Not Messi, not Ronaldo: Trump names his football GOAT
Donald Trump names the greatest footballer of all time (Photo: Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump named the greatest football player of all time following the Club World Cup final, in which Chelsea unexpectedly crushed PSG, according to DAZN.
Who is the greatest footballer of all time?
The President of the United States was present at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, along with FIFA President Gianni Infantino and First Lady Melania Trump.
During the final, DAZN journalists asked the American president to name his GOAT (Greatest Of All Time).
To the surprise of many football fans, Trump overlooked modern stars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Instead, he chose legendary Brazilian striker Pelé, who once played for the now-defunct team New York Cosmos.
"Many years ago, when I was young, they brought in a player named Pelé, and he played for a team called the Cosmos. And this place was packed. It was an earlier version of this stadium, but right here, and it was Pelé," Trump said (referring to MetLife Stadium, where the 2025 Club World Cup Final was held – Ed.).
"I don't want to date myself, but that was a long time ago. I was a young guy, and I came to watch Pelé, and he was fantastic. So, I'd say probably I'll go old-fashioned. That's like saying Babe Ruth (a baseball legend – Ed.). But I would say Pelé was so great," the US president added.
Donald Trump reveals who he believes is the greatest football player
— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) July 13, 2025
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How Pelé played in the US
Pelé played for the New York Cosmos for a little over two years. He joined the team on June 3, 1975, at the age of 35, and ended his career with the club. His farewell match took place on October 1, 1977.
In 1977, Pelé led the New York Cosmos to victory in the North American Soccer League (NASL). It was his only title with the American club and the final trophy of his brilliant professional career.
Perhaps Pelé's greatest achievement with the Cosmos was the unprecedented boost in soccer's popularity in the United States. His presence attracted thousands of new fans, elevated the NASL to an entirely new level, and made him the face of the league in North America.
Over his two years and four months with the club, Pelé scored 37 goals in 64 NASL matches, showcasing his skills on American pitches.
Additionally, his star status encouraged other notable players such as Franz Beckenbauer and Giorgio Chinaglia to join the NASL. This, in turn, further enhanced the league's prestige and quality.
