Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp once snubbed Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo while naming the greatest footballer of all time. The German tactician hinted that Brazilian legend Pele is the greatest player in the history of the sport.
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo stood out with their incredible performances and achievements with club and country, establishing a fierce rivalry that will remain in memories for years to come.
Given their intense competition, it is simply normal that the duo split the opinion of football lovers, with many notable figures jumping on the debate over the years. Jurgen Klopp also revealed his stance in this eternal debate.
During a Q&A session with LFCTV back in December 2018, the former Liverpool manager picked Lionel Messi over Cristiano Ronaldo.
“I have only one selfie on my smartphone,” he said. “That’s with Messi. Cristiano was in the room as well…”
However, when it came down to naming the greatest player the sport has seen in its long and illustrious history, the German hinted at Pele while recalling meeting the Brazilian on punditry duty at the 2006 World Cup.
“My father always told me, whatever people say in the future, Pele was the best,” he said. “I met him actually, when I was a pundit at the World Cup in 2006. I’m not the type of guy who gets nervous but I was sweating like crazy in that moment.”
Jurgen Klopp is yet to return to management after parting ways with Liverpool at the end of the 2023-24 campaign. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, meanwhile, ply their trade for Inter Miami and Al-Nassry, respectively.
Lionel Messi beats Cristiano Ronaldo, Pele and others to be named football’s GOAT
Madrid-based newspaper Marca unveiled their list of the greatest footballers earlier this week. Lionel Messi emerged as the undisputed champion.
The Argentine beat competition from Cristiano Ronaldo, who came second to claim the accolade while Pele ended up in the third spot. Meanwhile, former Real Madrid striker Alfredo Di Stefano ranked fourth, Argentine great Diego Maradona came fifth while Dutch icon Johan Cruyff completed the six-man list.
The publication explained that Messi is recognized as the GOAT because he has won more than anyone on the list. The Argentine currently holds the record for the most trophies (46), most Ballon d’Or awards (8), most FIFA Men’s Best Player of the Year award (7), and most World Cup Golden Boots (2), to mention just a few.
