Vivek Shukla
Former Chief Information Officer
UAE Embassy, New Delhi
During the FIFA World Cup the question always arises that who is the real king of football? This time the same debate is in full swing in the 2026 World Cup. The entire history of football is full of comparisons of great players. Brazil’s Pelé and Argentina’s Diego Maradona are often considered the greatest of all time. Both were true big match warriors, who single-handedly won the title for their team on the biggest stage like the World Cup.
Now Lionel Messi and France’s Kylian Mbappe are continuously doing wonders. Seeing the performance of these two in this 2026 World Cup, it seems that now should they also be kept in the category of Pele-Maradona or not? Messi has proved himself by winning the World Cup in 2022. If Mbappe wins 2026, his claim will become stronger.
Pele is called the king of football. He led Brazil to World Cup wins in 1958, 1962 and 1970. This achievement is unique even today. No other player could win three World Cups. In 1958, at the age of just 17, he won the World Cup and scored two goals in the final. Overall played 14 matches in four World Cups and scored 12 goals. Football is not just about hitting long shots.
The real big player is the one who is expert in dribbling, whom the spectators come to the stadium to see. Pele was amazing at it. Both his legs were moving and his heading was also excellent. Scored 77 goals in 92 games in international matches. Won many titles for Santos at the club. He popularized football all over the world.
Diego Maradona was the real hero of the 1986 World Cup. His right foot was average, his heading was also average, but his left foot? That was magic! Once the ball hits his left foot, it is impossible to stop it. The control over the ball, the art of outwitting the opponent, will never be seen again. He was visible everywhere in the field. Pele’s dribbling was also excellent, but Maradona is considered a little above him. Also master in free kick. His impact on the team was amazing.
He led Argentina to the title. The ‘Hand of God’ goal against England in the quarter-finals and the ‘Goal of the Century’ scored by running alone from midfield are still remembered. 5 goals and 5 assists in 1986 – the only player to do so in a World Cup. 34 goals in 91 international matches. 21 matches, 8 goals in four World Cups. During his time at the club, he led Napoli to two Serie A titles, which was Italy’s biggest achievement at the time. His magic was in dribbling and vision.
Many people have already considered Messi as the greatest of all time. He has scored more than 900 goals now. Made Argentina the World Cup champion in 2022. Now at the age of 38, he is doing wonders in the 2026 World Cup. Has scored 6 goals including a hat-trick in the group stage. Messi’s game is calm but deadly. His passing, free kicks and finishing are unmatched.
Mbappe is the fastest and most lethal attacker in football. His speed is amazing. Moving quickly by dodging the defense is their biggest weapon. Adept at accurate shots, heading and finishing with his left foot. Score goals and give momentum to the entire team. Confidence and cool mind make him a player in big matches. In 2018, at the age of 19, he led France to the title and won the Young Player Award. Scored 8 goals in 2022. Has scored 6 goals so far in the 2026 World Cup. Among the top scorers of the tournament.
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