"Eight Soccer Greats according to Countries"
Post on: April 12, 2019
Many factors determine the greatness of a soccer player. They include unrivalled skills, leadership qualities, being level headed in trying circumstances, number of goals scored, etc. And not forgetting the greatest show on earth – The FIFA World Cup. It is the perfect podium for players to etch an everlasting name for themselves and in the process bringing glory to their nation.
There abound many greats from differing eras who possess such qualities. Hence it would be an uphill task in choosing the greatest each country has produced.
For some countries, it would be a contentious decision in picking the best – e.g. Argentina has produced two geniuses in Maradona and Messi and it’s not easy to pick one from the other. On the other hand, Brazil may have produced many prodigies but the greatest unanimously point to none other than Pele.
The Jolly Good Times attempts to bring the greatest player of each country as best as we could although we acknowledge our pick is debatable — sometimes there is only a thin line between the best and the second best.
1. Brazil — Pele
Synonymous with the phrase, “The Beautiful Game”, Pele is regarded as the greatest player of all time by many sportswriters, personalities and fans alike. He is the only player ever to have won three FIFA World Cup and he holds the record for the most number of goals scored for Brazil. One can keep watching his artistic wizardry… cruising past opponents with his exceptional dribbling skills.
2. Argentina – Maradona
Maradona singlehandedly won the World Cup for Argentina in 1986. A gifted talent, Maradona was given the nickname “The Golden Boy”, a name befitting his prowess in the pitch and a moniker that stuck with him throughout his career. His sheer display of brilliance won him the most coveted FIFA Player of the 20th Century award, alongside Pele.
3. France – Zinedine Zidane
Zidane won the 1998 FIFA World Cup with France, scoring twice in the finals. He had the world at his feet by clinching the Ballon d’Or the same year. He was the embodiment of ball control and technique. Renowned for his elegance of play, he could pass with pinpoint accuracy and rocket a shot with finesse.
4. Germany — Gerd Muller
The striker was affectionately endeared for his prolific goalscoring prowess for club and country. He scored 10 goals in the 1970 FIFA World Cup to clinch the Golden Boot award. In the 1974 World Cup, he was instrumental in Germany’s triumph with his winning goal in the finals. He is regarded as one of the greatest players and goalscorers of all time.
5. England – Bobby Charlton
He won the Ballon d’Or in 1966, the year he lifted the World Cup with England. He is fondly remembered for his ferocious long-range shots and attacking instincts. He remains one of the most decorated English players of all time.
6. Portugal – Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo was already recognized as a phenomenon at aged 10 — a kid who ate, slept and drank soccer. His accolades knows no bounds – he has won five Ballon d’Or awards and was the first player to win four European Golden Shoe awards. In 2015, the Portuguese Football Federation named him the “best Portuguese player of all time.”
7. Ivory Coast — Didier Drogba
Drogba is the former captain and all-time top scorer for the Ivory Coast. This decorated footballer was named African Footballer of the Year in 2006 and 2009. He is synonymous with Chelsea – his signing fee was $24 million, making him the most expensive Ivory Coast player in its history.
8. South Korea – Park Ji Sung
He is arguably the most successful South Korean player who has played in Europe. His accolades include: the first Asian footballer to have won the UEFA Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup. He gave 100 per cent on the pitch and was noted for his exceptional fitness level, earning the moniker, “Three-Lungs” Park—a player truly worth his salt.
“Great men are not born great, they grow great….” Every fan has his own view on which player deserves to be in the cream of the crop list; however, most would agree that these titans have unwaveringly made an indelible mark in football and in our hearts.
By Shaji Thomas Varughese
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