Messi, Pele, or Maradona? Legendary coach Carlo Ancelotti names his pick for the greatest

After more than 50 years in soccer, legendary coach Carlo Ancelotti chose the best player in history between Lionel Messi, Pele, and Diego Maradona.

The debate over who holds the title of greatest soccer player of all time has fueled passionate discussion for generations. Now, legendary coach Carlo Ancelotti—one of the most respected figures in the sport—has weighed in on the timeless question: Lionel Messi, Pelé, or Diego Maradona?

Ancelotti, now 66, brings nearly five decades of experience to the conversation. He began his career as a player with Parma in 1976 and went on to build a storied legacy as a coach. Over that span, he has faced, coached, and witnessed some of the game’s most iconic talents—but only a rare few belong in the conversation for the greatest ever.

Speaking with CONMEBOL, Ancelotti was asked to compare Pelé, whom he watched play; Maradona, whom he faced as a player and coach; Messi, whom he’s observed extensively; and Ronaldo Nazário, whom he coached: “I can’t say definitively because Pelé belongs to a different generation. What Pelé achieved in his career—on top of the World Cups he won—was something truly special.”

Despite the difficulty of comparing across eras, Ancelotti ultimately made his choice. “The others have been spectacular players. Starting with Ronaldo (Nazario), whom I had the good fortune to coach, to Messi, whom I’ve seen, and all the others. But it’s difficult to choose. Based on what he achieved in his career, I believe Pelé deserves first place,” said the Italian boss.

While Ancelotti stopped short of naming a personal top four, he pointed to Pelé’s unmatched resume—three World Cup titles and a place among the top scorers in history—as the deciding factor in his selection.

Ronaldo: The greatest talent Ancelotti ever coached

Across his decades-long career, Ancelotti has built a trove of memories—both as a decorated player and an elite coach. While he’s closely associated with Real Madrid in recent years, AC Milan remains one of the clubs dearest to him, having worn its colors both on the field and on the sidelines.

When shown photos from his time managing Milan, Ancelotti didn’t hesitate to highlight the most gifted player he coached. “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 joked. “We had a great time together, unfortunately not for very long because he got injured, but I have very fond memories of Ronaldo.”

Known for his breathtaking skill and explosive pace, Ronaldo’s brilliance was often interrupted by serious knee injuries. Still, even with a shortened prime, his impact on the sport was undeniable—and unforgettable, in Ancelotti’s eyes.