Pele: Full of his own crap

[Billy Minof]

I really do hate this man, was he a great player, probably, would he cut the mustard in todays fast paced game with decent defenders and goalkeepers to contend with, question marks for me but the man cannot keep his mouth shut and some of comments drive me mad, he says Neymar is the next best thing while discrediting the great Messi.

Pele doesn't regard Barcelona star Lionel Messi as a great player.

The Br azilian legend feels Messi's failures with Argentina are a mark against him.

He told The Sun: "I think a 'great' player is defined by their performances at the World Cup."

"For example, watch Lionel Messi play for Barcelona. He is very good. Exceptional. But for Argentina, he's completely different."

"Compare him to Zinedine Zidane. He won the World Cup and was at the top for 15 years. He was a more complete player than Messi."

"Before Zidane there was Johan Cruyff, Franz Beckenbauer, Michel Platini and Bobby Moore."

"Great players who won World Cups or, in Cruyff and Platini's case, starred in them."

If someone else has said this I would have jumped on the bandwagon just to wind up the Barca supporters but I just cannot stand Pele, he is an arrogant, limp dicked has been, knocking todays finest player not because he is Argentinian but because he is threat to his crown as one of the greatest ever, Pele wont be having that on his watch.

[uA - 1905]

He's right about Zidane v Messi though

[Jonno394]

He's also right the Messi hasn't really done it on the biggest stage (ie World Cup).

He might be great for club but that's only most of a players career, not all of it.

[BarnDoor]

I notice he disregards Maradona as well who would of course be eligible by his criteria. Maybe if he could still get it up this could have been avoided.

The problem is that these are different times where the World Cup is fading in terms of memorability and greatness. Club football - the Champions League in particular - is where it's at unfortunately.

[Jonno394]

on Maradona

It wasn’t just current players who incurred the wrath of the Brazilian, even past players such as Maradona were criticised for their flaws.

"Maradona only had one foot and was not good in the air,” he added.

"He was a great player but what happened in the World Cup finals in 1994 tarnished his image, when he got sent home for taking drugs.

"Cruyff was much more interesting. He was different to Maradona, more complete."

[Joel]

He said Maradona was too one footed. He's a clown.

Edit: What Jonno says.

[Billy Minof]

He also claims to have scored over 1000 professional goals, now I was talking to Ja the other night and that means he must have scored 80 goals a season, but where are the records?

EDIT: I found the table where it shows his goals.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pel%C3%A9#Goalscoring_and_appe arance_record

7.1

[Rainey]

He told The Sun: "I think a 'great' player is defined by their performances at the World Cup."

Sure George Best didn't even make it to the World Cup, so does that mean Pele thinks he's an 'alright/good' player

[Makavelian]

@ Billy Minof
I think like Romario , they both count goals that they scored on the playground as well.I do cringe whenever i hear or hear Pele talking about the game.

[Billy Minof]

@ Billy Minof
I think like Romario , they both count goals that they scored on the playground as well.I do cringe whenever i hear or hear Pele talking about the game.

Me too, as for Romario, at least I can appreciate him and put him on a scale to measure him against todays best, Pele played Mickey Mouse most of his career on a team packed with stars which very few of us got to see much of, he didnt win the World Cup like Maradona did, he was surrounded by other great players unlike Maradona.....on a side note I get frustrated whenever I read about the best players in history and dont see Roberto Baggios name on the list.

[Meyyappan]

But unfortunately not only Pele matches any other player in terms of ability in history but also is a more complete player as any,hence the perfect balance.

Left foot,right foot,header,free-kick,crossing,dribbling,vision ,header and leadership.

Only Franz and Johan could match him if we go by his argument.

[Ziss]

"Including friendlies"? Shit, if we're including friendlies there's a chance a few of us on here have outscored Pele ;)

[Makavelian]

People say about could Pele play in this era with the speed of the game now , i think he easily could.
Maybe people should ask if some of these modern players could go through what Pele did , the physicality what he used to come up against.
Garrincha's name never gets mentioned when there talking about the greatest.One of the games best ever dribblers.
The guy was a beast!

[Ziss]

Perhaps if Michael Owen started shagging goats he could work his way back into the England setup? :D

[Makavelian]

He was certainly a character what i've heard about him:lol:.

[Billy Minof]

Pele on who will join Brazil in the semi-finals

"I think that France, Germany, Spain, Holland and England will join Brazil in the semi-finals."

Pele on Maradona.

"If he thinks he's the best player of the century that's his problem."

Pele on Romario

"I think he'll reach 1000 goals, but he'll never overtake my total."

EDIT

People say about could Pele play in this era with the speed of the game now , i think he easily could.
Maybe people should ask if some of these modern players could go through what Pele did , the physicality what he used to come up against.
Garrincha's name never gets mentioned when there talking about the greatest.One of the games best ever dribblers.
The guy was a beast!

My favourite story in world football, the kid couldnt even walk and only had a slim chance of walking yet became one of the greatest dribblers ever, the sparrow was excellent.

[Dundon's]

He also claims to have scored over 1000 professional goals, now I was talking to Ja the other night and that means he must have scored 80 goals a season, but where are the records?

EDIT: I found the table where it shows his goals.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pel%C3%A9#Goalscoring_and_appe arance_record

7.1

That chart looks well dodgy, I can't make head nor tail of it. But 80 goals a season, fuck off, no chance.

[Ziss]

I think the far right totals include friendlies, but the chart doesn't have a break down of them.

[Dundon's]

In 1959 they have him down for playing 45 games for Brazil, wtf is that all about?

[IronCity]

I didn't read all the comments, I'm just glad someone started the thread. Pele always trying to make himself relevant. We are just glad Muhammed Ali can't speak anymore or we would hear the same from him. Hell, look at Joe Fraizer - nothing but bullshit for the last 15yrs

[muscularmatt]

Does anyone else like the irony created by Pele bitching someone for not performing on all stages? Coming from the guy that never had the balls to try his hand in Europe?

[Amateur]

Pele was a very gifted player, you only need to watch a couple of video clips to notice his unique ability, but the way he talks about other players, he makes himself look like a fucking idiot. He makes convenient arguments that make no sense whatsoever, he forgets the fact that more teams participate in the World Cup now, he completely disregards the fact that defensive pressing is much more sophisticated now, he completely disregards the fact that he himself never delivered without world class players around him, etc, etc.

As for Messi, he is more impressive than Pele, simply because it's more impressive to watch what Messi can do at the pace that he can do it, than watching Pele dribbling past rather slow defenders; although, by the same principle, had Pele played today, he would probably be just as impressive as Messi, I mean, look at the tricks that Ronaldinho can still do today even though he can no longer run past anyone, I'd imagine that Pele would be similar but with more acceleration and more simplicity.

In any case, I prefer to base my opinion on what I know for a fact rather than some theory, so I rate Messi as better than Pele: Messi plays the game in a far more competitive environment.

[Michu]

Argentina's failings are not the fault of Messi. If anything Argentina do not where best to play Messi and hamstrung themselves by trying to mimick the Barca style which isn't the Argentine way. Slow slow quick (and yes I do mean that opposed to quick quick slow) is the traditional style of play in Argentina and they are more direct with target men. Also Argentina are not the force they were, they were terrible at the Copa America.

[Jonny2J]

Pele is rather clueless when talking about the game.

Yet, there's never been a more complete player to grace a football pitch.

[Jonny2J]

Minof - the argument about could Pele do it in the modern era is a load of tosh. Of course he could.

[Michu]

Pele. Such a wealth of knowledge.

Pele may have been one of the greatest players in the history of the game, having been part of three victorious World Cup teams in 1958, 1962 and 1970, but, since retiring, he has become less respected as a pundit off-the-pitch.

The Brazilian is infamous for his numerous wrong predictions over the years. Romario once declared that "Pele is a poet when he keeps his mouth shut", while coach Luiz Felipe Scolari delivered the legendary line, "I believe Pele knows nothing about football. His analysis always turns out to be wrong. If you want to win a title, you have to listen to Pele and then do the opposite."
Don't Miss

Some people have labelled Pele as a 'jinx', and his curse continued on Sunday night when he predicted that Italy would beat Brazil in the Confederations Cup. The Azzurri were thumped 3-0 as they were sent packing from the tournament, and indeed the scoreline could have been heavier as Dunga's men hit the woodwork on two further occasions.

In light-hearted celebration of 'The King', Goal.com have put together the Top 10 Wrong Pele Predictions.

10) China 2002

Pele Prediction: China will qualify for the next round from their 2002 World Cup group.

Outcome: China finish bottom of Group C with no wins, no draws, no points, no goals, as well as -9 in their goal-difference column.

9) Spain 1998

Pele Prediction: Spain are favourites for the 1998 World Cup in France.

Outcome: Spain humiliatingly dumped out in the first round after losing to Nigeria, and drawing with Paraguay.


Raul & Spain - Kings Of France '98?

8) Colombia To Live American Dream

Pele Prediction: Colombia will win the 1994 World Cup in the USA.

Outcome: Colombia exit the competition in the first round, finishing bottom of their group. Their defender Andres Escobar is also tragically shot dead by an angry fan after Colombia return home.

7) Argentina, France & World Cup 2002

Pele Prediction: Argentina & France will both reach the final.

Outcome: Both countries eliminated in the first round, France without even scoring a goal.

6) Escape To Victory

Pele Prediction: During the famous film starring Sylvester Stallone and Michael Caine, Allies star Pele is brutally fouled in the first half by the Nazi opponents. The injured Brazilian claims there is no way he can continue and is carried off. The Allies are 4-0 down, and a recovery is deemed impossible.

Outcome: Pele returns in the second half and inspires his team to an improbable comeback, even scoring a stunning bicycle kick. Even in fiction, Pele's predictions go wrong.

5) Ronaldo Is Finished

Pele Prediction: Ronaldo will never play football again, and his career is over, following a serious injury for Milan in February 2008.

Outcome: Ronaldo returns in March 2009 for Corinthians, scoring 10 goals in his first 14 games to win the Campeonato Paulista. Rumoured to be on the verge of a national team recall.


Ronald-over

4) Nii Lamptey – ‘The New Pele’

Pele Prediction: After starring in the 1991 Under-17 World Cup, which also featured Alessandro Del Piero, Pele proclaims Ghana youngster Lamptey as his successor, ‘The New Pele’.

Outcome: What happens next goes down in football infamy. Lamptey spectacularly fails to fulfil his talent, believing himself that he was cursed by dark forces. The midfielder shifts around clubs such as PSV, Aston Villa, Coventry, Venezia and Ankaragucu, without success, and endures tragedy in his personal life, as two of his children die.

3) Nicky Barmby - Up There With Zidane, Maldini & Ronaldo

Pele Prediction: Nicky Barmby will become a world class star.

Outcome: Nicky Barmby becomes nothing more than an average player, winning 23 England caps, and never even appearing in a World Cup.


Nick Barmby - 'The English Roberto Baggio'

2) Africa Will Rule

Pele Prediction: An African nation will win the World Cup before the year 2000.

Outcome: It is now 2009, and an African country has still yet to get past the quarter-final.

1) Brazil & World Cup 2002

Pele Prediction: Brazil won’t even get past the group stages.

Outcome: Brazil win the World Cup.


Brazil & Cafu - they won't get through

[IronCity]

I was looking for a Victory wrong prediction until I found it in Sminky's post above - good stuff

I had to go watch the Pele Victory bicycle kick. I forgot that Max Van Sydow stands to applaud when he scores.

then I was reminded of Stallone's stupid face on the penalty save.

[Cannon ball]

I respect Pele for his achievements, but he's full of his own self impo(r)tence. The lack of credit he gives to Garrincha really stinks. A great tribute to him would have been naming him in his 100 best players list, at his own expense, because lets face it, Pele would not have won the 58, and 62 World Cups, without Garrincha, and Garrincha singlehandidly won the 1962 World Cup. I also don't like the way he labels some talented young player, as the new Pele, or his successor. He did it with Lamptey, Robinho, and Adu. It just seems really patronising to me.

[Bammers05]

I respect Pele for his achievements, but he's full of his own self impo(r)tence. The lack of credit he gives to Garrincha really stinks. A great tribute to him would have been naming him in his 100 best players list, at his own expense, because lets face it, Pele would not have won the 58, and 62 World Cups, without Garrincha, and Garrincha singlehandidly won the 1962 World Cup. I also don't like the way he labels some talented young player, as the new Pele, or his successor. He did it with Lamptey, Robinho, and Adu. It just seems really patronising to me.

Not to mention that it puts ridiculous pressure on their shoulders, at such a young age.

[Jonny2J]

Does anyone else like the irony created by Pele bitching someone for not performing on all stages? Coming from the guy that never had the balls to try his hand in Europe?

Not really. As the Brazilian league was arguably the best in the world at the time. Plus, whenever Santos played the top European teams, more often than not, they didn't just beat them. They beat them convincingly.

[Michu]

Not really. As the Brazilian league was arguably the best in the world at the time. Plus, whenever Santos played the top European teams, more often than not, they didn't just beat them. They beat them convincingly.

The real Irony is he would have won more trophies with Santos if not for their prestige. Santos travelled the world on financially lucrative tours as opposed to competing in the Libetadores.

[Billy Minof]

:ohmy:

Santos legend Pele: Neymar BETTER than Barcelona's Messi


Santos legend Pele says Neymar is BETTER than Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi.

The pair are expected to face off in the final of the Club World Cup later this month.

"When compared individually, Neymar is better than Messi. He scores with his left foot and with his right, he is an excellent player."

"He is comfortable on both sides of the body and individually for me is the best," said Pele

[Hunter]

Source?

I don't doubt he actually said that of course, just a source is always helpful.

[Ziss]

Good old Diego :lmao:

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2931/go-global/2011/12/02/2783647/he-took-the-wrong-medication-diego-maradona-blasts-pele-for

[Rainey]

He's a fuckin' mentalist:

Pele: If Messi wants to be the best ever first he must become better than Neymar

Brazilian football idol Pele has restated his belief that Neymar is a better player than Barcelona star Lionel Messi, and argued that the Argentine must first overcome the young Santos star before he can challenge 'O Rei' as the greatest to ever play the game.

http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/105/main/2012/04/10/3027038/pele-if-messi-wants-to-be-the-best-ever-first-he-must-become

[BarnDoor]

Guy's a nutbar.

[muscularmatt]

The boner encouraging medication must be having some severe side effects.

[Michu]

The same Neymar who was utterly upstaged by Messi in the World Club final? The rivalry with Argentina is such that he'll never accept a Brazilian being inferior.