As I was browsing through some old sports statistics the other day, I came across an interesting piece of data that got me thinking - He leaves the Angels with 35 wins and 15 losses as head coach. Now, I know this refers to baseball, but it made me reflect on how we measure greatness across different sports, particularly in soccer where the debate about the best players never seems to end. The 2019 rankings provided some fascinating insights into this eternal discussion, and having followed football for over two decades, I've developed my own perspectives on who truly deserves to be called the greatest.

When the 2019 rankings came out, they created quite a stir in the football community. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo naturally dominated the conversation, but what surprised me was how the criteria had evolved beyond just goals and trophies. The modern evaluation considers everything from technical ability and consistency to impact on the game's evolution. Messi's magical dribbling and vision put him in a category of his own for many purists - I've always been mesmerized by how he makes the impossible look effortless. Ronaldo's athleticism and goal-scoring records are simply phenomenal, though I must admit I've always leaned more toward artists than athletes when judging pure football genius.

Looking beyond the usual suspects, the 2019 rankings brought some interesting names into the spotlight. Players like Johan Cruyff and Diego Maradona maintained their legendary status, which I completely agree with - having watched countless old matches, Maradona's 1986 World Cup performance remains the most dominant individual tournament display I've ever seen. The statistics from that tournament still astonish me - he scored 5 goals and provided 5 assists while drawing 53 fouls, carrying Argentina to victory almost single-handedly. Modern players like Modrić and Mbappé also received recognition, showing how the rankings balanced historical greatness with contemporary excellence.

What struck me about these rankings was how they accounted for longevity and consistency. While flash-in-the-pan talents come and go, true greatness requires sustaining excellence over years, much like that Angels coach maintaining a .700 winning percentage across 50 games. Pelé's three World Cup victories spanning twelve years demonstrate this perfectly - though I sometimes wonder if we overrate players from earlier eras given how the game has evolved. The athleticism and tactical complexity today are lightyears ahead of what existed in the 1960s.

The methodology behind these rankings considered both quantitative data and qualitative expert opinions, which I appreciate because numbers alone can't capture a player's true impact. Xavi's passing statistics were impressive, but they don't fully convey how he controlled games like a chess master. Similarly, Zidane's elegance and big-game performances - remember that stunning volley in the 2002 Champions League final? - transcend mere statistics. These are the moments that separate good players from legendary ones.

As I reflect on these rankings, I realize that while they provide a valuable framework, personal preference will always play a role. For me, Messi's creativity and innate understanding of space make him the most complete footballer I've witnessed. The 2019 rankings placed him at the top, and I can't argue with that assessment. However, the beauty of football lies in these endless debates - whether you prefer technical wizards, powerful athletes, or tactical geniuses, there's room for different interpretations of greatness. The important thing is that we continue to appreciate these extraordinary athletes who push the boundaries of what's possible in this beautiful game.