General Chat / Pele vs. Maradona

So, after seeing there is a good bit of soccer/football interest on the NE forums, I thought I'd throw this out there.

Who do you think was the best footballer to ever play the game? Pele, Maradona, or someone else? Please post who you think, and why.

Personally, I'd say Maradona. While his career was marred with drug usage, the "Hand of God" goal, and other scandals and such, I still he think on the basis of skill and value alone he was the best player ever.

hmmm although its extremley argueable, beckenbauer. he revelutionized defense and basically the way you play the game.

This says enough. And he played for Napoli, my favourite Italian team. So yeah Maradona.

Yeah...Maradona, but only if we're talking about soccer skills, because as a person...well I don't like him...he has s#it in his head...
He was born the same day than me, but 50 years ago...October 30th.
By the way...about the "Hand of God" goal...I think that it was fair, because Maradona had been hitted a lot of times by the other players, in the semifinals and in that match, of the World Cup of that year, and I don't say this because I'm argentinian.

Edited by RCFanB&M, 10 June 2006 - 09:00 PM.

The Hand of God goal is very overplayed IMO. The reality of it is that refs often miss calls, and players often purposely take advantage of this. IMO if it were anyone but Maradona who had comitted the goal, it would just be like any other goal, but since it was Maradona people instantly tried to connect the goal to Maradona's questionable lifestyle outside of soccer. I think Pele would win no question if we considered him as a person as well though, since he has put a lot of wealth and effort into assuring that others prosper from his success and infamy.

I'd say Pele, because he wasn't a fat bastard or a cheat. Plus everyone loves Pele.

-X-

between thos 2 i can't choose...

But why isn't Marco v. Basten or Johan Cruijf not in the list???

Umm....because they're usually not considered to be in the same league as Maradona and Pele. Sure, Cruyff has some claims to excellence, and Basten was a quality player hisself, but they can't rival Pele or Maradona when it comes to how much of an asset they were to their team, at least in my opinion. And, I said you could say someone else as well, it's not restricted to only the 2 of them.

Edited by eman, 12 June 2006 - 12:12 AM.

What's in a name?

Georgy Best!!!

-X-

George Best - never got to a world cup

Paul Gascoigne (GAZZA) - didn't reach his full potential but one of the most naturally gifted players ever.

Maradona - won a world cup single-handedly. 'nuff said

Socrates - did everything a footballer shouldnt to the extreme and was still brilliant.

Pele - Obviously. The first true professional

Garrincha - The last true ammateur

Eusebio - awesome. just awesome.

...I could just keep listing and listing. Theres far too many great players. And then theres all the greats that we'll never really get to see at their best such as Puskas.

Edited by Pattern Against User, 15 June 2006 - 05:31 PM.

For the Simpsons fans out there, this is slightly relevant:

Lisa: "Hey look! It's Pele!"

Pele "Pele is king of the soccer field. To be king of your kitchen, use Crestfield wax paper." (Pele is handed a bag of money and walks off. The match between Mexico and Portugal starts, and the crowd cheers. The Mexican team kicks off, and pass it between them, again and again... and again... The crowd becomes quiet.)

Homer: "Boring!"

Krusty: "Come on, you schnorrers, do something!"

Kent Brockman: "(in a commentary booth, bored) Half back passes to the center, back to the wing, back to the center. Center holds it. Holds it. Holds it..."

Mexican Commentator: "(excitedly) Half back passes to center, back to wing, back to center! Center holds it! Holds it! Holds it!!"

Video of this clip

Edited by ride_exchanger, 15 June 2006 - 10:15 PM.

Yeah, that was a pretty good one.

Back when Simpsons was still relatively fresh and original and hilarious.

Pele as he was decent enough to advertise viagra!

Maradona was awsome but like gazza his private life got in the way.

Zidane, Sukar, Hagi, Stoichkov, Zoff, Platini, Weah.

Could go on and on.

But Pele between the topics two.

Edited by Nic, 19 June 2006 - 10:10 AM.

Maradona. I don't even know why there is debate over this. Pele never even played in Europe.

Maradona. I don't even know why there is debate over this. Pele never even played in Europe.

And therefore he's shit?

What a ridiculous statement.

I'd say Beckenbauer.

And therefore he's shit?

What a ridiculous statement.

I'd say Beckenbauer.

No he was incredible no doubt, and on the World Stage sensational, but he is unproven over seasons, rather than a few matches, against strong European teams.

I wonder, did Pele ever flying knee opposing goalies?

http://youtube.com/w...earch=maradonna

That's the Maradona we know and love.