Who is the Soccer GOAT?

Question

Now that millions of people have seen the FIFA Men's World Cup 2026, there is a lot of discussion of who is the greatest soccer player of all time.

Who do you think is the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time)?

Please vote in the poll, and explain your choice if you want.

Note: The players in this question are considered great, but there are thousands who have played the game at a high level. These players are shown with the country they play for internationally, though they may also play, or have played, with professional teams in other countries. For example, among others, Pele played for New York Cosmos in the United States, Messi played for Barcelona in Spain and Miami in the United States, and Ronaldo and Mbappe each played for Real Madrid in Spain.

NathanDavis · Accepted Answer

Pelé is a historic figure, I never saw him play... I know there are some highlights of him but these were from the times in which the game was very different, and mostly amateurish as well... it's always mentioned about how he scored 1000 goals or more

but most of these games were local and scoring was not as impressive, really... other than that he is for sure the figure of World Cups

so, I would say that Messi is the other historic figure who has done more, and different and multiple levels as well, but more than that... he has had to compete all of his life with another great players all over the place, and constantly as well

Pelé was great yes... but he had many and plenty of other greats in his team, and virtually no rivals to compete at the same level

now Messi... he also had great teammates but the rivals were brutally competitive against him and not only competed but also defeated him and his team many times, and he still came on top in many ways, that... makes him different to other greats

DryGermanGuy · Accepted Answer

The one and only Franz Beckenbauer!

SaoirseS · Accepted Answer

I’m not a sports enthusiast at all. The only name in soccer I’d ever heard of was Pelé until this year when Messi was all over the news. That makes a total of two I’ve ever heard of. For sports info I defer to my sports nut husband.

purplepoppy · Accepted Answer

Doubt I'm the only one disappointed this isn't about actual goats  So I'm going for Fred Best.

Athletic Chloe · Accepted Answer

For me, it’s Lionel Messi 🐐⚽

His complete game makes the difference: vision, passing, dribbling, finishing, playmaking, and decision-making under pressure. World Cup, Copa América, Champions Leagues, Ballons d’Or, insane stats, and longevity at the top.

Pele and Maradona were magical, Ronaldo is a machine, Mbappé is the future, but Messi’s blend of artistry, consistency, and titles puts him slightly above the rest.

OneViewpoint · Answer

Where's David Beckham in this discussion? Like any goat argument it can never be settled. Different eras, different opponents, rule changes, officiating, injuries, etc. I think the real question / honor is being included in the conversation. The people at the top of the game in their era against the opponents of the day.

browsingthroughthe · Answer

Someone Else  Is always better than Someone. 😜

choco-latte · Answer

It’s between Pele and Messi for me, but Cristiano Ronaldo is definitely fair debate too.

Just_Ken · Answer

Who is the goat striker?  Ronaldo is in my opinion.

Jersey2 · Answer

Pele.  It has been 60 years and we still know his name. GOAT.

TonyMetal___1986 · Answer

Pele was a legend and the others are great too but they are recent, they can't be compared... There are a lot more...

KostasKouvalis · Answer

The current generation doesn't know how great PELE actually was

strateguy632 · Answer

But argentina and the others lost.

Paige2006 · Answer

Pele

Who is the Soccer GOAT?

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Who is the GOAT?

Who is the Soccer GOAT?

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Who is the GOAT?

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