At 87 years old, Pope Francis has named his top three soccer players of all time, reflecting his lifelong passion for the sport. The pontiff, an ardent supporter of Argentina’s national team and his favorite club, San Lorenzo de Almagro, selected two Argentine legends—Diego Armando Maradona and Lionel Messi—as well as Brazilian icon Pelé.
Pope Francis expressed mixed feelings about Maradona, acknowledging his extraordinary talent but also his personal struggles. “Maradona was great as a player, but as a man, he failed,” the Pope said, noting that Maradona, who led Argentina to World Cup victory in 1986, was surrounded by admirers who did not provide him with the support he needed.
Regarding Messi, the Pope praised him as a model of professionalism and character, describing him as “incredibly proper” and “a gentleman.” On Pelé, Francis was particularly effusive, stating, “Pelé was the greatest gentleman of them all.” He recalled a conversation with Pelé on a plane in Buenos Aires, highlighting the Brazilian’s warmth and humanity.
The Pope concluded by celebrating all three players for their unique contributions to the sport. “All three are remarkable, each with their own unique qualities,” he said.
In related news, David Beckham recently shared his own list of top soccer players during a visit to Mexico City in 2023. Beckham’s list included legends from both past and present, though he admitted it is challenging to name the greatest of all time, noting the achievements of Pelé, Maradona, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Messi.
You Might Be Interested In:
