The term 'Rolls-Royce' is a term often used to describe effortlessly dominant defenders who combine an admirable elegance with their hardness. England all-timer Bobby Moore is one of the best fits for this description - and that's one of many reasons why he is remembered so fondly by football fans.
The only World Cup-winning captain in Three Lions' history, Moore is among the greatest to have worn English colours, and he proved that in each of his 108 commanding performances for his country.
Many legends have spoken about how much of a strenuous task it was trying to get the better of the ex-West Ham icon. Yet Moore himself once reserved special praise for a particular opponent - someone who many would regard as among the greatest of all time.
Ranking the 10 greatest England defenders in football history Related
10 Greatest England Defenders in Football History [Ranked]
Including legends such as Bobby Moore and John Terry, the 10 greatest England defenders in football history have been ranked by GIVEMESPORT.
Moore Named Pele as 'Most Complete Player' He Ever Saw
The England defender was amazed by the forward
A photo of Pele in training
Photo courtesy of Reuters.
It wouldn't have been often for a superstar like Moore to be left in awe by the quality of a forward, but Pele's remarkable skill-set left a strong impression on the centre-back. He was once quoted as saying:
"Pele was the most complete player I've ever seen. Two good feet. Magic in the air. Quick. Powerful. Could beat people with skill. Could outrun people. Only 5ft 8ins tall, yet he seemed a giant of an athlete on the pitch. Perfect balance and impossible vision."
Anyone fortunate enough to have seen the Brazilian sensation will have a similar view to Moore, but such words coming from a defender of his level is a huge testament to Pele's quality on a football pitch.
The pair locking horns at international level was not a entirely rare occurrence either - they met a total of three times, including once in the 1970 World Cup. Pele's side had the better of Moore's, winning in all three occasions, though the latter did a decent job of limiting the former to just one goal in 270 minutes of football.
Ultimately, the duo evidently hold each other in high regard. Pele once dubbed Moore as one of the greatest defenders he ever faced off against, and they both swapped jerseys at the 1970 World Cup as a sign of mutual respect between the two titans of the sport.
Pele Related
[Pele Claimed 54-Cap England Legend "Taught us the Way Football Should be Played"](https://www.givemesport.com/pele-praised-england-legend-stanley-matthews/ "Pele Claimed 54-Cap England Legend "Taught us the Way Football Should be Played"")
The Three Lions icon helped change the game.
Pele Ranks Among the Greatest Players Of All Time
The Brazilian holds countless records and achievements
The infamous 'GOAT' debate remains one of the most prominent discussions at the foundation of football. Primarily, it was Pele alongside fellow South American superstar Diego Maradona who dominated such rankings - the pair were named as joint-winners of the FIFA Player of the Century title in 2000.
Recent icons Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have staked their claim to be the greatest ever to have graced a football pitch, but it's difficult to look past the feats Pele achieved in his storied 21-year career.
Not one player in history has so much as matched Pele's distinct three World Cup wins achieved in a 12-year span. It's a truly astonishing feat denoting his phenomenal longevity and it's difficult to imagine this record ever being beaten in the future.
Brazilian former soccer star Edson Arantes Do Nascimento, better known as Pele, gestures as he holds the FIFA World Cup soccer ball Related
Pele Named British Legend as His All-Time Favourite Player After Himself
Footballing icon Pele remains a revered figure and once named the player that, not including himself, was a favourite of his.
Statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt.com - Correct as of 22/05/2025