The Argentine legend had no doubts about being the best player to play the beautiful game.
For some, Diego Maradona is the greatest footballer the sport has ever seen; most agree that he is certainly among the best. But the Argentine legend, who died in 2020, did not consider himself the best ever, despite not being known for a lack of pleasure in his own abilities. In 2019, when he was coaching at Gimnasia, he was asked who the best player of all time was and he had this to say.
According to Maradona, the best player in history
“I think it was for the best [Alfredo] Di Stéfano, he was superior to everyone, even me. Pelé did not want to recognize Di Stéfano's talents. Pelé's friends created a trophy especially for him because he was a living football legend. I even beat Pele in Rio because he was the best in history.”
Maradona then went on to answer other questions…
The best shirt you traded with another player
“The best shirts I exchanged were with Gullit and Van Basten when they were at AC Milan. The player I had the best contact with was [former Napoli player] Careca”.
How many Ballons d'Or would you have today?
“I think I've had quite a few, but what Messi has achieved is outstanding.”
Free kicks from Messi
“I told him where to put his foot, but the rest is up to him. He has it down to the last detail. I would never want to face Messi, never. I don't criticize Messi, the boy comes home, plays, doesn't sign the anthem and they say he is Catalan. I am a friend of Leo.”
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