Pope Francis Has Died: His Favorite Player Was Neither Messi Nor Maradona

This Monday, the world said goodbye to Pope Francis, a spiritual leader who was also a true football lover. A devoted San Lorenzo fan, Jorge Bergoglio never avoided casual football talk, and in one of his many interviews, he made his stance clear on one of the sport’s most debated questions: who was the greatest player of all time?

“Maradona or Messi? I would include a third: Pelé. They’re the three I’ve followed. Maradona was a great, but as a person he had his flaws. Messi is very proper, a real gentleman. But for me, of the three, the best is Pelé,” the Pope answered, staying true to his direct style.

His words, which now gain renewed meaning after his passing, show the most human and football-loving side of Francis. While most of the world chose between Diego and Leo, he paid tribute to the King of Football: Edson Arantes do Nascimento, Pelé.

As he departs, football also mourns a remarkable fan. A Pope who, beyond his role in the Church, never stopped being an Argentine at heart—with a clear view on the sport that unites millions.