Top 10 forwards of all time

#1 Pele

Pele is arguably the greatest footballer of all time

When you think of World Cups, the first name that comes to mind is: Pele. When you think of beautiful football, the first name that comes to mind is: Pele. When you think of Brazil dominating world football, the first name that comes to mind is: Pele.

A footballer like no other, Pele reserved his best for the biggest stage in World football, the World Cup. Pele first burst onto the scene in 1958 as a young teenager and he absolutely took the tournament by storm, putting in some spellbinding performances right through the tournament. In 1958, Pele became the youngest player to score in a World Cup final when Brazil beat Sweden 5-2. Pele scored at the tender age of 17 and the record still stands to this date.

The 1962 World Cup was also won by Brazil, but Pele got injured after a couple of matches. The 1970 World Cup cemented Pele’s place as one of the greatest footballers of all time. The legendary Brazil squad consisting of himself, Rivellino, Carlos Alberto and Tostao completely annihilated opponents with their “Joga Bonito” style of play with Pele leading from the front.

Burgnich, who marked Pelé during the final, was quoted saying "I told myself before the game, he's made of skin and bones just like everyone else — but I was wrong"

While Pele's exploits with Brazil are well known, he also had an extremely successful club career both at Santos and New York Cosmos. Winner of multiple trophies at Santos, Pele scored over 600 goals for the Brazilian club before finally winding down his career in America.

Benfica goalkeeper Costa Pereira following the loss to Santos in 1962, had this to say about Pele:

"I arrived hoping to stop a great man, but I went away convinced I had been undone by someone who was not born on the same planet as the rest of us."

Winner of 3 World Cups and having a career at the very top level for more than 20 years (1956-1977), Pele for his ability, longevity, and performances in big matches is ranked as the greatest forward of all time.