Technology determined who is the best player in history

Determining the greatest footballer of all time has always been a subjective debate. However, a unique simulation has attempted to provide a definitive answer. YouTuber Ramman, known for his sports gaming content with over 34,000 subscribers, used the Career Mode in the popular video game EA SPORTS FC24 to simulate 10 seasons featuring Diego Maradona and Pelé playing for Barcelona, and Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo for Real Madrid.

The simulation, spanning from 2024 to 2033, placed the legends in league and international competitions, as well as tournaments with their respective national teams. After 10 years of virtual play, the results were clear: Diego Maradona emerged as the standout performer, winning an impressive seven Ballon d’Or awards, cementing his status as the best among the four legends.

A Decade of Competition

Both Barcelona and Real Madrid dominated the simulated footballing world during the decade, collecting numerous trophies. The simulation revealed several highlights:

• Maradona’s Dominance: Diego Maradona stood out with his incredible performances, scoring 47 goals in one season and leading Barcelona to league glory. Despite this dominance, his Barcelona team fell short in the UEFA Champions League, failing to win the coveted trophy.
• Cristiano’s World Cup Triumph: Cristiano Ronaldo delivered a surprising result in the 2030 World Cup, guiding Portugal to victory and eliminating Argentina in the Round of 16.
• Shifts in Ballon d’Or Winners: Maradona won the Ballon d’Or seven times, while Pelé took the honor in 2028. Cristiano Ronaldo claimed the award during the first simulated season, but it was Maradona who consistently stole the spotlight.

The Key Seasons

In the first simulated season, Real Madrid, led by Lionel Messi, won La Liga, with Messi scoring 26 goals. Cristiano Ronaldo, however, claimed the Ballon d’Or. From 2025 onwards, Maradona began his reign of dominance, securing consecutive Ballon d’Or awards and leading Barcelona to multiple titles.

Pelé briefly broke Maradona’s streak in 2028, securing the Ballon d’Or after Real Madrid triumphed in the Champions League with Messi and Cristiano playing pivotal roles. Yet, between 2029 and 2032, Maradona reclaimed the spotlight, demonstrating his unmatched skill and impact on the virtual pitch.

Final Results

In the final season of the simulation, Maradona fell short in the Champions League final, losing 3-2 to PSG, leaving the European title as the only major accolade missing from his resume.

• Maradona’s Legacy: The simulation crowned Diego Maradona as the greatest footballer of all time, with seven Ballon d’Or wins.
• Cristiano’s Surprise Win: Ronaldo secured the 2030 World Cup, eliminating Messi’s Argentina along the way.
• Club and National Glory: Messi, Ronaldo, Maradona, and Pelé all achieved significant milestones, showcasing their excellence in different competitions.
• Unfinished Business: Despite his dominance, Maradona’s Barcelona failed to win the Champions League.