Few random clips above to be honest,
Anybody who has worn the ireland jersey and tried their best will always be the best to me win,lose or draw I will always be biased lol.
For me what matters more is their careers, how long have they been playing at the highest level, not just for 2-3 seasons. Consistency is what matters the most.
So in that regard my choices would be: Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Andrea Pirlo, Franz Beckenbauer, Gerd Muller.
To choose 1 is easy. The one and only PELÉ.
Only person to receive the title of Athlete of the Century.
Over 1200 goals, 3 World Titles, first with 17 years...
Some records will last forever...
I'm Brazilian and I love football.
First of all, I always want to make it clear, that football has evolved a lot over the past few years, with that, we have to keep in mind the difficulties of current players.
So, my list is this:
1 - L. Messi.
2 - Ronaldinho Gaúcho.
3 - Ronaldo (Phenomenon).
4 - Maradona.
5 - Pelé.
Although I like C. Ronaldo, this list has no place for him.
Today players are having the best support by the actual advances in medical and trainning area, their bodies are endure and close to their possibly limits. I think Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi are the best, but Ronaldinho Gaucho was the one who play the more beautifull game and win a World Cup, UEFA Champions League, Libertadores and the Clubs World Cup. I doub't someone can do that