FabSwingers.com forum: Greatest Footballer Ever

By *ensuallover1000 OP Man
over a year ago

Somewhere In The Ether…

Nice and simple; Who do you rate as the greatest ever and why?

Off you go folks

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Georgie Best. No reason needed

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *iamondsmiles.Woman
over a year ago

little house on the praire

george best

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *appytrailmanMan
over a year ago

Manchester

After my teams result on Saturday I would say Danny Mayor but if I was being 100% serious I would have to say the Brazillian Ronaldo just a pure genius when it came down to it.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *iamondsmiles.Woman
over a year ago

little house on the praire

"Georgie Best. No reason needed "
snap

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Any of them who doesn't, when tackled, go down writhing in pain,like he's been shot by a sniper.

Man the fuck up guys

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Out of the players I have actually seen play Lionel Messi without a doubt if I'm going off the clubs I support, Gazza - Newcastle and Henrik Larrsson - Celtic

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *wo4FemCouple
over a year ago

Birmingham

Pele

Mr2

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Seeing Ronaldinho work his magic at the Camp Nou was unforgettable

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ilth500Man
over a year ago

Merseyside

Pele

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I'd say it's between Messi, Pele & Maradona.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *herealdavidjonesMan
over a year ago

Bedfordshire

Matt le Tiss for sheer talent in his boots, pin point accurate with a pass and the greatest goals I have ever witnessed.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Ronaldo! Still playing at the highest level, can run, pass, shoot, head, and assist others. Carried his national team for years, and only him and Messi ha e the consistency to be called truly world class

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Gordon Banks. Shout out for the goalies

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

My top 5:

1. Pele

2. Messi

3. Ronaldo (Portuguese)

4. Ronaldo (Brazilian)

5. Henrik Larson

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ickeyandmouseCouple
over a year ago

nr Alicante

Zinedine Zidane

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *riendsForFun69Couple
over a year ago

Southwick

Personally I have never seen as a complete football as Gazza. Others mentioned here were before my time, apart from Messi and Ronaldo who I rarely have actually watched.

However, with regards to this question, whenever some of the greatest footballers ever are asked this, they go into long debates and list the merits of each great footballer of the past etc, and general settle on either Maradonna or Pele etc, and generally come to the decision that it’s too hard to decide.

That is all apart from Pele himself, who when asked this question will answer straight away and without hesitation.... “George Best”

I think that speaks volumes....

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Lionel Messi

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *loswingersCouple
over a year ago

Gloucester

I’m gonna go for George Best from the past and Christiano Ronaldo modern day . And Eric Cantona from inbetween

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

The legend that is.. Alan shearer

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *aked_magicMan
over a year ago

the gutter looking at the stars (UAE)

The one and only John Charles - first British player to sign for a foreign club

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"The legend that is.. Alan shearer

he isn't even the greatest Geordie player

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Stanley matthews

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *itty9899Man
over a year ago

Craggy Island

Edson Arantes do Nascimento, known as Pelé, is a Brazilian retired professional footballer who played as a forward. He is regarded by many in the sport, including football writers, players, and fans, as the greatest player of all time.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Jinky Johnston of Celtic.

Wizard on the ball in the days when players were kicked all over the park.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *itbit!Man
over a year ago

Bridgend

Diego Maradonna

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Zinedine Zidane"

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Zinedine Zidane

Magician

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *emini ManMan
over a year ago

There and to the left a bit

Not sure it's possible to pick a greatest ever footballer given different positions call for different abilities - whilst the likes of Pele, Maradona, Best, Cruyff and even Puskas are regularly mentioned - could any of them make a slide tackle like Moore or Beckenbauer or pull off a save like Banks, Jennings or Yashin?

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Johan Cryuff : his philosophy, values and execution of technique, skills and tactics as a player and coach; was instrumental in the Ajax and Barcelona academies.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Johan Cryuff : his philosophy, values and execution of technique, skills and tactics as a player and coach; was instrumental in the Ajax and Barcelona academies. "

Derek Dougan once said that Cryuff was born on earth, and George Best was made in heaven.

It's an impossible question to answer, but having witnessed his genius in the sixties I'd have to say my choice is George Best, without a doubt.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Messi/Ronaldo can’t separate them. No football player has been so good for so long as them.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *emini ManMan
over a year ago

There and to the left a bit

"Messi/Ronaldo can’t separate them. No football player has been so good for so long as them. "

Pele had a longer career than both and achieved more.

650 goals in 694 league matches is unparalleled

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I’m gonna go for George Best from the past and Christiano Ronaldo modern day . And Eric Cantona from inbetween

Ooooooo aaaaaaaahhhh cantonaaaaa

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

as a goalkeeper going say oliver kahn or peter schemeichel

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Ronaldinho...

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *crumdiddlyumptiousMan
over a year ago

Pele played in a era when the standard of players 11 vs 11 wasn't at its best, A few stand out players and some just making up the numbers especially the gk's, Apart from the World cup didn't test himself in Europe and he didn't really get any protection from officials.

Messi is playing when the standard is very good in most teams but gets a lot of protection as you can't tackle compared to the 70s -80s

Maradona played when the tackles was hard and the standard was decent and also played in Europe,

Best, Eusebio, Cruyff, Dalglish, Ronaldo all amazing players and you could go on an on, There's arguments for them all but playing in different eras its hard to judge,

I'd go for Maradona if I had to name just one.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *allyandJonCouple
over a year ago

manchester

Vinnie Jones ?

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Dean saunders

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Gianfranco Zola

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ot-AshMan
over a year ago

London

I never saw Pele or George Best play so cant nominate them but did see Diego Maradona and even though he cheated against England with his hand of god goal he gets my vote as the greatest player ever.

I also think Ronaldo and Messi are both greats of the modern era and we have been lucky to have to seen them at the very top for the last decade or so and there will never be 2 players as good as them in our life times so enjoy them will they are still playing and at the top!

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Don’t watch football at all anymore bores me but two players I would nominate Pele or Johan Cruyff

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ifty grades of shadyCouple
over a year ago

Carisbrooke, Isle of Wight

Robin Friday, Reading legend of the 70's, Elm Park days, rock n roll footballer who died before his time. There's a great book about him, Robin Friday, the greatest footballer you never knew

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Ronaldhinio

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *r Potato HeadMan
over a year ago

Manchester

Roy Race, Melchester Rovers greatest players

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ot-AshMan
over a year ago

London

Lionel Messi has now scored 400 la liga goals in something like 464 games which is just an incredible stat.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *arlomaleMan
over a year ago

darlington

Hate to say it but maradona and as for gazza not even the best to come out of the northeast

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *rungeguyMan
over a year ago

leeds

Maradonna no contest

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Diego Maradona. No question.

Play in strong teams, play in weak teams. Transformed Napoli. Got little protection from refs. Johan cryuff close and Best and Pele and Messi but still Diego

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Diego Maradona. No question.

Play in strong teams, play in weak teams. Transformed Napoli. Got little protection from refs. Johan cryuff close and Best and Pele and Messi but still Diego

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Dean saunders"

Loved him at Villa, makes me cringe on the radio.

Maybe not the best but loved Henry at Arsenal

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

wheres gazza

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *arlomaleMan
over a year ago

darlington

"wheres gazza"
probably about 20 in the list

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *r MoriartyMan
over a year ago

The Land that time forgot (Norfolk)

Zidane

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *harpDressed ManMan
over a year ago

Here occasionally, but mostly somewhere else

"wheres gazza"

Rehab hopefully

A pub, likely

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Dean saunders"

Deano! Deano! Deano! Deano!

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Shearer

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *rungeguyMan
over a year ago

leeds

Gazza up there with greatest English player ever . But in the world . No

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *uboCouple
over a year ago

East kilbride

Has to be Pele. His career spanned from playing in the 2nd word war prisoners team against the germans in the 1940s right through to the world cup in the 70s

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ools and the brainCouple
over a year ago

couple, us we him her.

Perry groves

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Georgie Best. No reason needed "

Yep

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *arlomaleMan
over a year ago

darlington

[Removed by poster at 14/01/19 20:22:28]

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ools and the brainCouple
over a year ago

couple, us we him her.

"Matt le Tiss for sheer talent in his boots, pin point accurate with a pass and the greatest goals I have ever witnessed. "

Shame he couldn't keep off the pies he would have been better if he had been thinner and fitter.

I see player's of yesteryear who where immensely talented but played at a time when fitness and good diet came way behind drinking gambling and shagging.

Paul merson being a classic example of a player who had the ability to be world class but pissed it away.

George best.

Imagine if he had played today with the level of professionalism that is expected of players and their fitness levels.

He still could have had a good life but Sheesh imagine if he had been sober?

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Zidane without doubt. The guy had everything in his locker.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Zidane without doubt. The guy had everything in his locker."
Great at headers

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

George best

Kenny dalglish

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Sir bobby Moore

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I'm trying to to overthink this one but when it comes to WOW moments then it has to be Lionel Messi.

When I was a kid, I use to love Zidane, Rivaldo & Gerrard.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Ruud gullet

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Robbie Savage

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Georgie Best. No reason needed "

Besty had everything

He could run

He could dribble

He could head the ball

He could strike the ball with either foot

He had exceptional balance

He was kicked from pillar to post and still got up and got on with his game

All this in an era when pitches were more like cow fields than the billiard table like pitches today's stars play on

In football terms he really was a genius

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *hocolate37Man
over a year ago

Heathrow

"Edson Arantes do Nascimento, known as Pelé, is a Brazilian retired professional footballer who played as a forward. He is regarded by many in the sport, including football writers, players, and fans, as the greatest player of all time.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ornylittlesubWoman
over a year ago

Grangemouth

Alfredo De Stefano.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *SAchickWoman
over a year ago

Hillside desolate

Brazilian Ronaldo. Plus he has the cutest little tooth gap.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Brazilian Ronaldo. Plus he has the cutest little tooth gap. "

If I ever get a bald patch im going for the semi circle at the front haircut

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *2000ManMan
over a year ago

Worthing

Bobby Moore,

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

All depends on your age and generation I think. My Dad say Puskas, one of his friends recons Di Stéfano.

For me Pele shades it from Cruyff.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *mmabluTV/TS
over a year ago

upton wirral

George Best

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *andsome HandMan
over a year ago

roundabout

I'd love to say George Best but I never actually watched him play only watched videos on YouTube.

Ronaldo, the Brazilian has to be the best player I've actually watched. He was still incredible after his injuries but before them holy shit he was nearly impossible to stop.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ionelhutzMan
over a year ago

liverpool

Maradonna

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Out of the players I watched in my young life, Cristiano Ronaldo is up there at the top. Dude is a machine.

I remember being in awe of Kaka when he ripped us apart in the CL semi final in 07 and think it's a shame injuries got the best of him

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *andsome HandMan
over a year ago

roundabout

"Out of the players I watched in my young life, Cristiano Ronaldo is up there at the top. Dude is a machine.

I remember being in awe of Kaka when he ripped us apart in the CL semi final in 07 and think it's a shame injuries got the best of him

Kaka was ace, I always remember that pass for Crespo's goal in CL final 05, such vision

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *asilyled1Man
over a year ago

ogmore valley

To me it’s pele messi and the original ronaldo.

My dad always said John Charles was the best player he’d ever seen.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *asilyled1Man
over a year ago

ogmore valley

Sorry I thought this was the top three player thread!

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ebjonnsonMan
over a year ago

Maldon

John Terry?

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Eusébio

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *inell1Man
over a year ago

Ipswich

Just my opinion but I would say Steven Gerrard...almost met him once in a Norwich hotel where the team were staying before a game..he walked past me in the lobby and I was about 6ft away and I just froze couldn't move or speak I was so in awe of him lol

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *andy 1Couple
over a year ago

northeast

danny blanchflower

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *irtydanMan
over a year ago

Blackpool

im a city fan but i did rate eric cantona

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ir SupremacyMan
over a year ago

Bolton

What your all wrong.....its Robbie Savage for me x

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ensuallover1000 OP Man
over a year ago

Somewhere In The Ether…

"im a city fan but i did rate eric cantona

A fellow Man City fan here but King Eric was indeed an amazing player.

Arrogant as all hell, but amazing

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *asilyled1Man
over a year ago

ogmore valley

"What your all wrong.....its Robbie Savage for me x"

When he gets clothes lined by the ref,comedy gold!

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Ronaldinho. That guy was a magician and great to get to be able to see him in his prime.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Billy the fish ...

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Out of the players I watched in my young life, Cristiano Ronaldo is up there at the top. Dude is a machine.

I remember being in awe of Kaka when he ripped us apart in the CL semi final in 07 and think it's a shame injuries got the best of him

Kaka was ace, I always remember that pass for Crespo's goal in CL final 05, such vision "

Great humanitarian too, helped Heinze and Evra become better acquainted in that 1st leg

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *andyfloss2000Woman
over a year ago

ashford

Deffo george best just for his looks x

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *abioMan
over a year ago

Newcastle and Gateshead

Ooh… best player I have seen playing in my lifetime would be maradona….. the player I most idolised as a kid was Michele platini… only because I was a clod hopping water carrier of a defensive midfielder rather than a skilful no.10…..

Someone should start a best team ever thread… I think that would be more interesting

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *andsome HandMan
over a year ago

roundabout

"Out of the players I watched in my young life, Cristiano Ronaldo is up there at the top. Dude is a machine.

I remember being in awe of Kaka when he ripped us apart in the CL semi final in 07 and think it's a shame injuries got the best of him

Kaka was ace, I always remember that pass for Crespo's goal in CL final 05, such vision

Great humanitarian too, helped Heinze and Evra become better acquainted in that 1st leg

oh dear, that he did.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *andsome HandMan
over a year ago

roundabout

"im a city fan but i did rate eric cantona

A fellow Man City fan here but King Eric was indeed an amazing player.

Arrogant as all hell, but amazing

The arrogance and swagger were because he was confident in his own ability. Possibly the only player to walk into Old Trafford wondering was the club big enough for him.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *andsome HandMan
over a year ago

roundabout

"Ooh… best player I have seen playing in my lifetime would be maradona….. the player I most idolised as a kid was Michele platini… only because I was a clod hopping water carrier of a defensive midfielder rather than a skilful no.10…..

Someone should start a best team ever thread… I think that would be more interesting

I've ultimate respect for defensive midfielders, think on what Zidane said when Real Madrid sold Makalele.

Maybe someone should start that thread. I love the one that went around a year or two ago....pick your dream 11 but they must have played in your lifetime, only one player of each nationality and they can't have played for the same club.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Jack Grealish.

Ok, villa tinted glasses off. I loved watching Henry at Arsenal and Cantona at United.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

Post new Message to Thread