Kenny Dalglish names the greatest footballer of all-time and it’s not Maradona or Messi

Liverpool and Scotland legend Kenny Dalglish has left no room for debate when naming the best ever play the beautiful game.

“King Kenny” had his own iconic career, spanning 22 seasons and 955 games for club and country.

Dalglish was the heartbeat of Liverpool during their golden era, arriving at Anfield in 1977 from Celtic for a British transfer record fee and going on to win six league titles, three European Cups, and a cabinet full of domestic honours. As both player and manager, he defined a generation of dominance.

In an era where fans and pundits argue about greatest ever, Dalglish didn’t think twice. Whilst acknowledging past greats like Maradona, and modern greats in Messi and Ronaldo, the Liverpool icon said one man “stood alone” — Pelé.

Speaking in an article written for the Sunday Post, Dalglish explained his decision.

“He was the best footballer we have ever seen. I’ve felt that way for decades, even after the likes of Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi arrived on the scene.

So I’m not saying it now [because he has passed away]. No, it’s because I truly believe it. The evidence and facts are there for us all to see.”

Pelé’s name is synonymous with football. Bursting on to the global football scene as a 17-year-old in 1958, Pele won three World Cups with Brazil and scored over 1,200 goals throughout his career.

After 19 seasons playing for Santos, the Brazilian moved to New York Cosmos in the North American Soccer League in an attempt to popularise the game in America. In Dalglish’s words, he was an “ambassador for the game of football”.

Dalglish also highlighted Pelé’s influence beyond football. From the favelas of Brazil to the bright lights of New York, Pelé became a global phenomenon — not just a footballer, but a symbol of hope and joy.

“He was a very humble person, and never wanted to make things about himself. He wanted to talk about others, and what they’d done.”

Even now, decades after hanging up his boots and after his passing in 2022, Pelé’s name still commands instant respect. And for Dalglish, the debate ends there.