As of 2025, the debate surrounding the title of the GOAT of soccer has never been more intense. While two names have traditionally led this conversation, a few new players are rapidly making their marks in the sport. As the new names spark the question of whether they will eventually enter the conversation, the real question on everyone's mind is, "Who is the GOAT of soccer?"

The world of soccer will undoubtedly continue to witness remarkable performances. It will be exciting to see how the next generation of players continues to evolve. Amidst the matches and accolades, the title of soccer's GOAT remains elusive, but the conversation will remain vibrant for years.

The choice of the greatest of all time (GOAT) in soccer is subjective and thus narrows down to personal preference. However, when discussions about the current GOAT of football begin, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are the two most commonly mentioned players, and here's why:

Lionel Messi is often considered the GOAT by many football fans. He started his soccer career at FC Barcelona, where he spent most of his career and established himself as one of the best players.

Messi's versatility, vision, playmaking abilities, and goal-scoring prowess have made him a force to reckon with. Some of the recent career highlights and accolades that have made him stand out include:

Recent career highlights

In 2023, the football player made a historic move to Inter Miami in the Major League Soccer (MLS). The transition marked a significant change in his career, as he intended to positively influence soccer outside of Europe. His arrival in the United States was highly welcomed even without a match, significantly raising the MLS profile.

Immediately after joining the team, Lionel became a key player, helping the team earn significant titles. For instance, in 2024, he led Argentina to another international victory by winning the Copa América.

Accolades

Lionel has consistently performed well over the years, winning some of the most coveted titles as an individual and for his team. Some of them include:

Ronaldo began his football career at Sporting CP in Portugal, and his career has been nothing short of legendary. He rose to prominence in 2003 when he joined the Manchester United football team. He also had successful tenures at Real Madrid and Juventus.

In 2023, he significantly changed his career when he moved to Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia. As one of the greatest players of all time, Cristiano brought his unrivalled skills to the Saudi Pro League. His recent career highlights and accolades include:

Recent career highlights

While he has done well throughout his career, Ronaldo continued to defy the odds during the 2023/2024 season. He played a significant role in Portugal's victory at the UEFA European Championship. On September 5 2024, he scored his 900th career goal.

Away from the stats, Cristiano's leadership on the field is a testament to his status as one of the greatest of all time. Cristiano continues to be a key player in his current football team, dominating matches in Saudi Arabia while offering great experience to the younger players.

Accolades

Throughout his career, Ronaldo's relentless work ethic, athleticism, and goal-scoring ability have set the standard for modern-day soccer players. As a result, he has bagged many awards and coveted titles, including:

While the debate about the real GOAT of football has always revolved around Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, several younger football players are starting to stake their claims to the title. They include:

Kylian is a French forward for La Liga club Real Madrid and the captain of France's national team. He is known for his finishing, dribbling, and speed. Some of the titles he has earned so far include:

Erling is a Norwegian striker for Premier League club Manchester City and the Norway national team. He is one of the best players in the world and with the potential to become a GOAT of soccer. Thanks to his speed, positioning, strength, and finishing inside the box, he has earned the following:

Jude is an English midfielder for the La Liga club Real Madrid and the England national team. He is known for his pace, passing, dribbling, and finishing. His potential to become the GOAT stems from the following accolades and titles:

Wrapping up

Who is the GOAT of soccer? The title is ultimately subjective. However, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are the dominant figures in these discussions, thanks to their unprecedented achievements, including Ballon d'Or wins, World Cup successes, and Champions League titles.

Are you looking for more information about the most famous soccer players with number 20 jerseys? Tuko.co.ke shared an informative article about some soccer players who have become synonymous with their shirt number 20.

Jersey numbers are like lucky charms, similar to a pair of fortunate socks. Some players inherit these numbers from family members, symbolising their family's sporting history. Find out more about soccer players with number 20 jerseys.

Source: TUKO.co.ke