As I sat down to compile this list of the best soccer players of all time in 2019, I couldn't help but reflect on how difficult it is to compare legends across different eras. Having followed the sport for over two decades, I've developed my own criteria for greatness that goes beyond just statistics - though numbers certainly play a crucial role. What fascinates me most is how certain players transcend their sport and become cultural icons, while others quietly accumulate astonishing records that only true fans appreciate.

When we talk about the absolute best in soccer history, certain names immediately spring to mind. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have dominated the conversation for the past decade, and rightfully so. I've had the privilege of watching both throughout their careers, and what strikes me most about Messi is his almost supernatural connection with the ball. His 672 career goals for Barcelona as of 2019 tell only part of the story - it's the way he makes the impossible look routine that truly defines his greatness. Ronaldo, on the other hand, represents the pinnacle of athletic dedication. His transformation from a tricky winger to a goal-scoring machine is something I've never seen before in my years of following the sport. The man has won league titles in England, Spain, and Italy - that's not luck, that's phenomenal adaptability.

Then we have the classics - Pelé, Diego Maradona, Johan Cruyff. These are the players who built the foundation of modern soccer. I often find myself watching old footage of Maradona's 1986 World Cup performance and still being amazed by his sheer dominance. The numbers from earlier eras might not compare to today's statistics, but their impact was monumental. Pelé's claimed 1,283 career goals might be disputed, but his three World Cup victories are undeniable. What many younger fans might not realize is how Cruyff essentially reinvented how soccer could be played - his influence extends far beyond his playing days into modern coaching philosophy.

Speaking of coaching, that brings me to an interesting parallel from another sport that demonstrates how greatness can be measured differently. In baseball, the reference point of 35 wins and 15 losses as a head coach record reminds me that sometimes we need to look beyond conventional statistics. Similarly in soccer, players like Franz Beckenbauer redefined their positions entirely - his 103 appearances for West Germany don't fully capture how he invented the sweeper role we know today. Or take Zinedine Zidane, whose statistics might not blow you away until you watch his Champions League winning goal in 2002 or his 1998 World Cup final performance - moments that define careers.

What I've come to realize after years of analysis is that the "best" player depends heavily on what you value most. If we're talking pure numbers, Cristiano Ronaldo's five Ballon d'Or awards and 700+ career goals make a compelling case. If we're discussing cultural impact, Maradona's influence in Argentina and beyond is immeasurable. For technical perfection, Messi probably takes the crown. And for transforming how the game is understood, Cruyff stands alone. Personally, I lean toward Messi as the most technically gifted player I've ever seen, though I completely understand arguments for others.

The beauty of soccer is that this debate will never be settled definitively. New stars emerge, old legends are rediscovered by younger generations, and our perspective constantly evolves. What remains constant is our appreciation for these extraordinary athletes who've given us so many unforgettable moments. As we look toward the future, I'm excited to see how current players like Mbappé will eventually fit into this conversation, but for 2019, these are the names that define soccer excellence in my book.