Sideline Story

Sideline Story’s picks of the greatest footballers in history

Erling Haaland recently reached the quickest 100-goal milestone with one club using just 105 games, matching Cristiano Ronaldo’s European record. Amid Haaland’s achievement, Sideline Story talks about the greatest strikers and players in other positions from our personal perspective. Also in this episode, we discuss which of the rising stars has the potential to win the most number of Ballon d’Or awards.

Broadcast on:: 04 Oct 2024
Audio Format:: other

(upbeat music) - Hello, and welcome to Science Line Story, your destination for sports news, analysis, and discussions. And Jan Guan, for this week, we're going to present you a Science Line Story special on the greatest football players of all time from our personal perspective. We will give you our picks about who are the best of the best in history of football. As usual, I'm joined here with my co-hosts, Tien Yu and Branding Yeats via video. All right, Ernie Harland scored his 100th goalful Manchester City recently. He just used to 105 games to achieve that milestone, equalling the record of Chris Channer and Alder. Then I wonder, maybe we could make one episode of to discuss who are the best striker in the world of football. Then I thought, wait, why don't we expand the scope to all the football players in history? When I saw discussions on social media, who are the most popular football player of history, who are better, Messi or Ronaldo, Maradona or Pelly, I always thought, we must do it once on a sideline. And here's the chance. Thank you, Harland. Tien Yu, Branding and I are super football fans. Like Branding said, we could talk for two days on this topic. I think we're gonna need five podcasts. We're gonna have to make it a five series official. Right, but Branding, I will start with you. We could do it for two days, I believe you. But let's narrow down scope a little bit. Please name the five greatest football players of all time in your mind and tell us why then. I mean, no pressure at all, right? This question isn't up for debate whatsoever. It's very black and white. Look, I think from my side of things about your name, when I look at the greatest footballers of all time, there's so many things to consider. I think there's impact that they made on the sports, generational talents, goals scored, titles won. There's so many things to consider. So it makes it really, really difficult. And for me, it's easier to name a top four because I think the top four names that I have in mind, I think their ranking is definitely up for debates. But I think their names in terms of the top four aren't really up for debates, if that makes sense. But look, I will take a chance and make a list in terms of ranking. But number one, I think I would have to go with Pele. I think that he had as such a young teenager for arguably the greatest football team in history, Brazil, winning three World Cup titles, scoring goals for his national team at the age of 17. And if I'm not mistaken, Brazil actually declared him a national treasure, lifting three World Cup titles. I mean, there are so many greats that have never even gotten close to a final of a FIFA World Cup. So the fact that he was able to win three is remarkable. And I don't know if we will ever see that again. So Pele takes the number one spot. Lionel Messi, unfortunately, for me, comes with number two. Look, I think it was always up for debate between, for me, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. You know, because I think they achieved so much with their respective clubs, scored so many goals, lifted so many individual and team titles. But the second that Messi lifted that World Cup title with a very average Argentina team, I think that ended the debate for me. I still actually think it's a little bit tight between Messi and Pele for that number one spot. But I think Messi definitely comes in at number two. Number three for me, Cristiano Ronaldo. The amount of goals that he scored, the title that he's won with much a goal, you know. And he's also shown that he's a proven goalscore and not just for one or two clubs, but for a variety of clubs in a variety of years that brings him in at number three for me. Well, number four, I'll go with Maradona. I think that's undeniable that he's in that list. You know, his World Cup with Argentina and what he was able to do with teams, like Napoli in particular. Number five, for me, I looked at the amount of titles won. And Andres Iniesta came up for me. I know it's a bit of a name that not a lot of people expect. But I just think what he was able to do with Barcelona and Spain, just the amount of titles that he's won and the success that he brought for his national team and for Barcelona, I think also puts him in that list for me. So that would be my top five. Right, I have to say I didn't see Andres Iniesta coming in this list. I had to throw the surprise somewhere because I think the top four was guaranteed. Yeah, but I guess that's the charm of this kind of discussion. You don't know who is coming up in this discussion. Can you, how about your five picks? Well, it's a hard question for me as well. 'Cause there are just like Brandon mentioned, there are too many legends to choose from, but you guys will know who I'm gonna put on this first. The one and only Cristiano Ronaldo. Number one. It's not only because-- Wow, okay, okay. 'Cause it's not coming in older, but-- Oh, okay, okay, okay, first. Yeah, first in our list. 'Cause I mean, it's not only because I'm his fan, but also because of these achievements. Five-time Belondo Arena, four-time Golden Shoes, and how he just single-handedly carried out carried Real Madrid forward and led the Cubs to three Champions League trophies in a row. And I think he can be the role model for any football player right now. Or any athletes. Yeah, any athletes. Yeah, because-- Yeah, or he's even big. Yeah. His spirit of never giving up, his desire for victories and the eagerness and the hard work he paid-- Self-discipline. Yeah, to become a better player. And are the trades that can really make up a successful professional career, or even a successful human being. So I think there is no doubt that we can put him on the list of the greatest of all time, and he definitely deserves a place on it. And for next, I'm gonna put Pele on the list. Okay. First of all, he's the only person in the history of football to win three World Cups, as Brandon mentioned, which is an unprecedented achievement. Also, he has brought the beautiful game style into football. He's some of like dribbling skills and excellent shooting, scoring ability, have revolutionized football, and completely transformed football's fans idea about what a striker can do on the pitch. Right. So yeah, for his clout in football and inspiration for countless fans, I would say he's definitely on the goat equation. And for similar reasons, I'm gonna put Diego Moradona on the list. He may be overshadowed by the Pele in terms of the number of trophies and the controversy around him, but his influence on football is also immense. And he showed that talent, passion, and creativity can elevate a player to greatness. And since there are so many strikers right now, I'm gonna put a defender and midfielder. What's a lame execute to exclude Lemma Essie, to my list as well. I'm not complaining. I'm not complaining. I love her. So my pick for the defender would be Franz Beckenbauer, the emperor. Right. Yeah, he is also a player that has left a great impact on football. He has been known for popularizing the role of liberal and establishing Bayern Munich as a juggernaut in German football. And also as one of the three individuals to win the World Cup, both as a player and as a manager. He's a successful coaching career. Also, I think added some highlights to his career. So, and also talking about being successful, both as a manager and a player, Zidane should be in a place. And as a player, he is a master in midfield who is known for his elegant playing style and the incredible volley in the Champions League final. And as a manager, he led Real Madrid to three Champions League titles in a row, which is quite a remarkable achievement. And that would be my list of the five greatest football players of all time. Okay. And the only reason I didn't put Lionel Messi on list is because of my principle here is that I want to pick up five players from five different countries. Yeah, yeah, I'm sure that's the reason. I'm sure that's the reason. I can't put another Argentine player on the list. So, unfortunately, Messi has to go. And there's nothing personal here. Yeah, I'm okay. You should be... I'm okay, I can kill this. You should feel lucky. I'm not a Messi fan because the other wise, they could be very crazy about you. Yeah. Okay, now to my turn of my five guys. No specific ranking. Lionel Messi and the Cristiano Ronaldo, I guess this is universal choices without any doubts. Then Diego Maradona, I think, he deserves a place in this list. France, back in Bower, a revolutionary player who changed how football is supposed to be played. The final spot is to R9 Ronaldo. Yeah, decent pick. I watched football as a child. And to me, he seemed like a mountain that one can surpass in terms of strikers. Because I used to watch a lot of strikers. Fennest to Rui, Terry Henry, Raoul, Adriana, Inzagie. But no one, no one even compares to R9 Ronaldo. Yeah, agree. Even players like Nesta today, they still think R9 Ronaldo is the best striker in history of all time. I won it. Jan Guan, you know what's crazy about R9 is the talent that he showed and the achievements that he was able to accomplish while being ravaged by injury. I mean, if he had stayed injury-free for his entire career, imagine what he could have done. But even with those injuries, I think it was two World Cups and did some incredible things with Inter, Real Madrid, Barcelona, he was an unbelievable talent. And when you look at how other players and coaches talk about R9, I mean, they literally talk about him like he's an unearthly figure, like he's from another planet. And he watched some of the footage of him when he wasn't injured. I mean, he was virtually unstoppable. Strength, speed, finesse. He had it all, man, yet at all. - Yeah, that's why he takes the final spot in my list. But talking about strikers, let's switch to a game here to choose the best striker in our minds. Brandon, I will start with you again. In this game, imagine you are the owner or a manager of European powerhouse team and you are about to face another big club in the Champions League final. Which striker of the following options would you choose to be in your starting 11 for this game? Remember, all the strikers are in their prime time and all the strikers are available. So leave in your dream. So are you ready? - I'm ready, let's do it. - I would give you constantly two options and do you choose one between them. - Now, Louis Suarez or Elbaro Morata? - Suarez. - Suarez or Eto? - Suarez. - Suarez or Alibergirud? - Suarez. - Wow. - Suarez or Chef Chinko? - Suarez. (laughing) - Wow, I'm surprised. Now Suarez or Didier Drogba? - Suarez. - Suarez or Harry Kane? - Suarez. (laughing) - I don't know you are a fan of Suarez. - I'm not, I'm not, I hate him. (laughing) He's just so good. - Okay. - Next, Suarez or Sergio Aguero? - Suarez. (laughing) - Suarez or Robert Lewandowski? - Suarez. (laughing) - Wow. - Suarez or Jürgen Klinsman? - Suarez. - Suarez or Wayne Rooney? (laughing) - That's going to be tough. - Rooney. - Rooney. - I can't help it. - Really? - Being a United fan. - Yeah. (laughing) - Of course Rooney. Then Rooney or Miroslav Closer? - Rooney. - Rooney or Pele? - Oh, dude. (laughing) - Ah. Champions League final, I have to say Rooney because Pele never played in Champions League. (laughing) - It's reasonable. That's reasonable. - Okay, what an excuse. So Rooney, right? - Yeah, but you know what? The reason I kept going for Suarez was just because he offered so much more than just being a striker. His link up play, his pace, his determination and he was able to score, you know, approaches goal or from 50 yards out. So I think he offers a lot more as a footballer than some of the other names that were mentioned. So look, I think there might have been others like Lewandowski or Harry Kane, for example, that might be better out and out strikers. But I think in terms of overall play, Suarez, I don't know if he's underrated, but I think Suarez's name isn't mentioned enough in terms of the greatest strikers that have ever played. But Wayne Rooney, I mean, what he was able to do with Manchester United and some of the iconic goals that he scored and, you know, the positions that he covered and his record for England. And he just, for me, maybe top, top Suarez a little bit. But, you know, that being said in the Champions League, I think Suarez might actually have the edge of Rooney. But overall, I think I'd still pick Rooney over Suarez in a general conversation, but that's a very close call. - Okay, the game is still on. - Oh, sorry. - So we're now on the Rooney. (laughing) - Okay, now Rooney or Terry Henry? - Champions League, mentality, talent. Terry Henry. - Terry Henry or Get Mueller? - I think even in the modern game, I think I'm Reese Bitter-equipped. - Now, Terry Henry or Victor Oseman? - Oh, Henry. - Terry Henry or Michael VanBasten? - After that goal scorer sent it forward. - I love this show. - Surely as a striker, maybe VanBasten. - Michael VanBasten or Chris Chan Ronaldo? - Oh, Ronaldo. If whoever's next, it's gonna be Ronaldo, Ronaldo, Ronaldo, Ronaldo, Ronaldo, Ronaldo. - Really? - I'll pick Ronaldo over anybody. I would pick Ronaldo as a goalkeeper instead of the eco-cassiliars, if I had to pick one player, play any game to do anything, Ronaldo, Ronaldo, Ronaldo. - So 11, Ronaldo, Formula T? - Okay, so I guess we have-- - I would love, if they were 11 Ronaldo's, I'm telling you, they would win any competition. They would win a cricket match, they would win a rugby match, they would win anything. - That's my brother. (laughing) - Okay, I guess we have a winner here. Congratulations, Ronaldo. (laughing) - Not like he needs more awards, right? I mean, he hasn't won enough titles. - Right, being a United fan and being a Ronaldo fan for so many years, no surprise to me at all. Now to you, Tien Yu, I will not play the same game with you because I know you will end up with Ronaldo again and you will win this game. So I will tend to goalkeepers for your imaginary club for these Champions League finals. - I'm ready. - Okay, again, choose one between the two options. Andrew O'Nana or Emiliano Martinez? - Well, O'Nana. - O'Nana or Peter Chek? - Well, definitely Chek, yeah. - Yeah. - Peter Chek will test again. - Mm, still Chek because I think Tostegen has been quite good when he first joined Barcelona, but after they got really smashed by Bayern Munich with the 8-0 tragedy in the Champions League, he was kind of got lost and I don't think you can count on a goalkeeper who has a mindset issue in critical times. - Right. So here, Peter Chek or Manny Noria? - Well, I would definitely go with Noria. - Okay, Norian or Jan Oblak? - Again, a very hard one because Oblak has caused so much trouble for Real Madrid as a Real Madrid fan. But still Noria because he's more complete. Norian or his former teammate, Ian Zormer. - I love Zormer, but he's a well-equipped goalkeeper, but still Noria. - Norian or David Heer? - Mm, I think if I were Brandon, I maybe go for going for the Heer, but I need to be more objective here, so Noria again. - Yeah. - Okay, Noria or Alison Becker? Still Noria. - Okay, Norian or Oliver Kahn? - That's a pretty hot one, but I'm still gonna go with Noria 'cause for his transformation of goalkeeper's role. - Yeah. - Okay, Norian or Tibu-Quattua? - Yeah, I finally found someone who can beat Noria. Yeah, I would say that, say that big, not just because I'm a Real Madrid fan. I think the performance of Quattua in recent years can be recognized by all. He is undoubtedly the greatest goalkeeper around the world right now, and seeing him in the box area is always a relief for the coach, and as he really makes any mistakes, so Quattua. - Okay, now Quattua or David Seaman? - Well, Seaman, a legendary English goalkeeper, but I haven't watched him play really that much, so still Quattua. - Okay, Quattua or Jia-Le-Gibu phone? - Ah, that was really a dilemma here. In terms of the longevity of career, Quattua definitely wings, but I think Quattua would be a better player with both players in their prime, so yeah, Quattua. - Still Quattua? - Now, Quattua or Edison? - I think Quattua is more reliable than him in critical times. - Now, Quattua or Peter's Michael? - Another legendary bigger. (laughs) - A be very capable. - Sadly, I wasn't even born when he was in his prime, so yeah, I didn't have the chance to watch him live, so yeah, I'm still gonna pick Quattua. - Okay, now. - Still Quattua or Ico Casillas? - Ooh. - That's the hardest question for me, 'cause I think every Real Madrid fan has a special feeling for Casillas. For all the contributions he has made to his dance with the club, the wonderful saves and the strong devotion to the team. - I love to talk to you. (laughs) - But don't get me wrong, Madrid fans, I, in terms of body advantage and the degree of reliability, I will still go for Quattua. - Quattua, I guess that's the winner for Tien Yu. I guess we mentioned the best, goalkeeper's and best strikers in this discussion. A lot of names appeared in this talk, but I guess some of them, some of the star players are overestimated. They are real capabilities, less of a thing, in compared with their reputation. Brandon Latt's expand the scope to all the players in history. Who do you think is most overestimated player? - I wish we were talking about underestimated, 'cause there's so many that I could mention, but overestimated, you know, I like Neymar. I think he's a very talented player and I think he did some really good things with Barcelona. Honestly, I think, you know, at that time, when it was Messi, Suarez and Neymar, I think that attacking trio was in the league of the best in the world, along with Bale, Benzema and Ronaldo. And I think even one or two seasons exceeded them. And I think Neymar was a huge part of that success. But the way that he's talked about amongst Barcelona fans and Brazil fans in particular, like the way that Brazil often relies on Neymar, almost as an individual at big tournaments and that sort of thing. I don't think that he is that sort of player that is a one star, one player in one team, sort of individual for me. - Right. Can you eat what you think? - Well, as a Madrid fan, the first name to come up in my head is adding hazard. Real Madrid paid over a record, 150 million pounds to buy him from-- - Money well spent, money very well spent. - Yeah, well spent, really well spent. Trying to find the alternative for Cristiano Ronaldo, but the countless injuries have really caused him in the career. And he only scored seven goals in four years stay in real. - Right. - And Bappé has already equalled his record. - Terrible. - With just nine games. Yeah, it's ridiculous. - But interestingly, some Chelsea fans still miss the time when Eden Hazard played for them. They still think Eden Hazard is the one of the greatest the player Chelsea ever has. - I wish he was the player when he was like, yeah, playing for Chelsea when he was playing for Madrid. - Yeah, I guess the controversy is still on with him. - Let's switch to the current players, or more specifically, the rising stars who have the potential to reach historic heights as the same goes, sky is their limit. - On top of my head, Erlin Harland, Kylian Bappé, or even the younger ones, like Yami Yamao, or Andrick, are all in these discussions. But Brandon, let's make a particular range here. Among all the players under the age of 25, who do you think can end up with the most number of Ballendour awards? - Kylian and Bappé, I mean, plays for France. So, you know, he probably has a greater chance of winning multiple Ballendours compared to Erlin Harland, for example. So, I think if I had to pick one name going forward into the next five seasons, let's say that has the best chance of collecting multiple Ballendour awards, I guess it would be Kylian and Bappé. - Right, can you any names, can any of them reach the heights of, you know, Cristiano Ronaldo in even Leno Massey in terms of Ballendour awards numbers? - Oh, well, personally, I would pick Jude Bellingham as the player that has the potential to reach the level of Cristiano Ronaldo and Massey. But I really doubt that there will be anyone who can win as many as Ballendours as Ronaldo and Massey. And I don't think, I think neither Erlin Harland, nor Kylian Bappé, can are the players that can rival the pair. - All right, let's see if the young prospects can reach the similar heights with those legendary names and go side by side with them in the future. But with that, we end this episode of Sightline Story. Thank you so much for joining us. Subscribe to Sightline Story wherever you listen to podcasts. For more information, you can also check our website, radio.cgtn.com. See you next time. (upbeat music) (upbeat music) (upbeat music)