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Topics: Diego Maradona, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi
Jack Kenmare
Topics: Diego Maradona, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi
Diego Maradona snubbed Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi when he gave his take on the 'greatest of all time' debate.
The late Argentine forward, who is widely regarded as one of all-time greats, was memorably named the joint-winner of the FIFA Player of the 20th Century alongside Brazil legend Pele.
Maradona lifted the award based on an internet poll, while Pele won based on votes from FIFA officials, journalists and coaches.
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Almost two decades later and in an interview with TyC Sports, the former Boca Juniors, Barcelona and Napoli striker said another player was "superior" to both himself and Pele.
“I think the best was [Alfredo] Di Stefano,” Maradona said. “He was superior to everyone – even me.
“Pele didn't want to recognise Di Stefano's talents. Pele's friends invented a trophy especially for him for being a living legend of football. I even beat Pele in Rio for being the best in history."
Di Stefano is regarded by many as the best player in Real Madrid's history. He scored 308 goals across an 11-year spell at Los Blancos, where he lifted the Ballon d’Or in 1957 and 1959.
The Buenos Aires-born forward also remains the only player in the world to win the Super Ballon d'Or.
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In the interview, Maradona was asked to name the best shirt he swapped with another player, as well as the teammate he found was the easiest to play alongside.
“The best shirts I swapped were with Gullit and Van Basten when they were at AC Milan,” he said, before adding: “The player who I connected best with was [former Napoli striker] Careca.”
The Argentine went on to estimate how many Ballon d'Or's he could have won if he was playing in the modern era. “I think I'd have quite a few [Ballons d'Or] but what Messi is doing is outstanding," he said.
"I would never like to face Lionel Messi – not ever. The lad comes home, plays football, doesn't sing the national anthem and they say he's Catalan. I don't criticise Messi [like some others do].”
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Maradona added: “I told him [Messi] where he should place his foot [regarding free-kicks], but the rest is all down to him. He has got it down to a tee.”