Pele, one of, if not the greatest man to play football, has sadly passed away at the age of 82 after failure of multiple organs and the progression of colon cancer which he had previously had treatment on.
An iconic figure for the sporting world, Brazil’s government have announced three days of official mourning after the tragic news of the death of one of the country’s finest footballers. After all, Pele is still the only man to win three World Cup titles, what an incredible achievement that is.
His 21-year career saw him score an eye-watering 1,281 goals in just 1,363 matches, including an impressive 77 in 92 for his national side. FIFA’s Player of the Century has left a huge hole in the footballing world, but leaves many great memories and achievements to remember him by. There will only be one Pele.
Ballon d’Or Dream Team
In 2020, the Ballon d’Or Dream Team was announced after a vote, with Pele obviously included, but who else makes the team with him? The 11 players selected are truly the elite of world football, with no place for the likes of Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldinho or Johan Cruyff.
As the options were so impressive, that a second and third team were revealed, with both of those sides absolutely incredible as well, but we’re not here for that, we’re here for the creme de la creme of the footballing world.
The side is pretty attacking, with a 3-4-3 sort of formation, displaying talent that would be enough to cause problems for anyone and everyone, enough waiting now, let’s get into the team.
Ballon d’Or Dream Team: Goalkeeper and defence
Simply put, Lev Yashin was the only option for the gloves, with the Russian shot-stopper still the only ‘keeper to win the famed prize back in 1963.
In front of him holding the line is Cafu, Paolo Maldini and Franz Beckenbauer. Now that is a back line that isn’t going to see too many goals past them, an incredible force with versatility too, if anyone is good enough to play as a lone CB, it was Beckenbauer, although Maldini would surely help out!
To say this is just the start of the team shows just how impressive it is, it only gets better and better the further into it we get.
Paolo Maldini - the greatest defender of all time?
Ballon d’Or Dream Team: Midfield
Possibly the hardest selection was always going to be the two in the centre of the park, but the esteemed ballers voted into the side were Lothar Matthaus, Germany’s powerhouse and the intricate Xavi.
It feels crazy to think the inclusion of anyone in this team could raise eyebrows, but some of the names to miss out on a place in the team mean you could pick anyone from the shortlist and it would be argued against, no wonder a second and third team were made.
In front of them, it’s the attacking midfield partnership of all partnerships, Diego Maradona and Pele, could you imagine the scenes of getting to see them ball out in the same team together? It would have been a sight to savour. Hopefully somewhere the pair are reconnecting to play the beautiful game again.
CARSON, CA - JUNE 7: World Soccer legend Pele waves to the crowd before the game between the Colorado Rapids and the Los Angeles Galaxy in the inaugural match at the state-of-the-art Home Depot Center on June 7, 2003 in Carson, California. The Galaxy defeated the Rapids 2-0. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
To keep up to date with all our sports news, sign up to our weekly newsletter
Ballon d’Or Dream Team: Attack
You’d be forgiven for thinking the front three picks itself, and looking at who has been voted in, it certainly seems that way.
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are out wide, with the ruthless Ronaldo down the middle as that strike force just screams goals, goals, goals and more goals! It’s really hard to argue against the inclusion of any of these iconic forwards who shaped the game and changed it for the better with their talents.
The second and third teams can be found here, but who do you think was unfortunate to miss out? If you need a reminder, the full team is below:
Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Final - Argentina v France - Lusail Stadium, Lusail, Qatar - December 18, 2022 Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates winning the World Cup with the trophy as Argentina's Lautaro Martinez is sat on a goal frame REUTERS/Hannah Mckay
GK: Lev Yashin
Right Back: Cafu
Centre Back: Franz Beckenbauer
Left Back: Paolo Maldini
Central Midfield: Lothar Matthaus, Xavi
Attacking Midfield: Diego Maradona, Pele
Right Wing: Lionel Messi
Striker: Ronaldo
Left Wing: Cristiano Ronaldo