The ongoing debate over who holds the title of the Ultimate GOAT, or “Greatest of All Time”, in soccer has sparked a wild controversy among fans, critics, and players for decades. While it’s difficult to say who the best player in the world is due to other factors like personal bias, we have compiled a list of all the candidates in the 21^st century that have been propelled to the top of the ranks over and over again. Global superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, and Kylian Mbappe are all in the running to be the ultimate GOAT. Keep reading for a breakdown of why these soccer legends deserve all the passion they ignite, so you can be the judge of who should earn the title of ‘Greatest of All Time’!

Cristiano Ronaldo

The first player we have to consider for the title of the ultimate GOAT is none other than Portuguese powerhouse, Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo’s relentless passion and drive when it comes to soccer has made him a household name around the world, even recognized among non-soccer fans. With numerous awards and records under his belt, Cristiano Ronaldo has solidified his place in football history. He has continued to play at the highest level possible, winning countless domestic league titles, multiple Ballon d'Or awards, and UEFA Champions League titles. His intense work ethic and dedication to honing his skills have earned him admiration and respect from fans and critics alike, solidifying him as one of the greatest players of all time.

Lionel Messi

Any list featuring Cristiano Ronaldo means global superstar Lionel Messi must also make an appearance. In the 21^st century, Messi and Ronaldo have equally reshaped the definition of what it means to be the greatest in soccer. Messi has risen to new levels of fame, singlehandedly selling out MLS stadiums and experiencing chaos from fans wherever he goes. His unmatched performance and dedication for his team has built his legacy of excellence, resulting in the creation of a new term known as ‘The Messi Effect’. The Messi Effect refers to the effect his presence has on generating engagement, interaction, and exposure from fans around the world. Messi has the trophies and titles to back up his unbelievable level of fame. In his career, he has acquired numerous individual awards, multiple Ballon d’Or titles, and countless titles for his team, making him a promising contender for the winner of the GOAT title.

Erling Haaland

Another soccer legend that requires no introduction is Norwegian icon, Erling Haaland. His quick rise to fame has labelled him as one of the most electrifying young talents in soccer. Haaland has also become a huge threat for competitors, especially for defenders on the field, due to his rare combination of speed and goal-scoring mastery. However, his humble personality and wholesome appreciation for his fans have earned him a loyal fanbase that cheers him on at every game. Although some critics may argue that labelling Erling Haaland as the greatest soccer player of all time may be premature at this stage of his career, we believe that his remarkable success measured in a short amount of time has earned him a spot in the ranking. Fans must also consider his unlimited potential and the promise he shows of being able to sustain his current level of success, creating a legacy that can rival the biggest names of soccer. Certainly, he hasn’t yet reached the level of fame acquired by Ronaldo and Messi but only time will tell if he can get there.

Kylian Mbappe

Finally, the last honorable mention in our discussion of who could qualify as the ultimate GOAT of soccer is Paris Saint-Germain legend, Kylian Mbappe. He’s captured the attention of soccer fans around the world with his competitiveness, consistent performance, and passion for the game. His exceptional rise to fame starting out as a young teen to now being widely considered the greatest player of his generation, possibly of all time, is why he has been included in the ranking. His pivotal role in France becoming champions of the 2018 World Cup led to him amassing his loyal fanbase and becoming a world-renowned athlete. Since his humble beginnings, he has gone on to become a key asset of the Paris Saint-Germain club, demonstrating his ability to work alongside a team, score winning goals, and lead his team to greatness. At just 25 years old, Kylian Mbappe has proven that he’s a force to be reckoned with and has the potential to go down in history as the greatest player of all time.

In conclusion, the long-standing debate over who should be labelled the greatest soccer player of all time may never be officially settled upon. It’s clear that every era of soccer has witnessed its own legends who have levelled up the standard of excellence in the sport. Whether it’s rising talents like Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe, or well-established superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, we all have our favourites that we’ll advocate for forever. One thing is for certain – each player has left a lasting mark on the world of soccer and will continue to inspire and captivate soccer fans for years to come. So, who do you think is the ultimate GOAT of soccer?

Are you a die-hard fan of the beautiful game? If so, head on over to SoccerCards.ca and treat yourself to soccer collectibles and memorabilia. With caps, backpacks, soccer balls, apparel, and more, there’s something for every fan to enjoy!