Zlatan Ibrahimovic Names His Top 3 Greatest Footballers Ever in Shocking Snub of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi

Byline: Sports Desk | London, UK | Date: [Insert Current Date]

In a revelation that has sent shockwaves through the football world, Swedish football legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic has unveiled his list of the three greatest footballers of all time, conspicuously omitting Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi—the two players who have dominated the “Greatest of All Time” (GOAT) debate for over a decade. During a candid interview on a popular Swedish television show, the 42-year-old former striker, known for his unfiltered opinions and larger-than-life persona, named Pelé, Diego Maradona, and Johan Cruyff as his top trio. The exclusion of Ronaldo and Messi, who between them boast 13 Ballon d’Or awards and countless records, has ignited fierce backlash, memes, and discussions across social media and sports outlets globally.

Ibrahimovic’s choices reflect his deep appreciation for football’s historical figures, emphasizing eras before the modern game’s commercialization and data-driven analysis. The interview, which aired late last night, has amassed millions of views online, with fans and pundits dissecting every word. “It’s not about stats or marketing; it’s about pure impact and genius,” Ibrahimovic stated, defending his picks. This unexpected snub has not only reignited the eternal GOAT conversation but also highlighted generational divides in how football greatness is perceived. From casual enthusiasts to professional analysts, reactions have been swift and polarized, with some praising Ibrahimovic’s boldness and others accusing him of bias or nostalgia. This article explores Ibrahimovic’s reasoning, the backgrounds of his selections, the fallout from the omissions, and the broader implications for football’s legacy.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic: The Man Behind the Bold Claims

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is no stranger to controversy or self-assurance. Born in 1981 in Malmö, Sweden, to a Bosnian father and Croatian mother, Ibrahimovic rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most prolific strikers in football history. Over a 24-year career, he played for storied clubs like Ajax, Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona, AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, and LA Galaxy, scoring over 570 goals and winning 34 trophies. His individualistic style, acrobatic finishes, and outspoken personality earned him a reputation as a maverick—someone who marches to the beat of his own drum.

Ibrahimovic’s comments on the greatest footballers came during an episode of “Zlatan: The Podcast,” a new venture where he reflects on his career and the sport. When asked about his top three players, he paused dramatically before listing Pelé, Maradona, and Cruyff. “These guys changed the game forever,” he explained. “Pelé brought football to the world stage with his magic in the 1950s and 60s. Maradona? He was a force of nature, carrying Argentina on his back in 1986. And Cruyff—Total Football, man. He invented modern tactics.”

The shock stems from Ibrahimovic’s own history with Ronaldo and Messi. He played alongside Messi at Barcelona in 2009-10, forming a formidable attack, and faced Ronaldo multiple times in El Clásico and international matches. Ibrahimovic has previously praised both players; for instance, he called Messi “the best I’ve ever played with” in his autobiography, and he once described Ronaldo as “a machine.” So, why the omission? Ibrahimovic elaborated: “Don’t get me wrong, Ronaldo and Messi are incredible athletes and have achieved unbelievable things. But greatness isn’t just about goals or Ballons. It’s about revolutionizing the sport, and these three did that in ways that still echo today.”

This perspective has fueled debates about subjectivity in football rankings. Ibrahimovic’s list appears influenced by his European upbringing and admiration for South American and Dutch legends, possibly overlooking the sustained excellence of Ronaldo and Messi in the contemporary era. Critics argue that his inclusion of himself in past discussions (though not in this list) adds a layer of ego, but here, he focused on historical impact. The interview has already boosted viewership for his podcast, underscoring his enduring influence in football media.

The Picks: Breaking Down Ibrahimovic’s Top Three

Ibrahimovic’s first choice, Pelé, is arguably the most uncontroversial. Born Edson Arantes do Nascimento in 1940, Pelé is a Brazilian icon who won three World Cups (1958, 1962, and 1970) and scored over 1,200 goals in his career. His flair, vision, and goal-scoring prowess helped elevate football’s global appeal, especially through the 1970 World Cup, often called the “beautiful game” tournament. Ibrahimovic highlighted Pelé’s role in popularizing football in the US via the New York Cosmos: “Pelé didn’t just play; he performed. He made kids in every corner of the world pick up a ball.”

Second on the list is Diego Maradona, the Argentine wizard whose 1986 World Cup heroics, including the “Hand of God” and “Goal of the Century” against England, cemented his legend. Maradona’s career included stints at Boca Juniors, Barcelona, and Napoli, where he led the latter to two Serie A titles. Despite personal demons and controversies, his dribbling and leadership were unmatched. Ibrahimovic said, “Maradona was football. He could do things that defied physics. In an era without VAR or social media, he carried the weight of a nation.” Maradona’s exclusion of modern players like Ronaldo and Messi echoes Ibrahimovic’s point about era-defining influence.

The third pick, Johan Cruyff, might be the most intriguing. The Dutch maestro, who died in 2016, was a player and coach whose “Total Football” philosophy revolutionized the game in the 1970s. As a player, Cruyff won three European Cups with Ajax and the 1974 World Cup with the Netherlands, though they lost the final. His innovative style—emphasizing space, movement, and versatility—inspired managers like Pep Guardiola. Ibrahimovic, who played under Guardiola at Barcelona, noted, “Cruyff changed how we think about the game. He wasn’t the flashiest, but his brain was his greatest asset. Without him, modern football wouldn’t exist.”

By choosing these three, Ibrahimovic emphasizes legacy over statistics. Pelé has 1,281 goals, Maradona 345 in fewer games, and Cruyff 400, but none match Ronaldo’s 900+ or Messi’s 800+. This has led to accusations that Ibrahimovic is romanticizing the past, ignoring the data-driven era of today.

The Shock and Fallout: Omitting Ronaldo and Messi

The real bombshell is the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, whose rivalry has defined football since the late 2000s. Ronaldo, with five Champions League titles and seven league wins across Portugal, England, Spain, and Italy, is synonymous with athleticism and consistency. Messi, with eight Ballons and a World Cup, is celebrated for his dribbling and vision. Their omission has sparked outrage.

Social media erupted with #ZlatanSnub trending worldwide. Ronaldo’s fans accused Ibrahimovic of jealousy, referencing their on-field battles. One tweet from a Ronaldo supporter read, “Zlatan is just bitter he couldn’t reach CR7’s levels.” Messi loyalists pointed to Ibrahimovic’s Barcelona tenure, suggesting resentment. In response, Ibrahimovic tweeted, “It’s my opinion. Respect the legends who paved the way.”

Reactions from the players themselves have been muted. Ronaldo, currently at Al-Nassr, posted a cryptic training photo with the caption, “Legends are made, not named.” Messi, playing for Inter Miami, focused on his game but his camp reportedly expressed disappointment. Pundits like Gary Lineker called it “a provocative take,” while Jamie Carragher said, “Zlatan’s list is bold, but it ignores the global impact of Messi and Ronaldo.”

The football community is divided. In Europe, older fans appreciate Ibrahimovic’s nod to history, while younger ones defend the modern duo. In South America, Pelé and Maradona’s homelands celebrated the recognition, with Brazilian media hailing it as “justice for the kings.”

The Broader Debate: What Defines Football Greatness?

Ibrahimovic’s list has reignited the GOAT debate, questioning whether greatness is measured by titles, goals, innovation, or cultural impact. Some argue Ronaldo and Messi’s dominance in a more competitive era—facing packed schedules and advanced analytics—outweighs historical figures. Others, like Ibrahimovic, prioritize foundational contributions.

Experts like football historian Jonathan Wilson noted, “Zlatan’s choices reflect a Eurocentric view, but they highlight how football evolves.” This has led to calls for a more inclusive approach, perhaps considering players like Franz Beckenbauer or Lev Yashin.

In commercial terms, the snub could affect branding. Ronaldo and Messi’s marketability is immense, and Ibrahimovic’s comments might influence endorsement deals or fan engagements.

Conclusion: A Stirring Conversation on Football’s Pantheon

Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s naming of Pelé, Maradona, and Cruyff as the greatest footballers ever, while shocking in its exclusion of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, has undeniably stirred the pot of football discourse. It challenges us to look beyond the headlines and statistics, appreciating the sport’s rich tapestry. Whether you agree with Ibrahimovic or not, his list serves as a reminder that greatness is subjective, shaped by personal experiences and eras. As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: football’s allure lies in these passionate discussions, ensuring that legends like Pelé, Maradona, Cruyff, Ronaldo, and Messi will be celebrated for generations. Ibrahimovic, ever the provocateur, has once again proven that in football, opinions are as valuable as goals.