Differences between Diego Maradona and Pelé
Contents
Maradona vs. Pelé[edit]
The debate over whether Diego Maradona or Pelé was the greater footballer is one of the sport's most enduring discussions. Both South American players are consistently listed among the best of all time, though they played in different eras and had distinct playing styles and career paths. The[1] argument often centers on Pelé's three FIFA World Cup titles with Brazil versus Maradona's singular triumph with Argentina in 1986, a tournament he influenced to a degree rarely seen.
[1][2]== Comparison Table ==[edit]
[3]| FIFA World Cup Wins || 1 (1986) || 3[4] (1958, 1962, 1970) [4][3]| World Cup Goals || 8 goals in 21 matches || 12[5] goals in 14 matches [4][5]| International Goals || 34 goals in 91 matches || 77[5] goals in 92 matches [3][5]| Primary Club(s) || Napoli, Boca Juniors, Barcelona || Santos, New York Cosmos [2]| FIFA Player of the Century || Joint winner (won the public internet poll) || Joint winner (won the "Football Family" committee vote)| Category | Diego Maradona | Pelé |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Diego Armando Maradona | Edson Arantes do Nascimento |
| Nationality | Argentine | Brazilian |
| Playing Position | Attacking Midfielder / Second Striker | Forward / Attacking Midfielder |
Playing Style[edit]
Pelé was a forward known for his prolific goalscoring, athleticism, and ability to use both feet. He scored[1] over 700 official club goals and was the primary offensive threat for his teams. Maradona, operating mainly as a classic number 10, was a playmaker renowned for his dribbling, vision, and passing. While[1] he scored over 300 career goals, his main function was to control the game's tempo and create chances for his teammates.
Club Careers[edit]
Pelé spent the majority of his career with the Brazilian club Santos, from 1956 to 1974. During[2] this time, he won multiple titles, including two Copa Libertadores and two Intercontinental Cups. The Brazilian[4] government declared him a national treasure to prevent his transfer to a European club during his prime.
Maradona's club career was more varied, with his most significant period occurring at Napoli in Italy from 1984 to 1991. He led the club, which had previously been unsuccessful, to two Serie A titles and a UEFA Cup, elevating him to an iconic status in the city of Naples. He also played for clubs in Argentina and Spain, including Boca Juniors and Barcelona.
FIFA Player of the Century Award[edit]
In 2000, FIFA decided to name a Player of the Century. The process resulted in a controversial joint award. Maradona won an internet-based public poll by a large margin. However, many observers felt this format favored younger voters who had seen Maradona play but not Pelé. In response, FIFA created a second poll for a "Football Family" committee, composed of journalists, officials, and coaches, which Pelé won decisively. Ultimately, FIFA named both players as joint winners of the award.
References[edit]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "sportskeeda.com". Retrieved December 26, 2025.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "beinsports.com". Retrieved December 26, 2025.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "wikipedia.org". Retrieved December 26, 2025.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 "goal.com". Retrieved December 26, 2025.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 "khelnow.com". Retrieved December 26, 2025.
