Football fans love a good debate, and one question never gets old — who are the greatest football players of all time? So we did what any curious fan would do in 2025: we asked ChatGPT.
Yep, we threw the ultimate football question at AI: “Who are the top 5 footballers ever?” And honestly? The answer was a pretty solid mix of legends and icons who've shaped the beautiful game.
If you've ever argued about GOATs over tea or Twitter, you’ll find this list surprisingly fair. Here's what ChatGPT had to say when we asked it to name the best football players in history — not just based on stats, but legacy, talent, and impact.
1. Lionel Messi
It all starts with Messi. 8 Ballon d'Ors, a World Cup win with Argentina, and more records than we can count. ChatGPT calls him “the most complete” player ever — a mix of playmaker, goalscorer, and magician. And honestly, it's hard to argue with that.
2. Diego Maradona
The legend of Maradona lives on. Known for the famous “Hand of God” and one of the greatest solo goals in history, Maradona carried Argentina to World Cup glory in 1986. GPT praises his raw genius and unforgettable presence on the pitch.
3. Cristiano Ronaldo
No GOAT list is complete without CR7. ChatGPT describes him as a “machine” — which is spot on. He’s dominated every league he’s played in, smashed goal records, and redefined what elite athleticism means in football. His consistency is unmatched.
4. Pelé
The original GOAT. Pelé won three FIFA World Cups and scored over 1,000 goals in his career. According to ChatGPT, he influenced generations of footballers and helped globalize the sport like no one before him.
5. Zinedine Zidane
Zidane might be the most elegant footballer to ever touch the ball. GPT called him “pure class” and a “big-game monster” — and rightly so. From the 1998 World Cup final to his Champions League heroics, Zizou made the biggest moments his own.
Honorable Mentions
ChatGPT also gave shoutouts to Johan Cruyff (the tactical mastermind), Ronaldinho (the king of flair), Ronaldo Nazário (the original phenomenon), and Franz Beckenbauer (the defensive genius). Any of them could've easily made the top 5 on another day.
So… Did ChatGPT Get It Right?
Honestly? It’s a solid list. Whether you're a Messi loyalist, a Maradona romantic, or a CR7 die-hard, this top 5 feels like a good balance of skill, legacy, and football history. Sure, the debate will never end — and that's the beauty of football.
What do you think? Did ChatGPT pick the greatest footballers of all time — or would your top 5 look completely different?