Fun facts about the best footballers in history

Football is the world's most popular sport and has had many legendary players over the years who have impressed not only with their skills but also with their personalities and unique stories. Here we gather some fun and interesting facts about some of the greatest footballers of all time - from Pelé and Diego Maradona to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Pelé - the king of football with over 1000 goals

Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as Pelé, is one of the most iconic footballers ever. A funny thing about Pelé is that he has officially scored 762 goals in his career, but there are estimates that he scored over 1000 goals in total, including friendlies and exhibition matches. He won three World Cup gold medals with Brazil (1958, 1962 and 1970), something no other player has managed. What's more, Pelé was only 17 when he won his first World Cup, making him one of the youngest world champions ever. He was also known for his ability to score with almost every part of his body - including his head, feet and even his heels!

Diego Maradona - the champion with the "hand of God"

Diego Maradona, Argentina's legend, is known for his brilliance on the pitch but also for some controversial moments. His most famous goal is the 'Hand of God' in the 1986 World Cup, where he deliberately used his hand to score a goal against England - a goal that was allowed by the referee despite protests. Maradona was also incredibly skilful with the ball and could dribble past several opponents at once. Another fun fact is that Maradona had a tattoo of Che Guevara, which shows his strong political commitment off the pitch.

Lionel Messi - the little magician with a Ballon d'Or record

Lionel Messi, often referred to as 'La Pulga' (the little runner), is known for his incredible technique and speed. He has won the Ballon d'Or a record eight times in football history. A fun fact is that as a child, Messi was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency and received treatment for this - something that many believe could have hindered his career, but he overcame it and became one of the best ever. Messi is also known for his modesty and has said he prefers to let his achievements do the talking rather than talk about himself. He also holds the record for the most goals scored at a single club - over 750 goals for Barcelona.

Cristiano Ronaldo - the goal machine with superstar status

Cristiano Ronaldo is known for his incredible physique, goal scoring and work ethic. A fun and perhaps unexpected fact is that Ronaldo is very particular about his diet and exercise routines, which has helped him stay in top shape well into old age. He also has his own perfume line and is one of the most followed people on social media. Ronaldo also holds the record for most goals in the Champions League and has won five Ballon d'Or titles. Another interesting detail is that he is known for his special "Siiii!" cheer where he jumps and twists in the air - something that has become his signature.

Johan Cruyff - the master and thinker of all things football

Johan Cruyff was not only a great player but also a revolutionary in football. He was one of the first to really popularise the concept of 'total football', where all players are involved in both attack and defence. A fun fact is that Cruyff was known for his intelligent quotes, such as "Football is simple, but it's hard to play simple". He was also a great advocate of playing with joy and creativity, which still inspires many young players today.

Pele, Maradona, Messi and Ronaldo - an eternal debate

One of the most debated questions in the world of football is who is the best player of all time. Pele and Maradona dominated the 20th century, while Messi and Ronaldo have taken over the scene in the 21st century. Each has their unique strengths and stories, and their records and achievements are impressive in different ways.

Other legends with interesting facts

• Franz Beckenbauer - known as 'Der Kaiser', revolutionised the role of the libero and won the World Cup both as a player and a coach.
• Zinedine Zidane - known for his elegance and technique, but also for the unexpected headbutt in the 2006 World Cup final.
• Ferenc Puskás - had a phenomenal goal scoring record and was one of the first global football stars.

The history of football is filled with great players who have impressed not only with their skills but also with their personalities and unique stories. From Pele's goal scoring record and Maradona's controversial 'Hand of God' to Messi's technical brilliance and Ronaldo's physical dominance, each player has helped shape the sport in their own way.

Their fun and sometimes unexpected facts make them even more fascinating and show that behind every superstar is a human being with a unique story. No matter who you consider the greatest, we can all agree that these legends have set a new standard for what is possible on a football pitch and are inspiring generations to come.