No Messi and Ronaldo — 3x Ballon d'Or winner names 3 football GOATs

Football legend Marco van Basten has never been one to follow the crowd, and his latest comments about the greatest footballers of all time have certainly stirred debate. Despite their staggering legacies, the Dutch icon left Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo out of his all-time top three.

Marco decided to choose a trio of iconic names who helped shape football history: Johan Cruyff, Diego Maradona, and Pelé.

Marco, who dazzled the world with 277 goals in 373 club appearances and helped Ajax and AC Milan to a combined seven league titles and two European Cups, was speaking to France Football when he revealed his list.

“Pelé, Maradona and Cruyff are for me the three great players in history. As a child, I wanted to be like Cruyff. He was my friend. I miss him. Pelé and Maradona were also incredible,” he said.

The three-time Ballon d’Or winner and Euro 1988 champion in a surprising twist claimed that while Messi is a “magnificent player,” he lacks the "personality" that Maradona had in abundance.

“Messi is not the one who gets in front to go to war,” Van Basten said, drawing attention to Maradona’s warrior-like spirit and passion for his country, particularly during Argentina’s victorious 1986 World Cup campaign.

As for Cristiano Ronaldo, Van Basten did acknowledge his greatness alongside Michel Platini and Zinedine Zidane, but still didn’t see them as part of the absolute elite.

“I don’t forget Cristiano Ronaldo, Platini or Zidane,” he added.

Each of Van Basten’s picks left a legacy that goes beyond statistics:

Johan Cruyff: The brain behind 'Total Football', Cruyff transformed Ajax and Barcelona both as a player and coach. His creativity and intelligence set the tone for generations to follow.

Pelé: The only player to win three FIFA World Cups (1958, 1962, 1970), Pelé remained Brazil’s top scorer for many years with 77 goals until Neymar [79 goals] surpassed his record.

Diego Maradona: Revered for his unforgettable displays during the 1986 World Cup, especially his "Goal of the Century" against England, Maradona's skill and charisma made him a symbol of hope and pride in Argentina.