Diego Maradona vs Pelé
Diego Maradona vs Pelé: head-to-head — careers, honours, key numbers and why the rivalry matters.
Why compare Diego Maradona and Pelé?
Pelé and Maradona are often compared as the greatest footballers of all time, with both winning the FIFA Player of the Century award. Their rivalry is marked by differing styles and eras, with Pelé's World Cup successes contrasting with Maradona's iconic 1986 tournament.
Diego Maradona
Key numbers
- Total club appearances491
- Total club goals259
- International caps91
- International goals34
Top honours
- FIFA World CupWinner, 1986
- FIFA World CupRunner-up, 1990
- Copa AméricaWinner, 1989
- FIFA Player of the CenturyJoint winner with Pelé, 1999
VS
Pelé
Key numbers
- Total Goals1,279
- Total Appearances1,363
- International Goals77
- International Caps92
- Club Goals643
Top honours
- FIFA World CupWinner (1958, 1962, 1970)
- South American ChampionshipRunner-up (1959)
- Athlete of the CenturyNamed by the International Olympic Committee (1999)
- World Player of the CenturyVoted by IFFHS (2000)
- FIFA Player of the CenturyJoint winner with Diego Maradona (2000)