around Messi’s legacy and the broader football narrative.