Gary Lineker named and ranked the best gamers of all time

Gary Lineker has been finest identified for his presenter roles during the last 25 years, nevertheless, in his taking part in days, he was one in all England’s biggest strikers.

At membership stage, Lineker starred for Leicester Metropolis, Everton and Tottenham, whereas additionally heading to Barcelona in 1986, the identical yr he gained the Golden Boot on the World Cup for the Three Lions.

The ex-forward, who virtually signed for Manchester United earlier than heading to Spurs in 1989, by no means obtained a yellow or crimson card throughout his profession.

However who does Lineker see as his biggest of all time? He answered that query and, regardless of honourable mentions for Johan Cruyff and Zinedine Zidane, Lineker named his four-player Mount Rushmore of all-time greats, with no room for Cristiano Ronaldo.

4

Pele

Brazil

An attacking icon for greater than 20 years from 1956, Pele truly holds the file for many objectives scored with 1,279 in 1,363 video games.

He gained three World Cups with Brazil in 1958, 1962 and 1970, and at membership stage, spent 18 years with Santos. Pele was the primary participant on Lineker’s Mount Rushmore, and following his passing in 2022, Lineker stated:

“Pele’s vastly vital in not solely the event of soccer, but additionally in soccer itself and the enjoyment of soccer – which is an important factor. It is an leisure enterprise, and he was one of many nice entertainers – by means of his pure talent, expertise and skill. He was additionally a confirmed goalscorer.

“Pele was an out-and-out goalscorer, and he is performed an enormous half in soccer. The identify Pele is simply synonymous with soccer.”

3

Diego Maradona

Argentina

Subsequent on Lineker’s Mount Rushmore is somebody who broke his and England’s hearts on the 1986 World Cup, Diego Maradona.

His well-known Hand of God aim in opposition to England on the most important stage has gone down in historical past, however he additionally scored among the best particular person objectives in the identical recreation to assist Argentina win 2-1.

Maradona took his nation to a World Cup triumph that yr, and at membership stage, he starred for Argentinos Juniors, Boca Juniors, Barcelona, Napoli, Sevilla and Newell’s Outdated Boys.

Following Maradona’s passing, Lineker stated: “By far the perfect participant of my technology and arguably the best of all time. After a blessed however troubled life, hopefully he’ll lastly discover some consolation within the palms of God.”

2

Ronaldo

Brazil

Ronaldo Luis Nazario de Lima, nicknamed O Fenomeno and R9, additionally makes Lineker’s record, with the highly effective striker profitable two World Cups for Brazil.

As Lineker states, Ronaldo missed massive elements of his profession by means of damage, however when he was absolutely match or near 100%, he was unstoppable on his day.

1

Lionel Messi

Argentina

Rounding off Lineker’s Mount Rushmore is Lionel Messi, who tops the charts as his “favorite participant of all time”.

Along with his ties to Barcelona, the Englishman has been vocal in his ideas about Messi all all through the Argentine’s profession, calling him “a present from the footballing Gods”.

Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, lastly lifted the World Cup in 2022, with Lineker calling the magician “the perfect participant of all time”.