Pope Francis: Football, Legends, and the Gentleman of the Beautiful Game

Pope Francis, a passionate football enthusiast, shares an inherent connection with the sport as he hails from Argentina, a nation where football transcends mere entertainment and becomes a way of life. Argentina has given birth to iconic footballers like Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi, both of whom Pope Francis had the privilege of witnessing become world champions and meeting in person on multiple occasions.

When posed with the timeless question of who he believes is the greatest player in the history of the sport, Pope Francis offered a thoughtful response. He not only acknowledged the greatness of Maradona and Messi but also added a third name to the conversation—Pele. In his eyes, all three hold a special place in the annals of football history, each celebrated for their unique skills and contributions to the game.

However, the pontiff’s perspective as a man of the church goes beyond assessing players solely for their on-field prowess. In his view, Maradona’s life was marked by a tragic fall from grace, influenced by the circumstances and individuals around him. In contrast, he sees Messi as a different type of player—an innocent and a gentleman. Yet, it’s Pele who Pope Francis regards as the greatest gentleman of them all, a player with a truly compassionate heart that transcends the boundaries of the football pitch. This profound insight from the Pope offers a fascinating perspective on the game and its legendary figures.