
Pep Guardiola’s Six Greatest Football Players in History
Known for his tactical brilliance and ability to elevate talent, Guardiola’s opinions carry significant weight in the footballing world. In a 2022 interview, he named the six players he believes are the greatest in football history, a list that includes legends who changed the game forever.
Lionel Messi
It’s no surprise that Lionel Messi tops Guardiola’s list. The Argentine superstar flourished under Guardiola at Barcelona, scoring an astonishing 211 goals and providing 94 assists in just 219 matches. Together, they won numerous titles, including the historic 2009 treble. Messi’s technical brilliance, vision, and goal-scoring ability redefined what it means to be an all-time great. His crowning achievement came in 2022, when he captained Argentina to World Cup glory, cementing his place as one of the best to ever grace the game.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo may not have played under Guardiola, but the Portuguese forward’s dominance on the field earned him a spot on the list. Renowned for his athleticism, goal-scoring prowess, and relentless work ethic, Ronaldo became football’s all-time leading scorer. His performances against Guardiola’s Barcelona during El Clasico battles are unforgettable, and his rivalry with Lionel Messi has defined an era in football. Guardiola has often praised Ronaldo’s mentality and achievements, acknowledging him as one of the game’s true legends.
Pele
Brazilian legend Pele is another of Guardiola’s picks. Pele’s influence on the sport is immeasurable. He won three World Cups with Brazil and scored 77 international goals, a record only recently broken by Neymar. Known for his incredible skill, vision, and finishing ability, Pele paved the way for generations of footballers. Guardiola described Pele as a player whose legacy is eternal, likening him to a timeless masterpiece that continues to inspire fans and players alike.
Diego Maradona
Diego Maradona, another Argentine legend, makes the list for his unparalleled creativity and influence on the game. Known for his dazzling dribbling, incredible vision, and ability to single-handedly change matches, Maradona reached the pinnacle of football in 1986 when he led Argentina to a World Cup victory. His exploits at Napoli, where he helped the club achieve unprecedented success, further solidify his place among the greats. Guardiola hailed Maradona as a once-in-a-lifetime talent whose impact on football will never fade.
Johan Cruyff
Johan Cruyff, the pioneer of “Total Football,” is another of Guardiola’s choices. As a player, Cruyff revolutionized the sport with his creativity, intelligence, and technical excellence. A three-time Ballon d’Or winner, he achieved remarkable success with Ajax and Barcelona, winning multiple league titles and European Cups. Cruyff’s influence extended beyond his playing days, as he mentored Guardiola during his early coaching career. Guardiola has often credited Cruyff for shaping his football philosophy and understanding of the game.
Franz Beckenbauer
The only defender on Guardiola’s list, Franz Beckenbauer, known as “The Emperor,” redefined the role of a center-back. His ability to seamlessly transition between defense and attack made him a unique player. Beckenbauer captained Germany to a World Cup victory in 1974 and won two Ballon d’Or awards during his illustrious career. His leadership, tactical intelligence, and versatility earned him three European titles with Bayern Munich and cemented his status as one of football’s greatest players.
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