Soccer is the most popular sport in the world. Over 4 billion people are reported as fans, which is more than half the world’s population. It is a high-demanding sport in terms of expectations, physicality, stamina, intelligence, creativity, and technical skills.
Throughout soccer’s history, we’ve seen many legendary players and clubs that managed to achieve things that no other has. Every generation had a player that stood out. The most popular comparison these days, for example, is between Messi and Ronaldo. The debate on who’s better is so big, that almost every online bookie such as BetOnline has an open sports bet as to who will be more successful and the end of their career.
Since we have numerous debates in the world of soccer, we would like to share some of the most popular. These debates are still open and there are fair arguments on both sides, which is why neither of them can prevail. Let’s check them out.
Pele vs Maradona
The debate that had older generations fighting each other. These two didn’t play in the same period but Maradona came right after Pele retired. Pele was the best goalscorer in the history and people believed that no other player will be able to reach his height, but Maradona proved them wrong. Maradona’s professional career started in 1976, just a year before Pele’s retirement.
To make things even spicier, the rivalry between these two was even greater because Pele is a Brazilian and Maradona is an Argentine. The two countries have a historical feud in the world of soccer. To this day, people are still divided as to which player was better.
Football or Anti-Football
One of modern soccer’s biggest debates when it comes to the style of play. Numerous clubs like Liverpool, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Borussia Dortmund have incorporated an offensive style of play, with numerous passes and high pressing. On the other side, many clubs are willing to “park the bus” in front of their goal and just play defense.
Even though the anti-football tactic has proven to bring excellent results, it is often criticized because it makes the games boring to watch. Mourinho is the biggest expert with this tactic, and although his style of play is not that amusing, he managed to become one of the most decorated coaches in soccer history.
Referees or Technology
When VAR was introduced in the world, the fans were divided because many thought that it will ruin the fun. Since its introduction, many goals have been disallowed after the team’s celebration. This caused some stir in the public. They said that they are supporting fair-play, but the beauty of the sport is that sometimes mistakes are made and they have to live with them. On the other side, people believe that VAR is usable in the war against corruption and match-fixing.
Messi vs Ronaldo
Finally, we have soccer’s biggest debate of the modern era. Messi and Ronaldo have broken records and won awards we would never thought anyone can win. Both players are godlike, each with their strengths. Everything about their style of play is opposite, which is why many debates are open as to who is better. One thing is certain though, we are blessed to live in a time where we can watch these two rewrite history.
