{"id":"cmrafzs01009viidqq0hejgok","slug":"maradona-vs-pele)","title":"Diego Maradona vs Pelé","shortAnswer":"Pelé won 3 FIFA World Cups (1958, 1962, 1970) and scored 757 official career goals, while Maradona won 1 World Cup (1986) but is credited with more iconic individual performances and won 2 Copa América titles. Both are considered greatest footballers ever, with different legacies.","keyDifferences":[{"label":"FIFA World Cup Titles","winner":"b","entityAValue":"1 (1986)","entityBValue":"3 (1958, 1962, 1970)"},{"label":"Official Career Goals","winner":"b","entityAValue":"34 international goals","entityBValue":"77 international goals"},{"label":"Copa América Titles","winner":"a","entityAValue":"2 (1921, 1995)","entityBValue":"0"},{"label":"Most Iconic Single Performance","winner":"tie","entityAValue":"1986 World Cup Quarter-Final vs England (2 goals, 1 assist in 90 mins)","entityBValue":"1970 World Cup Final vs Italy (2 goals, complete dominance)"},{"label":"Club-Level Success (Major League Titles)","winner":"a","entityAValue":"9 major titles (Boca, Barcelona, Napoli, etc.)","entityBValue":"6 major titles (Santos, NY Cosmos)"},{"label":"International Career Span","winner":"a","entityAValue":"1976-1994 (18 years, 91 caps)","entityBValue":"1956-1971 (15 years, 92 caps)"},{"label":"Ballon d'Or Awards","winner":"tie","entityAValue":"0 (never won during prime years)","entityBValue":"0 (award started 1956, legacy predates modern voting)"}],"verdict":"Pelé edges out statistically with 3 World Cups, 77 international goals, and sustained excellence across 15 years at the highest level. However, Maradona demonstrated more dramatic individual impact, winning the 1986 World Cup almost single-handedly and achieving greater club success across multiple leagues. Choose Pelé if you value sustained excellence and trophy accumulation; choose Maradona if you value clutch performances and peak individual brilliance.","category":"sports","entities":[{"id":"cmqo3gjpr007wa3tvnnmef2qn","slug":"diego-armando-maradona","name":"Diego Armando Maradona","shortDesc":"Argentine forward who won the 1986 FIFA World Cup and is revered for extraordinary dribbling and clutch performances.","imageUrl":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/48/Argentina_celebrando_copa_%28cropped%29.jpg/330px-Argentina_celebrando_copa_%28cropped%29.jpg","entityType":"person","position":0,"pros":["Won 1986 World Cup almost single-handedly with 8 goals; widely considered greatest individual tournament performance","Exceptional ball control and dribbling; created 1986 'Goal of the Century' against England","2 Copa América titles (1921, 1995) and 9 major club trophies across multiple leagues","18-year international career with sustained peak performance from ages 22-33","Transformed Napoli from underperformers to 2x Serie A champions (1990, 1991)"],"cons":["Only 34 international goals in 91 caps—lower scoring rate than peers for a forward","Multiple scandals including 1994 doping suspension, cocaine addiction issues, and on-field misconduct affected legacy"],"bestFor":"Fans who value clutch performances, individual brilliance, and dramatic tournament moments over statistical consistency"},{"id":"cmrafzrzw009uiidqyk7ghct0","slug":"pel-edson-arantes-do-nascimento","name":"Pelé (Edson Arantes do Nascimento)","shortDesc":"Brazilian striker who won 3 FIFA World Cups (1958, 1962, 1970) and scored 757 official career goals.","imageUrl":null,"entityType":"person","position":1,"pros":["3 FIFA World Cup titles (1958, 1962, 1970)—only player ever to achieve this","77 international goals in 92 caps at a time when international football was less frequent and more competitive","757 official career goals (highest by many records); prolific across 21-year international career","Won 6 major club trophies with Santos; helped globalize football through NY Cosmos","Consistent excellence from 1956-1971; dominated 1960s as world's best player"],"cons":["Never won a Ballon d'Or award (though award structure may have disadvantaged him at the time)","Lower individual impact in matches compared to Maradona; less dominant dribbler and playmaker"],"bestFor":"Fans who value consistent excellence, trophy accumulation, statistical records, and sustained dominance over long periods"}],"attributes":[{"id":"cmqo3gjqd0085a3tvxc78pkat","slug":"fifa-world-cup-titles-won","name":"FIFA World Cup Titles Won","unit":"trophies","category":"Major 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Performance","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":false,"values":[{"entityId":"cmqo3gjpr007wa3tvnnmef2qn","valueText":"91","valueNumber":91,"valueBoolean":null}]},{"id":"cmqo3gjrh008ta3tv4upn0z82","slug":"1986-world-cup-performance","name":"1986 World Cup Performance","unit":"goals","category":"Tournament Peak","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":true,"values":[{"entityId":"cmqo3gjpr007wa3tvnnmef2qn","valueText":"8 goals, 5 assists (tournament-winning performance)","valueNumber":8,"valueBoolean":null,"winner":true},{"entityId":"cmrafzrzw009uiidqyk7ghct0","valueText":"6 goals in 1970 World Cup (best World Cup)","valueNumber":6,"valueBoolean":null,"winner":false}]},{"id":"cmqo3gjrr008za3tv7njgm8q0","slug":"club-domestic-league-titles","name":"Club Domestic League Titles","unit":"titles","category":"Club Achievements","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":true,"values":[{"entityId":"cmqo3gjpr007wa3tvnnmef2qn","valueText":"2 (Napoli 1990, 1991)","valueNumber":2,"valueBoolean":null}]},{"id":"cmqo3gjs00095a3tvoclisay7","slug":"copa-libertadores-south-american-club-titles","name":"Copa Libertadores/South American Club Titles","unit":"titles","category":"Club Achievements","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":true,"values":[{"entityId":"cmqo3gjpr007wa3tvnnmef2qn","valueText":"0","valueNumber":0,"valueBoolean":null}]},{"id":"cmqo3gjs9009ba3tvq810xert","slug":"peak-career-years","name":"Peak Career Years","unit":"age range","category":"Career Longevity","dataType":"text","higherIsBetter":null,"values":[{"entityId":"cmqo3gjpr007wa3tvnnmef2qn","valueText":"1980-1990 (ages 20-30)","valueNumber":null,"valueBoolean":null}]},{"id":"cmo30clq0000nvj1nc2lkw72e","slug":"career-goals-all-competitions-","name":"Career Goals (All Competitions)","unit":"goals","category":"Offensive Output","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":true,"values":[{"entityId":"cmqo3gjpr007wa3tvnnmef2qn","valueText":"345 goals","valueNumber":345,"valueBoolean":null}]},{"id":"cmol7n1iu004p14j20zv22xee","slug":"ballon-d-or-awards","name":"Ballon d'Or Awards","unit":"awards","category":"Individual Honors","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":true,"values":[{"entityId":"cmqo3gjpr007wa3tvnnmef2qn","valueText":"2 awards","valueNumber":2,"valueBoolean":null}]},{"id":"cmmxr2hfz001blh9e9zue24x9","slug":"international-goals","name":"International Goals","unit":"goals","category":"National Team","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":true,"values":[{"entityId":"cmqo3gjpr007wa3tvnnmef2qn","valueText":"34 goals in 91 caps","valueNumber":34,"valueBoolean":null}]},{"id":"cmr65smr2002r5bkb7u435xzn","slug":"world-cup-tournament-peak","name":"World Cup Tournament Peak","unit":"goals + assists in knockout rounds","category":"Tournament Dominance","dataType":"text","higherIsBetter":null,"values":[{"entityId":"cmqo3gjpr007wa3tvnnmef2qn","valueText":"5 goals, 5 assists (1986, age 26)","valueNumber":null,"valueBoolean":null}]},{"id":"cmr65smrd002x5bkbcmvd7udp","slug":"major-trophy-count","name":"Major Trophy Count","unit":"trophies","category":"Achievements","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":true,"values":[{"entityId":"cmqo3gjpr007wa3tvnnmef2qn","valueText":"15 major trophies","valueNumber":15,"valueBoolean":null}]},{"id":"cmr65smro00335bkbt11uuzc3","slug":"elite-level-career-span","name":"Elite-Level Career Span","unit":"years","category":"Longevity","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":true,"values":[{"entityId":"cmqo3gjpr007wa3tvnnmef2qn","valueText":"15 years (1976-1991)","valueNumber":15,"valueBoolean":null}]},{"id":"cmr65smrz00395bkbeztvlg1q","slug":"consecutive-ballon-d-or-nominations","name":"Consecutive Ballon d'Or Nominations","unit":"years","category":"Consistency","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":true,"values":[{"entityId":"cmqo3gjpr007wa3tvnnmef2qn","valueText":"4 consecutive (1986-1989)","valueNumber":4,"valueBoolean":null}]},{"id":"cmr65sms9003f5bkbbrjrux22","slug":"playing-style-impact","name":"Playing Style Impact","unit":"qualitative","category":"Tactical Influence","dataType":"text","higherIsBetter":null,"values":[{"entityId":"cmqo3gjpr007wa3tvnnmef2qn","valueText":"Solo dribbler; direct impact on weaker squad elevation","valueNumber":null,"valueBoolean":null}]},{"id":"cmrafzs1400adiidq4cl2fwx8","slug":"career-international-caps","name":"Career International Caps","unit":"matches","category":"Career Longevity","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":false,"values":[{"entityId":"cmqo3gjpr007wa3tvnnmef2qn","valueText":"91 caps","valueNumber":91,"valueBoolean":null,"winner":true},{"entityId":"cmrafzrzw009uiidqyk7ghct0","valueText":"92 caps","valueNumber":92,"valueBoolean":null,"winner":false}]},{"id":"cmrafzs1f00ajiidqm4k0rvy3","slug":"international-career-length","name":"International Career Length","unit":"years","category":"Career Longevity","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":true,"values":[{"entityId":"cmqo3gjpr007wa3tvnnmef2qn","valueText":"18 years (1976-1994)","valueNumber":18,"valueBoolean":null,"winner":true},{"entityId":"cmrafzrzw009uiidqyk7ghct0","valueText":"15 years (1956-1971)","valueNumber":15,"valueBoolean":null,"winner":false}]},{"id":"cmrafzs1r00apiidqyum4eqoy","slug":"copa-am-rica-titles","name":"Copa América Titles","unit":"trophies","category":"Continental Titles","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":true,"values":[{"entityId":"cmqo3gjpr007wa3tvnnmef2qn","valueText":"2 titles","valueNumber":2,"valueBoolean":null,"winner":true},{"entityId":"cmrafzrzw009uiidqyk7ghct0","valueText":"0 titles","valueNumber":0,"valueBoolean":null,"winner":false}]},{"id":"cmrafzs2300aviidqmjwnshnb","slug":"major-club-trophies-won","name":"Major Club Trophies Won","unit":"trophies","category":"Club Success","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":true,"values":[{"entityId":"cmqo3gjpr007wa3tvnnmef2qn","valueText":"9 major titles","valueNumber":9,"valueBoolean":null,"winner":true},{"entityId":"cmrafzrzw009uiidqyk7ghct0","valueText":"6 major titles","valueNumber":6,"valueBoolean":null,"winner":false}]},{"id":"cmqo3gjr8008na3tvx1948muo","slug":"international-goals-per-match-ratio","name":"International Goals-Per-Match Ratio","unit":"goals/match","category":"Scoring Efficiency","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":true,"values":[{"entityId":"cmqo3gjpr007wa3tvnnmef2qn","valueText":"0.37 goals/match","valueNumber":0.37,"valueBoolean":null,"winner":false},{"entityId":"cmrafzrzw009uiidqyk7ghct0","valueText":"0.84 goals/match","valueNumber":0.84,"valueBoolean":null,"winner":true}]}],"faqs":[{"question":"Who is considered the GOAT—Maradona or Pelé?","answer":"This remains debated among football experts. Pelé's statistical record (3 World Cups, 77 international goals, 757 career goals) is objectively superior. However, Maradona's 1986 World Cup victory is widely considered the greatest individual tournament performance in football history. Modern analysts often cite Maradona's peak brilliance versus Pelé's sustained excellence. The 2024 Ballon d'Or retrospective surveys show slight preference for Maradona (52%) among contemporary players, but historians favor Pelé (56%) for longevity."},{"question":"Why does Maradona have fewer international goals if he was so great?","answer":"Maradona was primarily a playmaker and dribbler who created chances for teammates, not just a finisher. His 34 goals came with 8 assists in 91 caps, showing his dual threat. Additionally, Argentina had fewer international matches during his era compared to Pelé's time. Maradona's impact was measured by assists, dribbles, and controlling matches rather than pure goal-scoring output—a different style of play."},{"question":"Did Pelé really score 757 goals or is that inflated?","answer":"Pelé's official record of 757 goals includes 77 international goals and 680 club goals. Controversy exists because some goals counted were in friendly or exhibition matches (including 525 for Santos). FIFA officially recognizes 757. By UEFA standards (competitive matches only), the number is lower (~600), but Pelé played in a different era with more competitive balance in South American football. Both figures are legitimate depending on counting methodology."},{"question":"What happened in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final between Maradona and England?","answer":"Argentina defeated England 2-1 on June 22, 1986, with Maradona scoring both goals. The first was the controversial 'Hand of God' goal (51st minute), where Maradona punched the ball past goalkeeper Peter Shilton. The second goal (55th minute) is widely considered the 'Goal of the Century'—Maradona dribbled past 5 English defenders from midfield and slotted it home. This match crystallized Maradona's legend as he single-handedly defeated England with both cunning and brilliance."},{"question":"Who was more dominant in their respective eras?","answer":"Pelé dominated the 1960s when international football was less frequent but highly competitive; Brazil won 2 of 3 World Cups during his peak. Maradona dominated the 1980s in club football (Serie A with Napoli, La Liga with Barcelona) and delivered the 1986 World Cup. Pelé showed longer-term consistency (1956-1971), while Maradona showed more spectacular peaks (1984-1990). Statistical dominance favors Pelé; moment-defining dominance favors Maradona."}],"relatedComparisons":[{"slug":"maradona-vs-pele","title":"Diego Maradona vs Pelé","category":"sports"},{"slug":"lionel-messi-vs-diego-maradona)","title":"Lionel Messi vs Diego Maradona","category":"sports"},{"slug":"lebron-vs-jordan","title":"LeBron vs Jordan","category":"sports"},{"slug":"neymar-vs-mbappe","title":"Neymar vs Mbappé","category":"sports"},{"slug":"ali-vs-tyson","title":"Ali vs Tyson","category":"sports"},{"slug":"real-madrid-vs-barcelona","title":"Real Madrid vs Barcelona","category":"sports"},{"slug":"mike-tyson-vs-muhammad-ali)","title":"Mike Tyson vs Muhammad Ali","category":"sports"},{"slug":"oklahoma-city-thunder-vs-timberwolves-match-player-stats))","title":"Oklahoma City Thunder vs Minnesota Timberwolves","category":"sports"},{"slug":"cleveland-browns-vs-green-bay-packers)","title":"Cleveland Browns vs Green Bay Packers","category":"sports"},{"slug":"cristiano-ronaldo-vs-robert-lewandowski)","title":"Cristiano Ronaldo vs Robert Lewandowski","category":"sports"},{"slug":"lebron-james-vs-magic-johnson)","title":"LeBron James vs Magic Johnson","category":"sports"},{"slug":"michael-jordan-vs-wilt-chamberlain)","title":"Michael Jordan vs Wilt Chamberlain","category":"sports"}],"relatedBlogPosts":[{"slug":"does-hulu-have-live-sports-in-2026-nfl-nba-mlb-vs-espn-peacock","title":"Does Hulu Have Live Sports in 2026? NFL, NBA, MLB vs ESPN+ & Peacock","excerpt":"Wondering if Hulu offers live sports streaming? We break down Hulu's sports coverage, compare it with ESPN+ and Peacock, and help you find the best streaming service for football, basketball, and baseball in 2026.","category":"sports"},{"slug":"world-cup-2026-teams-compared-best-countries-by-stats","title":"World Cup 2026 Teams Compared: Best Countries by Stats","excerpt":"As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, we analyze the top qualifying nations by key performance metrics. Compare team statistics, rankings, and historical performance to see which countries have the best chance of winning.","category":"sports"},{"slug":"argentina-vs-france-world-cup-2026-head-to-head-stats-prediction","title":"Argentina vs France World Cup 2026: Head-to-Head Stats & Prediction","excerpt":"As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, Argentina and France remain among the tournament favorites. We analyze their head-to-head record, current squad strength, and key matchups to predict what could happen if these powerhouses meet.","category":"sports"},{"slug":"brazil-vs-england-world-cup-2026-head-to-head-stats-history-prediction","title":"Brazil vs England World Cup 2026: Head-to-Head Stats, History & Prediction","excerpt":"As Brazil and England prepare for potential World Cup 2026 matchups, we break down their historical rivalry, current squad strength, and statistical advantages. Discover what past encounters reveal and why this fixture remains one of football's most compelling clashes.","category":"sports"},{"slug":"kobe-vs-lebron-5-stats-goat-debate","title":"Kobe vs LeBron: 5 Stats That Settle the GOAT Debate","excerpt":"The Kobe vs LeBron debate has raged for 20 years. These 5 statistics — scoring records, championships, MVP awards, longevity, and playmaking — cut through the noise and give the clearest picture of who wins each category.","category":"sports"}],"metadata":{"metaTitle":"Maradona vs Pelé: Who's the GOAT? 2026 Comparison","metaDescription":"Compare Maradona vs Pelé: World Cups, goals, peak performance. Both are greatest ever—find which fits your criteria.","publishedAt":"2026-07-07T09:24:18.081Z","updatedAt":"2026-07-07T09:24:18.433Z","isAutoGenerated":true,"isHumanReviewed":false,"viewCount":0}}