Both Pele and Maradona are considered the greatest players of all time, showing the intense rivalry between their respective nations. They formerly ruled the competition and are now wonderful legends. Each has participated in the renowned World Cup and has an amazing resume.
Maradona led Argentina to a World Cup victory in 1986, hitting the best goal in history in the quarterfinals against England.
Maradona participated in four World Cups and won two of them in 1978 and 1986. The notorious “Hand of God” goal he scored against England in 1986 was followed by what many consider to be the best goal ever scored.
Pele participated in and won three World Cups (1958, 1962, and 1970), a record that has yet to be surpassed. In 1958, at the age of 17, he won his first world championship in Sweden after scoring six goals, including two in the final.
Why Pele is better than Maradona
Because Maradona is a bad role model, there is a school of thought that feels the Brazilian Pele is the greatest. Diego’s substance usage and ‘cheating’ with his ‘hand of God goal against England in 1986 do not help his case. The Argentine’s greatness as a player is unaffected by his terrible behavior off the field or his rule-bending on it.
