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Fabio Capello ranks Pelé, Maradona, and Messi as football’s greatest, sparking debate, dismissing Cristiano Ronaldo as a scorer, not a “genius” like the top trio.
Former England and Real Madrid manager Fabio Capello has shared his definitive ranking of the greatest footballers ever, igniting passionate reactions from fans.
The Italian coaching legend, known for his tactical brilliance and illustrious career across Europe’s top clubs, has placed Brazilian icon Pele, Argentine genius Diego Maradona, and modern maestro Lionel Messi at the pinnacle of football history, sparking fresh debate about what defines true greatness.
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Capello’s selection celebrates players who redefined the game with their creativity and unpredictability.
Pelé, a three-time World Cup winner, mesmerised with his flair and goal-scoring prowess. Maradona’s dazzling dribbles and iconic moments, like the “Hand of God,” cemented his legend.
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Messi, with his unmatched vision and record-breaking career, continues to captivate. Close behind, Capello named Brazilian striker Ronaldo Nazário, “O Fenômeno,” whose explosive talent shone despite injury setbacks.
Deepening his perspective during a riveting conversation with Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand, Capello explained, “My score is Pele, I played against him once, Maradona, Messi. And Ronaldo (Brazilian) just behind, just,” he stated in a video shared on X.
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“No Cristiano. Cristiano is good player but not this level. He scores goals but these three players, they have extra imagination. They make something that you can’t understand.”
Capello’s distinction between prolific scorers and “geniuses” has stirred controversy, particularly among fans of Cristiano Ronaldo.
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At 40, the Portuguese star continues to defy age, scoring hat-tricks and free-kicks, with five Ballon d’Or awards and a record goal tally at Real Madrid.
Yet, Capello argues that Ronaldo’s brilliance, while exceptional, lacks the intangible magic of his top trio.
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Social media has erupted with reactions. One X user posted, “Showing a video of someone saying R9 is better than him doesn’t prove anything. Most professionals will tell you he’s better and greater.”
Another stated, “The bias is crazy, a player that went head to head every year with Messi beat him 5x. If Messi didn’t exist Ronaldo would be definitely regarded as the greatest ever player. When you deep he probably could have had 8+ ballon dor , 7+ ucl and many many more.”
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The debate shows the subjective nature of greatness, with Capello’s voice adding a compelling perspective.
While football fans continue to argue over the sport’s ultimate icon, Capello’s rankings remind us that greatness transcends stats, it’s about moments that leave the world in awe.
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Whether it’s Pele’s elegance, Maradona’s audacity, or Messi’s wizardry, these legends continue to inspire, proving football’s magic endures.
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