Readers have been responding to The Independent's ranking of the 50 greatest World Cup players by putting forward their own favourites, with the list prompting a wave of alternative selections and personal top 10s. The ranking from our team of sports reporters focused strictly on World Cup performances – and many commenters responded by putting forward their own selections, nominating players they felt were overlooked or underrated.
Consensus on the Podium
At the very top, the consensus around the podium was mixed but passionate. Several readers backed Pele as undisputed No 1, with one insisting: “Pele without a doubt. Yes, Maradona at 2.” Others were less convinced by the modern era's place in the hierarchy, questioning whether Messi belongs in the same conversation. “Messi? Are you kidding?” one commenter wrote, while others simply rejected the framing altogether in favour of earlier generations of greats.
Debate Over Rankings
Away from the top three, much of the debate focused on players readers felt were left out or ranked too low, from Cruyff, Zidane and Beckenbauer to Baggio, Romario, Maldini and Moore. One commenter argued: “Platini, Xavi, Iniesta and Cruyff… are too far back,” while another lamented the omission of Kenny Dalglish.
Perhaps the loudest criticism was reserved for Cristiano Ronaldo's absence from the top 50. One reader wrote that “CRO has to be there,” arguing that a player who has had such a profound impact on his country's performances could not be overlooked, even in a World Cup-only ranking.
Reader Picks and Alternative Lists
Many readers offered their own top 10s or all-time XIs. One commenter highlighted Jairzinho's 1970 World Cup performance as the greatest single-tournament showing, noting he scored in every game. Another proposed an all-time XI including Lev Yashin, Cafu, Beckenbauer, Maldini, Xavi, Matthaus, Zidane, Garrincha, Messi, Henry, and Ronaldo.
German fans demanded recognition for legends like Matthaus, Brehme, Klose, Gerd Muller, and Beckenbauer, while others called for inclusion of players from lesser teams like Hristo Stoichkov and Gheorghe Hagi.
Notable Omissions
Kenny Dalglish was championed as Scotland's finest player, and one reader humorously suggested John Aldridge for Tranmere representation. The absence of Cristiano Ronaldo drew strong reactions, with one commenter calling it incomprehensible given his impact on Portugal's performances.
Conclusion
The debate underscores the difficulty of ranking players across eras, with readers passionate about their favourites. As one commenter noted, “It's like trying to pick your favourite song.” The Independent thanks all readers for their contributions.
