U.S. President Donald Trump revealed his soccer GOAT after the 2025 Club World Cup final on Sunday, which he attended alongside First Lady Melania and FIFA chief Gianni Infantino. However, the American president didn’t name Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, instead, he chose Brazilian legend Pele.

Speaking to DAZN during the final, Trump said he had watched Pele during the Brazilian’s stint with the now-defunct New York Cosmos. “Many years ago, when I was young, they brought a player called Pele to play, and he played for a team called the Cosmos. And this place was packed, it was an earlier version of this stadium.”

“I don’t want to date myself, but that was a long time ago, and I was a young guy, so I came to watch Pelé and he was fantastic. So probably I’ll go old-fashioned — that’s like saying Babe Ruth, and say Pele was so great,” he added.

Pele played for the New York Cosmos in the North American Soccer League (NASL), which was the top professional league in the United States and Canada at the time, from 1975 to 1977. He scored 37 goals in 64 appearances.

In that sense, just like Lionel Messi today, Pele was one of the first soccer stars to play in the U.S., helping to change the landscape of the sport in the country. Other big names who played in the U.S. at the time include Franz Beckenbauer and Giorgio Chinaglia.

United States prepare for the upcoming World Cup

In addition to watching the match, the U.S. president also presented the trophy to Chelsea. The Blues were crowned champions after defeating PSG 3–0 in the final at MetLife Stadium, closing a successful (though eventful) first edition of the revamped Club World Cup.

Having hosted this summer’s expanded Club World Cup, the U.S. will now gear up to stage the FIFA World Cup next year. The global competition will return to North America for the first time in 32 years, with Mexico and Canada also serving as co-hosts.

The 66-year-old Italian, who has faced or coached a lot of great players over his storied career, offered a thoughtful and measured response during an interview with CONMEBOL.

“I can’t say definitively because Pele belongs to a different generation. What Pele achieved in his career—on top of the World Cups he won—was something truly special,” Ancelotti explained.

“The others have been spectacular players. Starting with Ronaldo, whom I had the good fortune to coach, to Messi, whom I’ve seen, and all the others,” he continued. “But it’s difficult to choose. Based on what he achieved in his career, I believe Pele deserves first place”.

While Ancelotti didn’t provide an official ranking, his comments made it clear that Pele’s legacy—highlighted by three World Cup titles and his place among the game’s all-time top scorers—sets him apart in the GOAT conversation.

Ancelotti reflects on coaching Ronaldo Nazario

Later in the interview, Ancelotti was shown photos of himself with former Brazilian stars he coached during his time at AC Milan, including Ronaldinho and Ronaldo Nazario.

While he praised Ronaldinho’s technical brilliance, Ancelotti made it clear who he believed was on another level. “Ronaldinho was spectacular because of his talent. In terms of pure talent, ‘Rony’ was one of the greatest. But the greatest is this one—Ronaldo. In every sense, now,” Ancelotti said. “We had a great time together, unfortunately not for very long because he got injured, but I have very fond memories of Ronaldo”.

This isn’t the first time Ancelotti has praised Ronaldo. Upon his arrival in Brazil, the former Real Madrid manager told Globo Esporte that Ronaldo was the most talented player he had ever coached. “Technically, he was spectacular and one of the funniest people in the world,” Ancelotti added.

He also mentioned several other Brazilian players who left an impression on him throughout his career. “The most professional would be Cafu. And the funniest… There are a lot. Eder Militao makes me laugh a lot, and Vinicius Junior as well,” he said.

Over time, the competition became more inclusive, with more teams joining at the end of the century. Starting this edition, 32 teams from 20 different countries will compete, further solidifying its global appeal.

Now, Messi has the chance to achieve a historic milestone in this reimagined intercontinental tournament, organized by FIFA and hosted in the United States. The Argentine icon, shining for Inter Miami and already one of the competition’s most notable figures, stands poised to match a coveted record currently held by Cristiano Ronaldo and Pele.

The Portuguese star and the Brazilian legend top the competition’s all-time scoring chart with seven goals apiece, albeit achieved under different formats. The revamped structure offers at least three matches per team, and up to seven for finalists, presenting a prime opportunity for Messi to add another accolade to his storied career.

Heading into the tournament, Messi has already scored five Club World Cup goals, leaving him just two shy of Ronaldo and Pele’s mark. With three group-stage matches guaranteed, the former Barcelona and PSG forward has a realistic shot at reaching this milestone. While Inter Miami may not be considered a title contender, Messi could still cap off the tournament with a significant individual achievement.

Inter Miami’s path in the group stage

Inter Miami are part of Group A, which includes Al Ahly, Palmeiras, and Porto. The Herons open their campaign against Al Ahly on Saturday, June 14, followed by a showdown with Porto on Thursday, June 19, and a critical match against Palmeiras on Monday, June 23. The group stage promises excitement and fierce competition as Messi leads Miami in pursuit of both team and personal glory.

Other contenders for the record

Uruguayan striker Luis Suárez also enters the competition with five goals in his Club World Cup history, tying him with Messi at the starting line. Following close behind with four goals each are Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid), Pedro (Flamengo), Salem Al-Dawsari (Al-Hilal), and Hussein El Shahat (Al Ahly).

Just weeks ago, Al Somah faced Ronaldo on the pitch, scoring in Al Orubah’s 2-1 victory over Al Nassr. After the match, he shared a personal moment regarding his children’s admiration for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.

“After the game, my biggest concern was getting my kids a picture with Ronaldo,” Al Somah revealed. “Ever since he arrived in Saudi Arabia two years ago, they kept asking me, ‘Dad, when will you play against Ronaldo?’ I didn’t know how to answer because I wasn’t in the league at the time. As soon as I returned, they kept insisting. I finally got to take them to the game, and they were able to see him in person.”

At 35 years old, the Syrian striker recently returned to Saudi Arabia after a stint in Qatar. While he didn’t have a direct conversation with Ronaldo, he made his admiration clear.

“For me, Ronaldo is the greatest player in the world and in football history,” Al Somah stated. “What he has done in football… At 40 years old, he is still scoring goals that 20-year-olds can’t. No one should be offended by this—it’s just my opinion. But Ronaldo is the greatest ever, with all due respect to Pelé, Maradona, Messi, Zidane… He is a complete player. Everything you need in a footballer, you find in Cristiano.”

Ronaldo nearing 1,000 career goals

Cristiano Ronaldo continues his quest for 1,000 career goals, taking another step closer last weekend. The Portuguese star netted his 927th career goal in Al Nassr’s 3-0 AFC Champions League victory over Esteghlal.

The win also secured Al Nassr’s place in the quarterfinals of the competition—one of the club’s top priorities this season. While Ronaldo has already won nearly every major trophy in European football, an AFC Champions League title remains one of the few pieces of silverware missing from his storied career. Even at 40 years old, he remains one of the sport’s most dominant figures.

The career of Omar Al Somah

Omar Al Somah is one of the most prolific strikers in Asian soccer, renowned for his clinical finishing, physical presence, and ability to score from virtually anywhere on the field. The Syrian forward began his professional career with Al Futowa before making a name for himself at Kuwaiti powerhouse Al Qadsia, where his goal-scoring prowess quickly turned heads.

However, his move to Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli in 2014 propelled him to another level. Al Somah became the league’s most dominant scorer, leading Al Ahli to multiple domestic titles, including their first league championship in over three decades in 2016.

On the international stage, he has been a crucial figure for the Syrian national soccer team, playing a key role in their World Cup qualification campaigns. With his consistency and lethal right foot, Al Somah remains one of the most respected forwards in Middle Eastern soccer, leaving a lasting impact on both club and international competition.

During his illustrious career, Márquez spent 11 years playing in Europe, with eight of them at Barcelona (2003-2010), a period during which he cemented his legacy. Known for his defensive prowess and leadership, Márquez’s perspective carries significant weight in the never-ending GOAT debate.

In a 2021 interview with the Spanish show El Chiringuito de Jugones, Márquez was asked to share his thoughts on the greatest player of all time. His response was clear and unequivocal, choosing a legend from an era he never witnessed firsthand.

“The greatest of all time is Pelé, even though I didn’t see him play,” Márquez stated. “But because of everything he won, the way he influenced soccer, and his impact on the game”.

The Brazilian icon, who passed away in December 2022 at the age of 82, remains the only player to win three FIFA World Cups, lifting the trophy in 1958, 1962, and 1970.

Messi or Ronaldinho? Márquez chooses between two Barcelona icons

In addition to the GOAT question, Márquez was asked to pick between two of his most gifted former teammates at Barcelona: Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho.

“Messi is out of this world, but Ronaldinho was magic. He was joy, soccer, and celebration. Just when you thought he’d do one thing, he’d surprise you with something else—it was magical,” Márquez said. “We all know he didn’t always perform to his full potential“.

Márquez on his relationship with Messi

While Márquez played alongside Messi during the historic 2008-09 season, when Barcelona won the sextuple, the Mexican star admitted their relationship was more professional than personal.

“We were never really close friends, to be honest. It was always a good, respectful relationship,” Márquez explained. “We were both quiet in the locker room, but once on the field, we transformed into competitors who were determined to win every game”.

“I am the best soccer player of all time…I’m talking about numbers…I think I’m the most complete player ever. In my opinion, it’s me. I do everything well in soccer: with my head, free kicks, left foot. I’m fast, I’m strong,” stated Cristiano Ronaldo on Los Amigos de Edu. Cristiano Ronaldo claims to be the best soccer player in history, because the statistics are written and confirm it.

Despite his remarkable achievements, Cristiano acknowledges that personal preference plays a role in the debates about the greatest of all time, whether it is Messi, Pele, or Maradona. However, he backs himself, knowing the sacrifices he has made to reach the top claiming to be the most complete soccer player in history

“Who is the player in history who has scored the most goals with his head, left foot, penalties, free kicks? I was checking the other day and, without being left-footed, I am among the top 10 scorers with my left foot in history. And with my head, with my right foot, in penalties? In everything,” stated Cristiano Ronaldo.

With 923 career goals and counting, Cristiano Ronaldo has showcased an unmatched ability to score in a variety of ways. His evolution from a dynamic left winger to a prolific center forward highlights his adaptability and instinct for finding the net.

Does Lionel Messi believe he’s the greatest soccer player of all time?

Unlike Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi said in an interview he gave on 2023 that he prefers not to mention himself as the best player in history because he says that this is not something that interests him: “As I’ve always said, I don’t know if I’m the best in history or not and it’s not something that I ask myself or that interests me.”

Besides, Messi affirmed that for him it is already a privilege to be mentioned among the best players in history: “The fact that it is insinuated or said that I can be among the best, as they say, for me is already a gift.”

Diego Maradona disagreed with Cristiano Ronaldo’s bold statements

This is not the first time Cristiano Ronaldo has declared himself the greatest soccer player of all time. In a 2018 interview with France Football, the Portuguese star asserted that he was the best and most complete player in history. His comments sparked debate, with Argentine legend Diego Maradona openly disagreeing with his claim.

“Everyone is free to say whatever they want. Also nonsense. I don’t believe Cristiano Ronaldo is the best player in history. Not at all. But I respect him for the career he is having, nothing more. From there to talk about the best in history he has a long way to go,” stated Diego Maradona on January of 2018 on Telesur.

Diego Maradona had great respect and admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo, acknowledging his undeniable impact on football. However, he did not consider Ronaldo the greatest player in history.

In that particular interview, Maradona refrained from naming anyone as the best. Yet, in previous statements reported by Argentine media outlet TyC Sports, he claimed there was a player far superior to both Pele and himself: “There was another player as great or greater than Pele and me: Jorge Gonzalez, a phenomenon. He is better because I come from planet earth and he comes from another galaxy”.

Brazilian legend Pele named best player in soccer history

Brazilian legend Pele said in an interview granted to a Colombian channel Citytv in 2010 that he admired Alfredo Di Stefano very much: “I had a lot of respect for Alfredo Di Stefano when I started.” Nevertheless, Pele claimed to be the best player in history.

“Pele won the first trophy with the Brazilian national team at 16, at 17 he played the first World Cup, Pele is the only player of all time to win three World Cups playing four, Pele is the only one to have scored more than 1,200 goals. Those are the facts. I will accept that Pele has been the best in the world,” stated Pele for Citytv on January 17, 2010.

Having shared the field with some of the game’s finest, the Juventus icon remains convinced that despite the incredible achievements of today’s stars, like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, there’s one player who would have been even more complete if he had played in the modern era.

“Pelé with today’s training would be the best in the world because individual quality transcends eras,” Camoranesi said after Argentina’s victory over France in the 2022 World Cup final, speaking on Maestros en la Jugada. “He faced challenges in his time, but a player from the ’60s would also be the best today with modern training and recovery methods”.

Camoranesi weighs in on the Messi vs. Maradona debate

In 2019, during an interview on Argentina’s Club 947 radio show, the Juventus legend addressed the ongoing debate between Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi.

“Maradona or Messi? If I have to choose today, in 2019, I’d say Leo because he’s younger,” Camoranesi explained. “I played against Messi. Did I try to tackle him? I couldn’t get close. He’s a genius, that little guy. He left us all speechless”.

“At the time, people used to call him a ‘phenomenon,’” Camoranesi continued. “He was different, but we never imagined he’d reach this level. His speed, the same quickness that amazed everyone, surprised us too. But what stood out the most was what he could do with the ball at his feet, the sheer pace he maintained while dribbling”.

What does Camoranesi think about Cristiano Ronaldo?

“I never managed to tackle Cristiano, but it was easier to play against him,” Camoranesi said during the same 2019 interview. “When we faced him with the national team, all he did was knock the ball forward and use his stepovers. His game was all about speed. He’d play down the flank, and you just had to keep up with him“.

For Camoranesi, Pelé remains the ultimate player, arguing that with today’s advanced training methods, the Brazilian legend would be unrivaled in the modern game.

Camoranesi’s career in numbers

Across a glittering career, Camoranesi played 602 matches, scoring 86 goals and providing 103 assists. His accolades include five major titles, highlighted by his World Cup triumph against France in Berlin.

The midfielder’s journey took him across clubs such as Aldosivi, Santos Laguna, Montevideo Wanderers, Banfield, Cruz Azul, Hellas Verona, Juventus, Stuttgart, Lanús, and Racing Club between 1994 and 2014.

Camoranesi’s most iconic stint came with Juventus, where he spent eight seasons. During his time in Turin, he played alongside Italian legends and endured the team’s relegation to Serie B after the infamous Calciopoli scandal. Camoranesi helped restore the Vecchia Signora to Serie A, cementing his legacy as one of the club’s greats.

Ronaldinho recently attended a Brooklyn Nets game and took part in a TikTok challenge where he was asked to stay silent until the name of the player he considers the greatest of all time was mentioned. As names like Zinedine Zidane, Neymar, Ronaldo, and Diego Maradona were listed, Ronaldinho remained quiet. However, when he heard the name Pele, he confidently affirmed that the Brazilian legend is the greatest.

However, the Brazilian had stated in 2022 in an interview for Eleven Sports TV that choosing Messi as the best of all time is difficult: “If Messi is the best of all? It’s difficult because there are so many players. I don’t like to compare. There’s Pele, Maradona… Each one was the best in his era…I can’t say Messi is the best in history, but I can say he is the best in his time.”

Ronaldinho does not aim to diminish the legacies of Maradona, Messi, or Cristiano Ronaldo, acknowledging the unique talent each brought to their era. However, his recent statements on TikTok highlight the importance of his roots, as the Brazilian legend declared that Pele is, in his view, the greatest player of all time.

Ronaldinho stands out as one of the most important players in FC Barcelona’s recent history

When Ronaldinho joined FC Barcelona in the 2003/04 season, the club was far from being the dominant force it is today. Barcelona had finished sixth in LaLiga the previous season and had not won the league in five years. However, the Brazilian’s arrival, coupled with Dutchman Frank Rijkaard taking over as head coach, sparked a transformation.

The team finished second in Ronaldinho’s debut season before dominating LaLiga with back-to-back league titles in his second and third campaigns. His transformative impact on the club was undeniable, earning him the FIFA World Player of the Year award twice (2004 and 2005) and the prestigious Ballon d’Or in 2005.

Ronaldinho’s presence revitalized the team, instilling a winning mentality and a refusal to settle for mediocrity. As a mentor, he played alongside a young Lionel Messi, offering guidance and support. Messi would later take up the mantle as the team’s leader, dominating world soccer for decades.

Beckenbauer, who led the German national team to victory at the 1990 FIFA World Cup, has never shied away from singling out Lothar Matthaus as one of the greatest in the history of soccer. Reflecting on his time managing Matthaus, Beckenbauer praised the midfielder as “the perfect soccerplayer”.

Not only is Beckenbauer regarded as the greatest player in German soccer history, but also one of the sport’s most iconic figures globally. A revolutionary talent of his time, Beckenbauer’s qualities were virtually unmatched. Despite this, he didn’t hesitate to place Matthaus alongside him in the soccer elite.

“He has it all. He has perfect ball control, he’s athletic, and he’s intelligent on the field. He belongs in the top five greatest German players of all time,” Beckenbauer added, making it clear that for him, Matthaus is synonymous with perfection.

But despite his glowing praise for Matthaus, Beckenbauer believes that perfection doesn’t necessarily equate to being the greatest of all time. When it comes to choosing the very best, the German legend has someone else in mind.

Beckenbauer’s pick for the greatest player

For Beckenbauer, there’s only one player who stands above all others: Pele. After the tragic news of the Brazilian icon’s passing in 2022, Beckenbauer shared heartfelt words in tribute. “Soccer lost its greatest today, and I lost a unique friend. Soccer will forever be yours. Rest in peace,” Beckenbauer said, reflecting on Pele’s legacy.

The admiration Beckenbauer has for Pele runs deep, so much so that he placed the Brazilian legend above Lionel Messi and all the other greats he has seen throughout his career.

“Messi is the best of his generation, but although they are from different eras and are incomparable, the best of all is Pele,“ Beckenbauer continued. “I played with him in 1977 at the New York Cosmos, and I’ve never seen anyone like him“.

His picks, however, hold historical weight and personal significance. Speaking to Marca, Van Basten explained: “Pele, [Diego] Maradona, and [Johan] Cruyff are, for me, the three greatest players in history. As a kid, I wanted to be like Cruyff. He was my friend, and I miss him. Pele and Maradona were also incredible. Messi is a great player, but Maradona had more personality in a team. Messi is not the one who puts himself at the front to go to war.”

The iconic striker also offered honorable mentions to Cristiano Ronaldo, Michel Platini, and Zinedine Zidane, highlighting a blend of generational talent. Van Basten’s perspective combines personal nostalgia with a recognition of football’s evolving eras.

Marco van Basten’s journey to soccer immortality

Van Basten’s legendary career is a tale of unparalleled achievement and iconic moments that cemented his status as one of the all-time greats. Rising through the ranks at Ajax, Van Basten’s brilliance shone early, as he helped the club secure four Eredivisie titles and three KNVB Cups. His 1985-86 season was a testament to his unmatched talent, scoring 37 goals in 26 matches and earning the European Golden Shoe.

In 1987, he joined AC Milan, embarking on the most defining chapter of his career. Despite early injury setbacks, Van Basten was instrumental in Milan’s dominance under Arrigo Sacchi, capturing three Serie A titles and two European Cups. His brilliance earned him three Ballon d’Or awards (1988, 1989, 1992), an achievement that underscores his standing among football’s elite.

Internationally, Van Basten’s crowning glory came at the 1988 UEFA European Championship. Leading the Netherlands alongside Ruud Gullit and Frank Rijkaard, Van Basten produced one of the most memorable goals in football history during the final against the Soviet Union—a stunning volley from an impossible angle that sealed the Netherlands’ 2-0 victory and their first major trophy.

Though injuries cut his career short at 28, Van Basten’s legacy endures. His blend of grace, technical mastery, and clinical finishing forever redefined the role of a striker, leaving an indelible mark on the beautiful soccer game.

According to Ge Globo, Santos have been in talks with individuals close to Neymar, aiming to convince the 32-year-old to return to the club where he rose to prominence. The breakthrough in negotiations reportedly came through a video created using artificial intelligence, with a message narrated by Pele.

The heartfelt tribute using the voice of the legendary forward, who was an icon at Santos and for the Brazilian national team from the 1950s to the 1970s, is said to have deeply moved Neymar’s father.

Given the uncertainty surrounding Neymar’s future at Al Hilal, the video and its emotional resonance may encourage Neymar to leave the Saudi club early and seek a return to Brazil. However, negotiations are far from straightforward.

Neymar’s massive salary at Al Hilal presents a major obstacle for Santos, as they are unable to match the financial terms offered by the Saudi club. Reports suggest that Santos’ strategy is to pursue a six-month loan deal with Al Hilal, allowing Neymar to spend the remainder of the 2024-25 season in Brazil before reassessing his future next summer.

Santos fans love Neymar

Should Neymar return to Santos, he can expect a warm reception from fans who still hold him in high regard. During his four years at the club, Ney scored 136 goals in 225 appearances, winning six titles and etching his name into the hearts of the Santos faithful.

The club’s supporters recently showed their longing for his return, chanting “Volta pra casa, Neymar” (“Come back home, Neymar”) during a 2-1 win over Mirassol in the Campeonato Paulista on Thursday.

What are Neymar’s options?

While Santos appear to be making the strongest push for Neymar’s return, the forward has other options to consider. The most likely scenario remains Neymar staying at Al Hilal, particularly due to his high salary, although this would likely keep him sidelined for much of the 2024/25 season, as he is only registered to play in the AFC Champions Cup.

Another potential avenue is a move to Major League Soccer. For weeks, reports have linked Neymar to Inter Miami, where he could reunite with former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets. However, the deal would face significant hurdles due to MLS’s salary cap restrictions.

Other MLS clubs, such as the Chicago Fire, have also reportedly shown interest, according to journalist Jeff Carlisle. While nothing is confirmed, it’s clear that Neymar’s next move is approaching, and he will soon need to make a decision about his future.