The debate over who deserves the title of the greatest soccer player of all time is one that has raged across stadiums, pubs, and living rooms for generations. As someone who has spent years analyzing the beautiful game, both as a fan and a professional commentator, I’ve come to realize that this isn’t just a matter of statistics or trophy counts—it’s about legacy, influence, and those unforgettable moments that define eras. While many rush to name modern icons like Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, or revere legends like Pelé and Diego Maradona, I believe the answer lies in understanding what “greatness” truly means. And sometimes, you find clues in unexpected places—like the world of volleyball.

Take, for instance, the recent performance of Nxled in the 2024-25 All-Filipino Conference. Now, I know what you’re thinking—what does a volleyball league have to do with soccer’s GOAT debate? Well, stick with me here. Nxled only managed to win twice in 14 matches played in that conference. Let that sink in: two victories in 14 attempts. Their latest match was a play-ins finale sweep of Farm Fresh, with set scores of 25-17, 25-17, 25-18. On the surface, that sounds like a dominant performance, right? But look at the bigger picture—those two wins were rare highlights in what was otherwise a dismal season. It reminds me of how we often judge athletes based on peak performances, ignoring consistency and context. If we applied that logic to soccer, we might crown a player who had one spectacular season over someone who delivered excellence decade after decade.

When I think about soccer greatness, my mind immediately goes to Lionel Messi. Yes, I’ll admit it—I’m biased. I’ve watched him since his early days at Barcelona, and what sets him apart, in my view, isn’t just his record eight Ballon d’Or awards or his 91 goals in a single calendar year back in 2012. It’s his ability to elevate everyone around him, much like how a single standout player in a struggling team can still pull off moments of brilliance. Messi’s vision, dribbling, and humility on and off the pitch make him, for me, the epitome of greatness. But then, I have friends who swear by Cristiano Ronaldo, pointing to his five Champions League titles and his incredible athleticism. Ronaldo’s dedication is legendary—he’s scored over 850 career goals, and his work ethic is something I’ve always admired, even if I prefer Messi’s style.

Then there are the classics—Pelé and Maradona. Pelé, with his three World Cup wins and over 1,280 career goals (though some argue about the exact tally), represented an era where soccer was pure magic. I’ve spoken to older fans who say watching him was like witnessing poetry in motion. Maradona, on the other hand, was flawed, human, and utterly mesmerizing. His “Hand of God” goal in the 1986 World Cup might be controversial, but it’s part of what makes his legacy so compelling. In my opinion, though, Maradona’s impact was more emotional than statistical—he inspired passion in a way that numbers can’t capture. Comparing him to modern players is tricky because the game has evolved so much. Back in the 1980s, training regimes were less scientific, and players faced different challenges, like heavier balls and rougher tackles. Today, with advanced analytics and global scouting, the standards are higher, but that doesn’t diminish what legends achieved in their time.

Let’s circle back to that Nxled example for a moment. Their two wins in 14 matches—a win rate of just 14.3%—highlight how misleading isolated successes can be. In soccer, we see this with players who shine in one tournament but fade into obscurity. For me, true greatness is about sustained excellence. Messi, for instance, has maintained a goal involvement rate of over 1.0 per game for more than 15 years in top leagues. That’s insane when you think about it. Ronaldo isn’t far behind, with 450 goals in 438 appearances for Real Madrid alone. But beyond the numbers, it’s the intangibles—leadership, clutch performances in big games, and cultural impact. Zinedine Zidane, for example, didn’t have the same goal-scoring records, but his 1998 World Cup final performance and that iconic volley in the 2002 Champions League final are moments I still rewatch. He’s my dark horse in this debate, honestly.

Of course, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. If you value longevity, you might lean toward Messi or Ronaldo. If you prioritize World Cup glory, Pelé has a strong case. And if you’re like me, you might factor in the “eye test”—how a player makes you feel when you watch them. I’ve had the privilege of attending live matches across Europe, and nothing compares to seeing Messi glide past defenders as if they’re statues. It’s artistry. But I also respect that others see Ronaldo’s powerful headers and relentless drive as the pinnacle of athletic achievement. In the end, this debate is what makes soccer so beautiful—it’s subjective, emotional, and endlessly debatable.

So, who is the best soccer player of all time? After weighing everything—stats, influence, and my own heart—I’d say Lionel Messi edges it for me. His recent World Cup win with Argentina in 2022 sealed it, proving he could deliver on the biggest stage. But I’ll always acknowledge that this isn’t a closed case. Just like Nxled’s two wins in 14 matches remind us that context matters, soccer’s GOAT debate will continue to evolve with new talents and perspectives. And honestly, that’s part of the fun—we get to keep arguing, celebrating, and marveling at the legends who make this sport unforgettable.