Historical ranking of the best players and their defining match according to ChatGPT

Throughout the history of soccer, certain players left an indelible mark with memorable performances in crucial matches. Their performances were memorable, but who were the best? To answer this question, artificial intelligence evaluated who the best were and their crowning match.

According to Chat GPT4, the greatest player of all time is Diego Maradona. For his unique skill and ability to define important matches.

His crowning match is the memorable quarterfinals of the 1986 World Cup in Mexico: Argentina vs. England. Maradona scored two unforgettable goals: "The Hand of God" and the "Goal of the Century," where he ran more than 50 meters, eluding five English players before scoring.

His performance was key to Argentina's 2-1 victory and cemented his status as one of the best players of the Argentine National Team and the world at that time. Finally, La Albiceleste would become world champion against West Germany with a 3-2 victory.

Pelé is the second-best player in history, according to Chat GPT4. For being an exceptional goal scorer and three-time world champion.

His crowning match is the final of the 1970 World Cup in Mexico: Brazil vs. Italy. The 1970 Brazil team defeated Italy 4-1 in the World Cup final.

O Rey excelled by scoring the first goal with a header. Additionally, he provided a precise pass to Carlos Alberto for the iconic fourth goal. His leadership and talent were essential for Brazil to achieve its third world title, sealing his legacy as one of the most important figures in soccer.

Pelé was not going to be drafted for this World Cup because "he was nearsighted and had a hip problem," according to then-coach Joao Saldanha.

The AI completed the podium with Lionel Messi. For his ability to elude opponents, longevity in the elite, and impressive records.

Meanwhile, the most important match of his career was the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar: Argentina vs. France. Messi led Argentina in what many consider the best World Cup final in history.

In a thrilling match that ended 3-3 in regulation time, Messi scored two goals and had a brilliant performance. Then, in the penalty shootout, he would score, and La Albiceleste would end up winning 4-2, becoming champions for the third time in their history.

With this triumph, the Rosario star achieved the only title he was missing at the collective level. Additionally, he consolidated his legacy as one of the greatest players in history.

In fourth place is Alfredo Di Stéfano. The Argentine star revolutionized soccer with his versatility to play any role and leadership.

His most important match was the 1960 European Cup final (now Champions League): Real Madrid vs. Eintracht Frankfurt. Madrid won 7-3.

Di Stéfano was the standout figure of the match, scoring three goals and leading a devastating attack alongside Ferenc Puskás. This match is considered one of the best finals in the tournament's history with no less than 10 goals. This reflects Di Stéfano's exceptional talent, who transformed Real Madrid into a soccer dynasty.

For his goal-scoring ability and consistency in the elite, Cristiano Ronaldo ranks as the fifth-best player in history.

According to the AI, his most important match was the 2017 Champions League final: Real Madrid vs. Juventus. Ronaldo demonstrated why he is one of the most decisive players in the history of the Champions League.

In the final against Juventus, he scored two goals, one of them a spectacular bicycle kick. He led Real Madrid to a 4-1 victory. Thus, he achieved the club's twelfth European title and the second consecutive for the Merengue institution.

Among the top six is Johan Cruyff. According to Chat GPT4, Cruyff stood out for having a great impact on the game and his role in the development of "total football."

The most important match was the 1972 European Cup final: Ajax vs. Inter Milan. The Dutch team led by Cruyff revolutionized the sport with its "total football," a play style based on mobility and constant pressure.

The talented Dutchman guided his team to a 2-0 victory over Inter Milan, scoring both goals of the match. His performance demonstrated his genius and helped boost Ajax's dominance in Europe, forever changing the way soccer is played.

The German Franz Beckenbauer ranks seventh. He was a prominent defender and exceptional leader, known as "The Kaiser."

According to the AI, the 1974 World Cup final in West Germany: West Germany vs. Netherlands. Beckenbauer's Germany against Johan Cruyff's Netherlands.

After starting by conceding a penalty converted by Neeskens, Germany reacted and won 2-1. Although Beckenbauer did not score in that match, his contribution to the team's defense throughout the tournament was essential. In this particular match, it was crucial for the German team's final victory at home.

According to the AI, Mané Garrincha is the eighth among the best in soccer. This is due to his unbelievable dribbling ability and impact on the Brazilian national team.

The most memorable match is the 1962 World Cup semifinal in Chile: Chile vs. Brazil. With Pelé injured, Garrincha carried the Brazilian national team on his shoulders.

In the semifinal against Chile, the host of that edition, he scored two goals and was the standout figure of the match, leading Brazil to the final. His performance in the tournament was so dominant that he was considered the best player of the championship, securing the world championship for his team against the now-defunct Czechoslovakia.

The penultimate spot in the top 10 goes to Zinedine Zidane. Key for his elegance on the field and his ability to decide in crucial moments.

His most important match was the 1998 World Cup final in France: France vs. Brazil. Zizou became a national hero by scoring two header goals in the final against Brazil. France won 3-0 and claimed its first World Cup.

Zidane's performance was masterful, dominating the midfield and being the spearhead of his team. His performance in this final consolidated his status as one of the greatest legends in soccer.

The ranking of the greatest historical players is completed by Michel Platini, a brilliant midfielder with extraordinary vision. According to Chat GPT4, his most important match was the 1984 European Championship semifinal: France vs. Portugal.

The Frenchman's performance in the tournament was extraordinary, with nine goals in five matches allowing France to win its first international title. The tournament cemented Platini as one of the legendary figures of European soccer.

However, the match where he truly excelled was in the semifinal against Portugal. In that match, he scored a decisive goal in extra time that gave the host a hard-fought 3-2 victory, securing the passage to the final.