Pele
The image of Pele celebrating Brazil's 1970 World Cup victory remains one of the iconic pictures regularly featured in montages and albums covering football's greatest moments. He was at the height of his powers during the tournament in Mexico City, producing four goals and six assists before being carried by a wave of supporters inside the Estadio Azteca.
Pele was among the players who transformed the sport, both through his extraordinary footballing talent and his charitable efforts away from the pitch. He became one of football's first truly global celebrities and embodied the Brazilian approach to the game while maintaining a warm and relaxed personality.
The Santos FC legend was regularly regarded as the finest player in the world throughout his career and demonstrated his quality against England at the 1970 World Cup. He had previously spoken highly of Three Lions icons Sir Bobby Charlton and Bobby Moore following their 1966 triumph, but he also praised the next generation and made a striking claim in 2005.
Pele Named Liverpool Icon as the World's Best Player
REUTERS/Nacho Doce
Steven Gerrard was entering his prime in 2006 and had become Liverpool's central figure, a position he held for much of his 17-year senior career at Anfield. He captained the Reds during their famous UEFA Champions League triumph that year, recovering from a three-nil deficit to draw 3-3 after 120 minutes before defeating AC Milan 3-2 on penalties.
The Miracle of Istanbul was one of many moments when Gerrard stepped up for his boyhood club and embraced the pressure of important occasions. His team's FA Cup final victory against West Ham United became known as 'The Gerrard Final' after he took control of the contest and struck a crucial goal to force extra time.
Gerrard was capable of contributing in every area, from doing the defensive work to making an impact in attack. Pele believed his position was one reason he did not receive the same level of recognition as the world's best. Just months after the Englishman's FA Cup final heroics, he said (via Sky Sports):
Gerrard was nominated for the Ballon d'Or in November 2005 but ultimately finished third. Barcelona's Ronaldinho won the prestigious prize, while Chelsea's Frank Lampard finished second. Lionel Messi was beginning to emerge, with the first of his eight Ballons d'Or coming four years later.
Pele
He was also an important figure for England at international level, eventually taking the permanent captaincy from John Terry in 2012. He won 114 caps, scored 21 goals and supplied 23 assists, featuring at three World Cups and three European Championships as part of the Three Lions 'golden generation' that ultimately failed to secure a major trophy.
Pele suggested that Messi and Ronaldinho attracted greater recognition than Gerrard largely because of the positions they played:
Gerrard never won the Ballon d'Or, but he did win the UEFA Men's Player of the Year award in 2005. There are few more authoritative footballing voices to consult on a player's ability than three-time World Cup winner Pele. His praise highlights the remarkable talent of the Whiston-born midfielder, who controlled Liverpool and England's midfield throughout the 2000s.
Steven Gerrard 'Never Regretted' Staying At Liverpool
REUTERS/Marcos Brindicci
"I never regretted staying at Liverpool my whole career in England" was Gerrard's view on remaining with the Merseysiders until 2015, when he moved to MLS side LA Galaxy. The year before Pele named him the best player in the world, Gerrard had been at the centre of a major transfer story.
Jose Mourinho wanted to take him to Chelsea, and Gerrard appeared tempted by a move to Stamford Bridge. However, he later remembered the advice his father gave him during a 2015 interview with The Guardian:
||
Steven Gerrard's Career
Teams:
Appearances:
Goals:
Assists:
Yellow Cards:
Red Cards:
Major Honours:
Gerrard stayed at Anfield after 2005 and went on to add two more major trophies to his collection, winning the UEFA Super Cup in 2006 and the League Cup in 2012. He finished his Liverpool career as one of the club's most beloved homegrown legends.
Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and David Beckham in England kit with England logo/theme
Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and David Beckham in England kit with England logo/theme
All statistics courtesy ofTransfermarkt- correct as of 02-09-26.