"No, no, Maradona is Maradona, Pele was the greatest, I'm just a normal player. I don't try to emulate Pele, everybody knows he was the greatest ever"
Diego Maradona
Even a casual football follower recognizes Pele as the greatest footballer of all time. However, in today’s landscape, modern-day fan rivalries fuel endless comparisons, diminishing the King’s legacy to elevate their favourites. The debate around Pelé versus other legends has persisted for decades, yet the undeniable truth remains: Pele’s greatness stands unchallenged by misinformation or biased comparisons.
Pelé vs. The Greats:
A History of Comparisons
Since Pele retired from international football, the
emergence of exceptional players has kept the debates alive. His legacy has
invited comparisons with Johan Cruyff, George Best, Diego Maradona, Zico,
Ronaldo Nazário, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Lionel Messi. Despite each era
producing generational talents, Pelé remains the benchmark.
These comparisons often ignore the unique circumstances that
elevated Pele into football’s pantheon. Rather than validating his
achievements, narratives are spun to undermine him, as though downplaying Pelé
somehow enhances the status of modern stars. Yet, the facts overwhelmingly favour
Pelé’s greatness.
Was Brazil’s Domestic
Football Weak? A False Narrative
The idea that Pele only excelled in a "weak
league" demonstrates either ignorance or deliberate bias. During Pele’s
era, Brazil's domestic competition was fierce, populated by extraordinary
talents like Garrincha, Didi, Tostão, Carlos Alberto Torres, and
Rivellino—players capable of thriving in Europe’s toughest leagues. Many
legendary Brazilians couldn't even make the national squad, highlighting the
extraordinary depth of talent in Brazilian football.
Historically, South American football was dominant on the
world stage. In the first decade of the Intercontinental Cup, South American
clubs won six out of ten titles. If anything, Pelé thrived in one of the
toughest football environments of his time.
Pelé did not play in Europe, not because he couldn't
compete, but because he was declared a national treasure by the Brazilian
government—making his transfer abroad impossible. His decision to stay with
Santos also reflected the high level of football within Brazil, which had no
need for European validation.
The Myth of Weak
Opponents: Breaking Down the Facts
Pele’s brilliance shone brightest on football’s biggest stage—the World Cup. He made his international debut at just 16 against a formidable Argentina side, scoring his first goal. At 17, Pele travelled to Sweden for the 1958 World Cup. Despite being sidelined with a knee injury early on, he returned to help Brazil beat the Soviet Union led by Lev Yashin, providing a crucial assist. From there, Pelé announced himself to the world, scoring:
- The decisive goal
against Wales in the quarterfinals
- A hat-trick against
France in the semifinals
- Two goals in the
final against Sweden, becoming the youngest player to score in a World Cup
final
His exploits were not limited to the World Cup. In the1959 South American Championship, Pelé was the tournament’s top scorer with eight goals and was named the best player, proving himself against elite South American opposition.
Tougher Defenders and Stricter Rules
Football in Pelé’s time was physically brutal. Defenders
used aggressive man-marking to neutralize attackers, and there was little protection
from referees. Pele faced—and often outplayed—some of the toughest defenders
and goalkeepers in history: Bobby Moore, Franz Beckenbauer, Giacinto
Facchetti, Gordon Banks, and Lev Yashin. Unlike today, when rules are
more favourable to attackers, Pelé thrived despite the harsher environment.
Dominance Against
European Clubs
Though Pelé was barred from moving to Europe, he faced
European giants during Santos' tours. His record speaks for itself:
- 1962
Intercontinental Cup: Santos defeated Benfica 8-5 on aggregate, with Pele scoring five goals over two legs.
- 1963
Intercontinental Cup: Santos edged AC Milan 7-6 over three legs, with Pele scoring decisive goals.
During Santos’ European tours, Pelé scored against the likes
of Real Madrid and Barcelona. In one
memorable encounter, Santos hammered Inter Milan 7-1, with Pelé scoring four
goals. His performances during these tours dispel any myth that he wouldn’t
have succeeded in Europe.
Team Greatness and
Individual Brilliance
Critics argue that Pele’s success was a product of playing
in a great team. While it is true that Brazil's 1970 World Cup squad is
considered one of the best of all time, Pele was the linchpin that elevated
them. The same team struggled in 1966 without Pelé, proving how crucial he was
to their success. In Mexico 1970, Pelé led from the front, outshining other
greats like Rivellino, Tostão, and Jairzinho, and was named the tournament’s
best player.
Even within a team of superstars, Pele was the undisputed leader—highlighting
the rarity of being the best among the best.
The Offside Rule
Misconception
Another myth is that Pelé benefited from easier rules, such as a non-existent offside rule. In reality, the offside rule had been in effect since 1925. If anything, the rule was stricter during Pelé’s era, favouring defenders. Modern changes to the rule, which now allow attackers to remain level with the second-last defender, would have made Pelé even more devastating.
An Unmatched
Goal-Scoring Legacy
Pele’s numbers are staggering. Across his career, he scored
1,283 goals, with only 13 coming during military service—a negligible
contribution to his record. For Santos, Pelé scored 37.8% of the team’s total
goals, a higher share than both Cristiano Ronaldo (33.3%) and Lionel Messi (34.8%)
managed for their clubs.
His cup final record is equally unmatched: in 23 finals,
Pelé scored 29 goals, finding the net in nearly 70% of those matches. His
ability to deliver in the most decisive moments underscores his greatness.
The Timeless Legacy of Pele
Comparing players across eras is inherently flawed, given
the evolution of the game. However, Pele’s achievements transcend time. He was
a pioneer, redefining what it meant to be great in football. Legends like Bobby
Charlton, Franz Beckenbauer, Alfredo Di Stefano, and Eusebio—players who
witnessed his greatness firsthand—have all attested to his unparalleled
ability.
Pele’s story is more than just numbers; it is the story of a
boy from humble beginnings who became the most celebrated athlete of all time.
His greatness isn’t diminished by comparisons—it is reinforced by them. Modern
players are measured against Pele, and not the other way around, for a reason
In the end, Pele’s legacy is not just about goals or
trophies. It is about how he elevated football, inspiring generations and
leaving an indelible mark on the sport. While debates will rage on, one truth
remains:
The King will always be the King!
Thank You
Faisal Caesar
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