YEN Entertainment Awards 2025 is live – vote now for your favourite stars!Lionel Messi has once again found himself at the centre of football’s greatest debate after being ranked as the finest player in history on a newly released list of the sport’s all-time greats.The Argentine legend was placed number one in a ranking of 55 players compiled by Sports Illustrated and shared on X. The list features some of the most iconic names ever to grace the game, but it is Messi who stands alone at the summit.Read alsoMeet the 10 African nations heading to the 2026 World Cup in styleStay ahead of the gist. Join YEN’s WhatsApp channel for instant updates!His long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo, however, endured a surprising drop, finishing outside the top 10. That contrast has already sparked fresh arguments among fans across the football world.At the very top, Messi is followed by Diego Maradona in second place and Pelé in third. The trio completes a podium dominated by World Cup winners, a detail that appears to have carried significant weight in the rankings.The top 10 also includes some of football’s most celebrated figures. Franz Beckenbauer, Johan Cruyff, Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo Nazário, Michel Platini, Roberto Baggio and Alfredo Di Stéfano all feature prominently in the elite group.Ronaldo’s placement at 15th, behind names such as Garrincha, Gerd Müller, Paolo Maldini and Ferenc Puskás, has raised eyebrows given his record-breaking career. With goals, trophies and individual awards across multiple leagues, many expected CR7 to rank much higher.Read alsoBayern superstar leaves club after 8 years and over 300 gamesThe list has quickly reignited the long-running GOAT conversation, dividing opinion between supporters who value longevity and statistics and those who prioritise major international success. Messi’s World Cup triumph is widely seen as a defining factor that strengthened his case.Below is the top 15 list of the 55-man GOAT list:RankPlayerRankPlayer1Lionel Messi9Roberto Baggio2Diego Maradona10Alfredo Di Stéfano3Pelé11Garrincha4Franz Beckenbauer12Gerd Müller5Johan Cruyff13Paolo Maldini6Zinedine Zidane14Ferenc Puskás7Ronaldo Nazário15Cristiano Ronaldo8Michel PlatiniFrom an African perspective, only George Weah made the cut, coming in at 43rd. The former Liberian striker remains the continent’s sole Ballon d’Or winner, having claimed the award in 1995, a milestone that continues to define his legacy.Below is the complete 55-man list, as shared on X:His inclusion highlights his historic impact on the global stage, even as other African greats missed out. Ghana’s own Abedi Pele, a three-time African Footballer of the Year, was notably absent from the rankings, despite his influence and success during his playing days.Read alsoJust in: Ghana reportedly eye former Barcelona youth coach as next Black Stars coachEarlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Cristiano Ronaldo named Brazilian icon Pelé as the greatest footballer in history. He also insisted that no player will ever surpass Pelé’s achievements as a three-time World Cup winner.JOIN IN: Suspicious Content In Your Feed? Bust It With Our Free and Brief Fact-Checking Course. Get a Certificate!Source: YEN.com.gh Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe (Sports Editor) Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe is a CAF-accredited journalist with over five years of experience in digital journalism. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Integrated Rural Arts and Industry (2016). Godwin's career includes covering the 2023 AFCON and grassroots competitions within Ghana. He has also served as a Presenter at VNTV, a Sports Analyst at Obonu FM, and a Football Writer for a myriad of sports websites. He joined Yen.com.gh in 2024 to cover sports. Email: [email protected].