The greatest individual player in a quintessentially team sport is an anomaly and incongruity of sorts. This has not stopped the billion plus football-crazy fans mulling over just that or umpteen expert panels on TV debating just that. For the elderly generation of Brazil football fans the answer is obvious. Move the clock forward to the 80’s and all of Argentina and Naples and much of the world shouts the name ‘Maradona’. 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. The GOAT debate simmers on with country and club loyalties thrown in and generational perspectives kicking in.

Membership of this ultra-elite club demands longevity and consistency in impactful performances, trophies & international laurels and of course – goals and assists.  The latter criteria modified to embrace the great goalkeepers, defenders and mid-fielders and their wonderful saves, interceptions and passes. After all, soccer is the ultimate team sport.

Pele (Edson Arantes Do Nascimento) of Brazil and FC Santos needs no introduction. Fifty years after his last World Cup, he still tops most GOAT lists. 3 time World Cup medal winner (1958, ‘62, ‘70). 77 goals in 92 appearance in the Canary yellow Jersey (the iconic No 10), 650 goals in 694 matches for his clubs. Voted the International Athlete of the Century by the IOA (International Olympic Association). Pele combined speed with creativity, skill with physical power and stamina with athleticism at a level never seen before. Johann Cyruff, the Dutch legend, said that, “Pele was the only player who surpassed the boundaries of logic.” His lowest point was the WC ‘66, where the Bulgarians fouled and kicked him out of the second game. Then Portugal took over with shockingly violent fouls and the great man hobbled through the 90 mins as substitutes were not allowed at that time. The world’s best player was kicked and stamped out of the tournament with the referees looking the other way. He vowed never to play in another World Cup. But come 1970 and faith was restored in the beautiful game. By Pele and a Brazilian squad still considered one of the best ever- Jairzinho, Tostao, Rivelino, Gerson. Brazil were champions once again and Pele crowned ‘the Player of the Tournament.’

Pele had become the global face of football- powering its endless and exponential growth. In 1975 near retirement, he signed a $7 million deal with the New York Cosmos making him the richest athlete in the world. We also remember the hysteria in Calcutta when he came over with the Cosmos side in 1977 for an exhibition match with Mohan Bagan. 25,000 policemen were deployed in the city, at the hotel and the stadium to prevent this feverish enthusiasm from boiling over. Exactly 10 years earlier he had played in another exhibition match in Lagos in war ravaged Nigeria. The military and the separatists had announced a 48 hour cease-fire to allow this special event to happen.

Lev Yashin, the Soviet footballer, is considered by many as the greatest goal keeper in the history of the sport. The only goal keeper to be awarded the Ballon d’Or in 1963. With his club Dynamo Moscow he won 5 league championships. His influence can be gauged by the fact that over a 27 game season he let in only 7 goals. He emerged as a star as  part of the 1956 Olympic gold medal winning Soviet team conceding only 2 goals and led the team to their best ever FIFA WC finish- 4^th place- in 1966. Over his career he is said to have stopped over a 100 penalty kicks. His athleticism, positioning and acrobatic saves made him an inspiring figure in the goal. Yashin’s physical stature, sheer reflexes and bravery made him a Hero of the Soviet Union. His face adorned all the FIFA 2018 WC posters. It will not be an exaggeration to say that he invented the concept of a sweeper- goal keeper. He dramatically changed the role of goalkeeping by always being ready to act as an extra defender or by starting dangerous counter-attacks through a quick throw or a precisely directed kick.

In the Soviet psyche of his times the goalkeeper virtually represented the last line of defence. As his wife stirringly mentioned after his death, “Any mistakes a goalkeeper makes, everyone sees it. They remember it. They talk about it. The goalkeeper is the last line, the one on the border. If that border is breached, it’s a goal.” She should know. In the ‘62 WC Lev Yashin let in 2 soft goals as his team crashed out 2-1 to Chile. His house in Moscow was attacked. Placards and banners of ‘Yashin, Retire!’ & ‘Get out and take your pension’ were all over the city.

Johann Cyruff, the Dutch mid-fielder revolutionised the game as we see it today. He and his mentor, Rinus Michels, created the ‘Total Football’ philosophy with club Ajax- a tactic which allowed for versatility to the players all over the pitch irrespective of their positions. This disruptive flexibility meant that their position was immediately filled by another player. Ajax were unstoppable from the late 60’s, winning 6 titles from 1966-73 and a hat-trick of European Cups in 1971-72-73. He was the European player of the year thrice and also won the Ballon d’Or thrice. He scored 204 goals to propel Ajax to greatness as a club and netted 23 as the Dutch captain.  Between  1970-74 the Netherlands lost only one of the 29 matches in which Cyruff featured i.e.  the 1974 WC final against hosts Germany. He moved on the field like a grandmaster. He created the most chances, completed the most passes in the final third of the pitch and simply befuddled the opponent defences. In his prime, the Ajax club side and the Dutch national team enjoyed the maximum possession of the ball. They set the pace, they controlled the game.

Gordon Banks, the English goalkeeper was named the FIFA goal keeper of the year an incredible 6 times. He had 73 caps for England between 1958 and 1972 and 600 plus club appearances for Leicester and Stoke City. He started every England match in their glorious WC quest in 1966 and let in only 3 goals. In the 1970 edition he made what is regarded as one of the greatest saves to prevent a Pele goal. He also starred in the 1972 league win by Stoke. Sadly, the same year he lost his right eye in a car crash ending his career at the highest level.

Franz Beckenbauer was named in the World team of the 20^th century. He is often credited as the inventor of the modern sweeper or libero. A central defender, he retained the ability to charge up the pitch with the ball at his feet. Fearless and effective. This versatility made him a dangerous player. He notched up 427 appearances for the elite German club, Bayern Munich and 103 for the German national side. As captain of his country, he won the European Championship in 1972 and the World Cup in 1974. At club level Bayern Munich won the UEFA Cup Winners Cup in 1967 and under his leadership 3 European Cups from 1974 to 1976. Add to all these triumphs, the Ballon d’Or in 1972. No wonder, he was nicknamed ‘Der Kaiser’, for his elegant style, dominance and leadership aura on the field.

Diego Maradona became a global phenomenon after the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. He did something truly extraordinary- carrying an average Argentinian team to a World Cup victory. The controversial ‘Hand of God’ goal against England is still talked about but the superlative second goal still takes our breath away. As does the artistry and brilliance of the double strike in the semis against Belgium. At a mere 5 ft 5 inches, compact and built low to the ground he was exceptional at evading defenders with sheer ability and ball skills. It has been said that he had the stamina of a full back, the strength of a centre back, tackling ability of a defensive mid-fielder, passing acumen of a playmaker and the finishing ability of a great striker. He has been named FIFA player of the century along with who else, Pele. Maradona, a midfielder, has scored 34 times for his country in 91 matches and 259 times in 490 club appearances. He is still worshipped as a saint in Naples. The fairy tale title win in 1987 is still savoured as is the Napoli encore in 1990. Rumour has it that 1988 also would have been their year- as the team were cruising along- had the Mafia not stepped in. Another Serie A win would have ruined their betting syndicates. Maradona had moved to the Italian League after a couple of turbulent seasons with FC Barcelona. But not before lifting the Catalan club to a couple of titles.

Sadly in the 1994 US WC, he played only 2 matches scoring one goal. He was sent home in disgrace having failed a drug test.  The cocaine addiction was taking its toll and his health worsened drastically .It would be no exaggeration to say that Fidel Castro and the Cuban public health service saved his life. The Cuban leader who had become a father figure over the years ensured that he got the best treatment and rehabilitation the healthcare system had to offer. Sadly, a couple of weeks back, Maradona  passed away at the age of 60. As the foot balling world mourns the loss, some great players lauded him as the G.O.A.T in their fulsome tributes.

The Brazilian Ronaldo Nazario is considered one of the most lethal goal poachers in football. His immense speed and power made him a handful for the best of the defenders. 62 goals in 98 matches for his country; an astounding 15 goals in 2 World Cups (1998, 2002) speaks volumes about his sterling abilities. The WC winner medal in 2002 plus the Golden Boot award.  FIFA player of the year thrice. Stellar careers at illustrious clubs like AC Milan, FC Barcelona, Real Madrid and PSV Eindhoven. The mysteriously low point for Ronaldo was the ‘98 WC final against France. He is said to have convulsed before the match at the team hotel. Shaking and with froth in his mouth. Definitely not fit to play. But then he took the field, a shadow of himself and watched the French romp to a 3-0 win. It was widely reported that the star player had been forced to play under pressure from the sponsors, Nike. Another theory was that it was an injection for a knee injury which had gone wrong. However, Brazil kept its faith in Ronaldo and he repaid it with the World Cup four years later.

Paolo Maldini, Italy and AC Milan, has to be one of the most complete players the game has seen. A left back and central defender, he read the game wonderfully well.  He was skilled with his feet, excellent in the air and had the uncanny ability to marshal a staunch defence even at the fag-end of an exhausting match. He dispossessed the opposition player by a mixture of anticipation, interception and physicality. He redefined defending as a beautiful art form and was imperiously consistent. His oft repeated quote, “If I have to make a tackle then I have already made a mistake” summed up his classy approach to defending. A one-club player he turned out for Milan a record 902 times. With his club he won 7 Serie A titles and the UEFA Championship League trophy 5 times. He donned the Italian jersey for 4 World Cups including at the 94 WC final loss. He captained the national team for 8 years and 74 matches (out of 126 caps). As fate would have it he got a call up to play for Italy at the 2006 WC, “I said no to the call-up in 2006 and they won.”

Zinedine Zidane is another name which universally makes the cut. A physically imposing central mid-fielder he was light on his feet and his elegance with the ball was incredibly brilliant. He also possessed this uncanny knack of reading the game several moves ahead. His high point was the 1998 World Cup win for France against favourites Brazil. He scored twice in the finals and became the toast of the nation. Capped 108 times for France he also won the UEFA Euro 2000 and was named player of the tournament. With 31 international goals and 128 more in club football with Real Madrid and Juventus this attacking midfielder broadened the dimensions of the game to amazing levels. A master playmaker and an effective interceptor. A Ballon d’Or winner, 3 times FIFA player of the year. Unfortunately, he is also remembered for the head-butt incident in the 2006 WC final. After a slow start Zidane dragged a lack-lustre French squad into the final with Italy. Italy’s  Materazzi  made some unprintable comments on Zizou’s sister and the latter lost it for a moment. The red-card and the heart-breaking loss. I recall a head-line which went like this, “In dragging France to the 2006 WC final Zidane hinted at immortality and once they got there he proved his mortality.”

Think Ronaldinho and you think of the bucktoothed grin, the sublime free-kicks and the sense of fun he brought to the field. Football was an expression of self. Entertainment always seemed to be the top priority and even above winning but his super skills usually ensured both. The WC winners medal in 2002 and the Ballon d’Or in 2005 simply happened along the way. As did 66 free kick goals. The training regimen and the ultra-professional habits of the world’s best footballers were not for this Brazilian magician. The right wing midfielder achieved so much even without trying. In 2005 he achieved the unthinkable. With 2 magical goals for FC Barcelona against arch rivals Real Madrid. The packed Bernabeu was on its feet applauding the beauty of what they had witnessed. Sad to say, one of the world’s best No 10 has become prisoner no 194. In jail for 32 days with his brother on charges of travelling on a false passport to Paraguay and money laundering. He has posted a $1.6 million bail and recently been freed after pleading guilty to the passport fraud.

Gianluigi Buffon, the famous Italian goalkeeper finally announced his retirement in 2018 after 176 caps for Italy. In a career spanning 27 years and 649 Serie A matches, he spent the majority of the time with Juventus and has become a folk-hero in Turin. 7 Serie A & 4 Coppa Italia titles with Juventus , the UEFA Cup with Parma. A decisive role in Italy’s WC win in 2006 conceding only 2 goals in 7 matches, that too a penalty and an own goal by a teammate. His speciality lay in his exceptional positioning in set-piece situations; his long and athletic frame plus his agility and exceptional reflexes made him very capable of blocking penalty kicks and angled headers. Hence, Buffon has a jaw-dropping 300 plus clean-sheets to his name and career.

At the age of 13, Lionel Messi’s precocious footballing talents so impressed the FC Barcelona scouts and management that he moved to the Catalan city. The club paid for his expensive treatment for growth hormonal deficiency. In just 4 years he moved to the first team and the rest is history. 10 La Liga wins, 4 UEFA trophies, 6 Copa del Rey. A stupendous 678 goals for Barcelona at a mind-boggling 0.92 goals per game.36 La Liga hat-tricks and 26 El Classico goals against arch-rival Real Madrid. The only player to net more than 40 goals for 10 consecutive seasons. 6 Ballon d’Or (the highest), 6 European Golden Shoe awards and 10 player of the year citations. The accolades go on….. But they don’t tell the full story. For Messi to millions of football fans all over transcends awards and stats. He is the modern maestro of the Beautiful Game- the biggest box office draw today. His ability to manipulate the ball with deft touches and quick movements have often been described as ‘Out of this world’. Seasoned commentators and great yester year players have gone ga-ga whilst commenting about the magic he weaves on the pitch. What adds to the aura of his genius is the sheer number of assists he conjures up for country and club. An all-time high 42 assists for the national side + 71 goals in 142 games. A record 183 assists in the La Liga. The albatross around his neck is the lack of international titles with the national side.  Just an Olympic gold medal in Beijing 2008. In the WC final against Germany in 2014 and the 3 Copa America finals he has ended up on the losing side. No matter that he won the Golden Ball at WC ‘14. His legions of fans speak about the fragility of the Argentinian team and how he had to single-handedly qualify them for the WC in Russia two years back. Then the shadow of Maradona spreads across the pitch. The other painful story is how the Barca dream has fallen apart this season. After 20 years at the club & 14 glorious years as its inspirational player Messi will be exiting in June next year.  The ineptitude and indifference of the Club President and Management has been shocking to say the least.

CR7. Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal, Man U, Real Madrid, Juventus and possibly Man U again. He has netted 451 times in 438 games for Real Madrid averaging a little over a goal a match. Mind boggling. With the Spanish club he has won 4 European Cups, 3 Club World Cups, 3 UEFA Super Cups, 2 La Liga titles and 2 Copa del Rey. In 2016 he captained the Portuguese side to the European Championship triumph. A 5 time Ballon d’Or winner. A rare specimen of supreme physical fitness, his tall frame and tremendous pace terrorises defences. Add an almost unstoppable free kick to the arsenal. A unique feature of this very fast player is the exhibition of the double scissors and chop moves which allows him to quickly change directions.  In 2018, the Turin medical staff did a medical test on this supreme athlete and found that his condition at 34 was the same as a 20 year old. With an incredible 50% muscle and 7% body fat. Watch the insane 2.65 metre jump header against Sampdoria in the Serie A match last year. Awesome. One of the greatest goals of all time. The prolific striker has added 2 Italian championship titles to his remarkable trophy haul. As the highest paid footballer and the athlete with the highest social media following, Ronaldo is in a league of his own. Both he and Messi have only a year or two left at the very top. Will be interesting to see how things pan out for them. But the Messi vs Ronaldo debate is not going to end any time soon.  His fans often make the point that the Argentine tends to disappear in some matches whilst their Man has his moments even in a below par game. CR 7’s global popularity has also seen him evolve as an entrepreneur with set goals. His footwear line ‘CR 7 footwear’ is making footprints across the Middle East, South East Asia & Latin America. His association with a Portuguese hotel chain have led to expansions in Lisbon, Madrid and New York. And of course there is the lifetime mega contract with Nike Inc.

So is there a definitive G.O.A.T  ranking. Not quite. Football associations and sports magazines and TV channels conduct their own surveys and publish their own results. A recent French Sports list anointed Buffon as the best goalkeeper of all time. Another by Sport Bible and BBC put Lionel Messi on top of the charts. Moreover football aficionados have their own choices, their own way of looking at things. This adds another dimension to the never-ending discussion especially on social media.

RESPECT. Old timers may recall Alfredo Di Stefano and the Golden Age of Real Madrid. Or Hungarian Ferenc Puskas hailed as the top scorer of the 20^th century  and in whose name a FIFA award has been instituted. The bow-legged Brazilian dazzler, Garrincha, recepient of 2 WC winner medals and still revered in his country. The Roll of Honour includes the English midfielder Bobby Charlton of the 1966 WC champions team and the Ballon d ‘Or winner in the same year. A survivor of the great Manchester United team which lost several of its players in the Munich plane crash of 1958. Gerd Muller, the hero of the’74 WC for hosts Germany. Named ‘Der Bomber’ for his precise and deadly strikes.  There will be enthusiastic support for the elegant Michel Platini of France and the savvy German captain Lothar Matthaus. For the mercurial genius of George Best the winger for Man U and Northern Ireland; for David Beckham of ‘Bend It like Beckham’ fame and the ‘Flying Dutchman’- Robin Van Persie. There will be millions rooting for the Italian goalie Dino Zoff who led his team to the ’82 WC triumph at the ripe age of 40 and holds the record for conceding no goals for 1142 minutes.  The almost impregnable Oliver Kahn under the German goal-post. Didier Drogba the famous Chelsea and Marseille striker and the most beloved person in the West African nation of Ivory Coast. The show will go on.

The legends, celebrated in the blog, are the recurrent names which resonate across the global footballing fraternity. Animated discussions continue in TV studios and magazine offices, clubs and bars all over the globe. It keeps the pot boiling and certainly adds flavour and spice to the world’s favourite sport.