Who Is the Best Footballer Ever? Messi Tops All-Time List

By Emma Wilson · November 7, 2026

When it comes to the question of who is the best footballer ever, Lionel Messi is widely regarded as the greatest of all time (GOAT) based on statistical dominance, longevity, skill, and accolades.

The Case for Lionel Messi

Messi's claim to the title of the best footballer in history rests on an unmatched combination of individual brilliance, team success, and sustained excellence over nearly two decades at the highest level.

Key Reasons Why Messi Is Considered the GOAT

Most Ballon d'Or awards: 8 wins (as of 2024)
All-time top scorer in La Liga and for a single club (Barcelona)
Only player to win FIFA World Player of the Year, Ballon d'Or, and The Best FIFA Men's Player multiple times
Scored over 800 career goals for club and country
Won the FIFA World Cup with Argentina in 2022, completing his legacy
Exceptional assist numbers—over 300 career assists

Comparison With Other Legendary Footballers

While Messi stands at the pinnacle, several other players are frequently mentioned in the GOAT conversation. These include Cristiano Ronaldo, Pelé, Diego Maradona, and Johan Cruyff. Each brought unique qualities to the game, but only Messi combines peak performance with consistency across all metrics.

Player	Ballon d'Or Wins	Career Goals	Career Assists	Major Club Trophies	International Titles
Lionel Messi	8	824	357	35+	FIFA World Cup (2022), Copa América (2021)
Cristiano Ronaldo	5	880	235	32+	UEFA Euro (2016), UEFA Nations League (2019)
Pelé	None (award started in 1956; he won unofficial ones)	757 (recognized by FIFA)	Not available	Multiple Brazilian league titles	3x FIFA World Cup (1958, 1962, 1970)
Diego Maradona	1 (1986)	396	Not fully recorded	Serie A (Napoli x2)	FIFA World Cup (1986)
Johan Cruyff	3	392	Not fully recorded	La Liga, UEFA Cup Winners' Cup	None

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The data shows that Messi leads in Ballon d'Or wins and ranks among the top in both goals and assists. His trophy count includes multiple UEFA Champions League titles, domestic leagues, and cups across Spain, France, and the United States. Most importantly, he achieved the rare feat of winning the World Cup late in his career, solidifying global recognition.

Ronaldo has more total goals, but fewer assists and major individual awards compared to Messi. Pelé’s World Cup record is unmatched, but his club career lacked the global exposure and competitive balance seen in modern football. Maradona and Cruyff were transformative figures, but their statistical footprint and long-term consistency don't match Messi’s.

Factors That Define the Greatest Footballer

Determining the best player ever involves evaluating multiple dimensions:

Individual Skill: Dribbling, vision, passing, finishing, free-kick ability
Consistency: Performance level maintained over many seasons
Trophies Won: Club and international success
Impact on the Game: Influence on tactics, future generations, and global popularity
Adaptability: Success across different leagues, teams, and eras

Messi excels in all these areas. His low center of gravity, close ball control, and playmaking intelligence set him apart. Unlike purely goal-focused players, Messi functions as both a scorer and creator, making him more versatile than most legends.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Footballer Ever

Who is considered the greatest football player of all time in 2025?

As of 2025, Lionel Messi is widely recognized as the greatest football player of all time due to his record eight Ballon d'Or awards, over 800 career goals, 35+ major trophies, and leading Argentina to victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

How does Cristiano Ronaldo compare to Messi in the GOAT debate?

Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the greatest players ever, with over 880 goals and five Ballon d'Or wins. However, Messi edges ahead in key areas like assists, overall playmaking, Ballon d'Or count, and peer voting. Messi also won the World Cup, which many consider the ultimate achievement.

Did Pelé ever win the Ballon d'Or?

No, Pelé never officially won the Ballon d'Or because the award was restricted to European players until 1995. Although he dominated world football in the 1950s and 1960s and won three World Cups, he was not eligible during his prime years.

Why do some people still say Maradona was better than Messi?

Many fans revere Diego Maradona for his 1986 World Cup performance, particularly his "Hand of God" and "Goal of the Century" against England. His charisma, rebellious image, and success with Napoli in Italy also contribute to his legendary status. However, statistically and in terms of longevity, Messi surpasses Maradona.

Has any player won more trophies than Messi?

Messi has won over 35 major trophies in his career, including 10 La Liga titles, 4 UEFA Champions League titles, and international honors like the World Cup and Copa América. While some players may have higher counts in specific leagues, no one matches Messi’s combination of elite-level trophies across club and country on the world stage.