Pele or Maradona, who was better? Talking about one is sometimes synonymous with mentioning the other.
Their rivalry, their comparison was inevitable, because they are, without a doubt, two of the greats in the history of football. Perhaps the greatest.
Although they never faced each other on the field of play, they developed their careers in different eras, and there has always been a debate about who has top spot.
Neither they nor their fans agree. For Brazilians, Pele will always be the player of the three World Cups, the one with more than 1,000 goals, their O’Rei”.
However, for the Argentines, Maradona will be forever remembered as the player who led them to glory in Mexico 86, as the one who took the Albiceleste on his back and made them champions.
Passarella defined them as follows: “Maradona was more eye-catching when he played, but Pele was more intelligent”.
Pelé y Maradona
The International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS) named O’Rei as the best player of the last century. Opinions, however, come in all colors.
Beyond the footballing debate, Pele and Maradona never shied from giving their opinions to the microphones. These are some of their most famous phrases.
Pele’s darts at Maradona
“Maradona was a great player, but he didn’t shoot well with his right foot and he didn’t score headers. The only important headed goal he scored was with his hand.”
“My mom has always said I’m better.”
“Maradona is a bad example. He was a great footballer, but unfortunately you have to see what happened to him.”
Maradona’s darts at Pele
(Also referring to Beckenbauer) “These two come out of the museum to talk and say stupid things. They are two morons.”
“Pele took the wrong pill. Instead of taking the sleeping pill, he took the morning one. I suggest that next time he takes the right pills before talking. And that he changes his doctor.”
“Pele played with players who couldn’t even move.”
“Nor should he be blamed: he hasn’t done anything for 20 years. The only place where he can be seen is at awards ceremonies behind the president of FIFA and he looks like a remote-controlled doll.”
And finally, Pele closed the debate with this statement: “Di Stefano was better than me and Maradona.”