Top 20 greatest footballers of all time ranked by AI; Cristiano Ronaldo 4th on list
Cristiano Ronaldo is fourth on the list.
One of the biggest debates in football is still who the best player of all time is. There has been constant discussion over the past 20 years about who is better, Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, and how they compare to some of the greatest players from earlier eras.
These debates are so subjective that it could be wiser to let artificial intelligence draw conclusions since it can provide a more dispassionate viewpoint. In light of this, we asked Chat GPT to list the top 20 football players of all time and provide us with specific justifications for each selection. Below is their reaction.
20. Xavi Hernández
What ChatGPT had to say: “Xavi was the metronome of Barcelona’s midfield and a key player in Spain’s golden era, winning the World Cup in 2010 and the European Championship in 2008 and 2012.”
On the ball, Xavi was unquestionably extremely composed. He became the core of an amazing Barcelona team with Messi and Iniesta. “His passing and vision are regarded as some of the best in history,” ChatGPT made it apparent where his skills stand.
19. Zico
Zico was the crown jewel of the wildly entertaining Brazil team that won the 1982 World Cup. Regarding the number 10, ChatGPT is quite complimentary: “Zico, also known as the ‘White Pele,’ was a superb playmaker and a free-kick expert. Even though he never took home a World Cup trophy, he was among Brazil’s top players in the 1970s and 1980s.
Naturally, a lot of people believed that the Brazil team from 1982 ought to have won the World Cup. Paolo Rossi’s iconic hat-trick defeated them. Zico, who demonstrated his abilities by leading Flamengo to a 3-0 victory over Liverpool in the Intercontinental Cup Final, is still fondly remembered by football fans from that era.
18. Bobby Charlton
“A member of England’s 1966 World Cup-winning team, Charlton is one of Manchester United’s greatest ever players, known for his passing, leadership, and long-range shooting,” is how ChatGPT sums up Charlton’s impact.
Charlton was selected to get the Ballon d’Or in 1966, ahead of Franz Beckenbauer and Eusebio. With his hammer-like strike, he will be remembered as one of the best British players ever.
17. Garrincha
“Garrincha was one of the greatest dribblers in football history, known for his flair and creativity,” ChatGPT revealed unequivocally of his status in the game. He played a significant role in Brazil’s success and helped them win two World Cups (1958, 1962).
The fact that Pele sustained an injury during the 1962 World Cup is frequently overlooked. Garrincha’s mesmerizing runs and goal-scoring ability were crucial in filling that void.
Garrincha was a really special player who took use of his apparent physical handicap. When racing with the ball, his crooked legs made him nearly hard to stop.
16. Eusebio
Eusebio was a powerful forward who won many Golden Boots as the tournament’s top scorer awards and garnered other individual honors. He helped Portugal finish third in the 1966 World Cup, according to ChatGPT.
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Eusebio, often known as the Black Pearl, had a significant impact on club and country music. Eusebio played and lost in three more finals, but he was the star of the Benfica club who defeated Real Madrid 5-3 to win the 1962 European Cup.
15. Ferenc Puskas
Without question, one of the greatest of all time is Ferenc Puskas. With Real Madrid, the Hungarian won the European Cup several times. Even though he once scored a hat trick in the final, he still finished on the losing side as Benfica defeated them.
The following is what ChatGPT has to say about the Galloping Major: “The Puskás Award is named in his honor. He was one of the greatest forwards of all time, winning multiple trophies with both Real Madrid and Hungary. His goal-scoring exploits are legendary.”
14. Lev Yashin
“Yashin, who won the Ballon d’Or in 1963 and is frequently considered the best goalkeeper of all time, was well-known for his quick reflexes, ability to stop shots, and leadership between the posts.”
That’s what ChatGPT said about Lev Yashin, the former goalie for the Soviet Union.
Football fans referred to Yashin as the “Black Spider” because of his exceptional athleticism and frequent wearing of an all-black goalkeeping uniform.
13. Marco van Basten
Marco van Basten was an amazing sight in full flow. According to ChatGPT, the Dutchman was a clinical striker who won the Ballon d’Or three times and helped the Netherlands win the European Championship in 1988. He was renowned for his finishing prowess and technical skill.
In Holland’s 2-0 victory over the Soviet Union in the Euro 88 final, Van Basten scored one of the most iconic goals ever with a volley from a tight angle. During his dominating tenure at AC Milan, he was also a deadly striker. Unfortunately, he had to retire at the age of 28 due to an ankle injury.
12. Ronaldinho
Ronaldinho was unbeatable and considered the world’s best player for around two years between 2004 and 2006, as ChatGPT attests: “Ronaldinho’s skill, creativity, and joy for the game made him one of the most entertaining players ever.” He won two La Liga titles and the 2005 Ballon d’Or during his heyday at Barcelona.
Ronaldinho was not merely a sight to behold, but he also played with a smile on his face. The Bernabeu crowd gave him a standing ovation after he scored a spectacular Barcelona goal against Real Madrid.
11. George Best
“Best was a brilliant dribbler with amazing vision and flair,” according to ChatGPT. He won the European Cup in 1968 and received other individual honours during his time with Manchester United.
George Best, a Northern Irishman, won the 1968 Ballon d’Or at the young age of 22. Best, who scored a spectacular goal in Manchester United’s 4-1 victory against Benfica at Wembley in the final, was a driving force behind the team’s run to win the European Cup that same year.
10. Franz Beckenbauer
“A sweeper who transformed the role of the libero, Beckenbauer led Germany to World Cup victories as both a player (1974) and a coach (1990),” according to ChatGPT, acknowledges the impact that the legendary German player has had on the game.
The German, who was always courageous, famously continued to play despite having suffered a shoulder injury in the 1970 World Cup Final. Despite starting with Bayern Munich in the second division, he was a huge figure for his team and guided them to three straight European Cup victories.
9. Alfredo Di Stefano
“A versatile forward and leader, Di Stéfano was central to Real Madrid’s dominance in European football during the 1950s, winning five consecutive European Cups,” says ChatGPT
In the history of the game, winning five consecutive European Cups is still a significant accomplishment. It undoubtedly establishes Di Stefano as a legend. The Argentine, who can both create and score goals, is still a threat at the Bernabeu.
8. Ronaldo Nazario
On Ronaldo, ChatGPT says: “O Fenômeno was one of the most gifted and lethal strikers, with two World Cup wins and multiple individual accolades despite injuries hampering his career.”
Prior to his injuries that threatened his career, Ronaldo looked nearly crippled. In order to zigzag past opponents, he appeared to be able to move the ball in extremely small places. Though he was still a deadly finisher, the stocky striker never fully regained his previous level of speed and agility, particularly when attempting to run with the ball.
7. Michel Platini
Here is what ChaptGPT have to say: “Platini’s elegance and skill as a midfielder helped him win three consecutive Ballon d’Or titles, and he was instrumental in France’s success in the 1980s.”
The victory in Euro 84 formed the foundation of France’s success in the 1980s. During that event, Platini scored an amazing nine goals. He had just as much of an impact on his club. He scored the game-winning penalty for Juventus in the 1985 European Cup final.
Although Platini was one of the greatest football players in the world during the height of his career, his reputation has been damaged by corruption charges since he retired.
6. Zinedine Zidane
On Frenchman Zinedine Zidane, ChatGPT says: “Known for his vision, creativity, and ability to control the game, Zidane was the key player for France in their 1998 World Cup and 2000 European Championship triumphs.”
One could argue that Zidane was even more effective in the 2006 World Cup, as he was the main reason France advanced to the championship game. In that final, he got sent off after slightly blotting his copybook. He still holds a significant position in the game, though.
5. Johan Cruyff
ChatGPT says: “A revolutionary player and thinker, Cruyff’s “Total Football” philosophy, combined with his individual brilliance, changed the way the game is played.”
Cruyff, who was incredibly self-assured and vocal, served as the model for the Dutch total football ideology. The winger scored both of Ajax’s goals in the 1972 final against Inter, and he was a vital member of the team that won three consecutive European Cups.
Cruyff would later transform Barcelona’s style of play as manager, ushering in their most pivotal period under Pep Guardiola.
4. Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo’s summary on ChatGPT is succinct: “One of the most successful and consistent players in football history, Ronaldo’s physical prowess and goal-scoring records are unmatched.”
There is a compelling case to be made that Ronaldo was not as naturally gifted as those players lower in the rankings. However, few could contest Ronaldo’s stats. While playing in England, Spain, Italy, and now Saudi Arabia, he has consistently produced goals and titles in club, continental, and international football.
3. Lionel Messi
ChatGPT says about Lionel Messi: “With eight Ballon d’Or awards, countless records, and his World Cup triumph in 2022, Messi has cemented his place as one of the game’s greatest.”
Given that opponents frequently comment on how Lionel Messi’s skills seem almost extraterrestrial, he may be the greatest naturally talented football player of all time. The Argentine became the face of Pep Guardiola’s legendary Barcelona team and no one has been able to manoeuvre the ball as accurately, swiftly, and fluidly as he did.
2. Diego Maradona
What ChatGPT said: “Known for his magical dribbling and leadership, Maradona led Argentina to the 1986 World Cup, where his performances are legendary.”
Indeed, Maradona was outstanding at the 1986 World Cup. In the season that followed, he was even more impressive, leading an underdog Napoli to the Serie A championship. Despite his injury, he managed to lead Argentina to the World Cup Final once more in 1990. Germany defeated them 1-0 this time. But no one can dispute Maradona’s genius.
1. Pele
What ChapGPT said: “Three-time World Cup winner (1958, 1962 and 1970), with over 1,000 goals scored in his career, Pelé is often seen as the benchmark for greatness.”
Pele was the pivot of the legendary 1970 World Cup-winning team because he was powerful, brave, athletic, and had a knack for scoring goals. Despite suffering an injury during the 0-0 group match against Czechoslovakia, he is frequently given credit for winning the 1962 World Cup. He didn’t participate in the tournament any more. Of course, he was the driving force behind Brazil’s win in the 1958 World Cup Final.
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