Over the course of 17 years at Old Trafford, Charlton played 758 games, scoring 249 goals in the process to become the club’s all-time top scorer – a record that stood until 2017 when Wayne Rooney surpassed him. Also integral to England’s World Cup triumph in 1966, he was recognised as one of the world’s best in a playing career that saw him capture the Ballon d’Or prize in 1966.
Charlton, though, always gave credit to those who deserved it, and went on the record multiple times to say who he believed the best footballers to ever play the game were. But while many would choose to put Cristiano Ronaldo in those conversations, the Portugal talent was snubbed by his fellow United alumnus.
Charlton Names Lionel Messi as One of Greatest Ever
Argentine ‘in same class’ as Pele
In an interview back in 2012, Charlton was asked to give his thoughts on Lionel Messi ahead of the Laureus Sports Awards that year. The Argentine had been nominated for the World Sportsman prize and was at the peak of his powers, having scored an incredible 91 goals that calendar year.
Speaking about the winger, Charlton said that he would love for United to have signed him, something which would have sent shockwaves through football had it come to pass. Hailing him as the “best player in the world,” the Red Devils legend proceeded to put him in an exclusive class.
“He’s in the same class as Alfredo Di Stefano, Johan Cruyff and Pele. When he finishes and he retires, he will automatically become one of them; a player who people will talk about for ever, while the game of football is as good and as popular as it is. He is a sensational player.”
“He was one of the greatest footballers I have ever seen, you would put him in the same class as Pele, Di Stefano and Maradona. The kind of football he played changed the game and still has an impact today.”
The Quintet’s Football Legacy
All five have secured their status as greats
Pele received plaudits for his goalscoring ability and for what he won on the world stage with Brazil, having claimed three World Cups with the Selecao. Cruyff, meanwhile, was grace personified on the football pitch, shining for Ajax, Barcelona and the Netherlands. His legacy extends beyond his playing career, having been the architect of ‘total football’, a style of play still influencing the game today.
Di Stefano is adored by Real Madrid fans for leading Los Blancos to five consecutive European Cups and eight La Liga titles during his 11 years at the club. Hailed by United icon George Best for being one of “the most complete players” in the sport’s history, the forward remains the only recipient of the Super Ballon d’Or.
Maradona was one of the most talented players to ever step foot on a pitch, possessing dribbling ability that left defenders trailing in his wake. He illustrated that at the 1986 World Cup, breaking English hearts in the quarter-finals after scoring what was later named “the goal of the century.”
While still playing today, Messi’s status as an all-time great is already secured. A four-time Champions League winner with Barcelona and a World Cup winner with Argentina, no player in the sport’s history has won more Ballon d’Or prizes than the tricky winger.
