Pelé vs Maradona.
Updated June 20, 2026 · DynastyDaily Editorial · ● Live Last updated: 2026-06-21T02:18:50Z
Direct answer
The eternal GOAT debate before Messi — Pelé's 3 World Cups vs Maradona's singular 1986.
Pelé vs Maradona
The eternal GOAT debate before Messi — Pelé's 3 World Cups vs Maradona's singular 1986.
Head-to-head
| Metric | Pelé (Brazil) | Diego Maradona (Argentina) |
|---|---|---|
| World Cup titles | 3 (1958, 1962, 1970) | 1 (1986) |
| World Cup goals | 12 | 8 |
| Defining tournament | 1970 | 1986 |
| Signature moment | Goal + assist in 1970 final | Goal of the Century vs England |
World Cup figures through Qatar 2022; career totals approximate for active players.
Related — full player profiles
The verdict
Both players appear in our top-20 World Cup legends ranking and the all-time statistics tables. Browse more matchups in the compare category.
Tables and ranking points refresh as matches finish. Standings · Match schedule · World Cup 2026
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