The Federation of Football History and Statistics has published its ranking of the best footballers in history, with the Argentinian leading the way as the player who has accumulated the most titles during his career

Full article

Messi, undisputed king according to IFFHS: the best player in history?

The eternal football question seems to have a clear answer for the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS). In its latest ranking of the greatest players of all time, Lionel Messi has conquered the top spot, leaving legends such as Pelé and Maradona in second and third place, respectively. And, as could not be otherwise, it did not take long for controversy to erupt in all corners of the footballing world.

This list has been constructed on an objective basis: the individual and collective statistics of each player. Messi, who has worn the jerseys of Barcelona, PSG, Inter Miami and the Argentine national team, has accumulated no less than 46 official titles at club and national team level, an absolute record in the history of football. In addition, the Argentinian has won eight Ballon d'Or awards, an accolade that few can match. His trophy haul includes 35 trophies with Barça, three with PSG, two with Inter Miami and six with Argentina, in all categories.

Brazil's Pelé, known as ‘O Rei’, ranks second and is the player who has won the most World Cups (three: 1958, 1962 and 1970). His legacy remains a reference in world football. In third place comes Diego Maradona, whose mythical figure is sustained by his conquest of the 1986 World Cup and a runner-up finish in 1990, in addition to his impact at clubs such as Napoli and Boca Juniors.

However, not everyone was happy with the qualification. Cristiano Ronaldo's presence in fourth place has generated debate, especially as, despite being the top official scorer with 935 goals to date, he has failed to lift a World Cup. However, his successes with Real Madrid and Euro 2016 with Portugal are undeniable and form part of his impressive legacy.

A curious fact about this list is the total absence of Spanish players in the top ten. On the other hand, three Argentinians (Messi, Maradona and Alfredo Di Stéfano, included here as an Argentine) and three Brazilians (Pelé, Ronaldo Nazario and Ronaldinho) stand out, showing a clear South American dominance in the history of football.

The argument over who is the greatest player of all time is as old as the sport itself. For many, these lists are just numbers and titles, while for others ‘genius’ is measured by the talent, influence and passion that each player arouses. What is clear is that the debate will rage on and that the likes of Messi, Pelé, Maradona and Cristiano will continue to feature in bar chats, forums and chat shows for decades to come.

What no one can deny is that Messi has left an indelible mark on the history of football and that, according to the IFFHS, he is the most complete and successful player to have ever walked the field. Time will continue to add arguments for and against, but in the meantime, the debate only enriches this sport that moves the masses.