As I sat down to compile this definitive ranking of the best soccer players of all time in 2019, I found myself reflecting on how difficult it is to compare legends across different eras. Having followed football religiously for over two decades, I've developed my own perspectives on what truly makes a player legendary. While statistics certainly matter, I've always believed that impact on the game and cultural significance weigh just as heavily in these discussions.

Let me start with what I consider the undisputed top tier. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo absolutely belong in any conversation about football immortality. Their numbers are simply staggering - Messi's 672 career goals for Barcelona and Ronaldo's 650+ club goals speak volumes about their consistency and quality. But beyond the numbers, what impresses me most is how they've maintained peak performance for over a decade. I remember watching Messi's incredible 91-goal calendar year in 2012 and thinking nobody would ever match that, yet Ronaldo kept pace with his own incredible Champions League records. These two have redefined what's possible in modern football.

When we look further back in history, my personal favorite has always been Diego Maradona. His 1986 World Cup performance, particularly that incredible goal against England, represents what I love most about football - sheer individual brilliance that can define an entire tournament. Though Pelé's three World Cup wins and 1,281 career goals make him statistically superior, I've always felt Maradona's raw talent and passion made him more compelling to watch. That's not to diminish Pelé's achievements - his goal-scoring record remains one of those numbers that just seems impossible in today's game.

The conversation gets really interesting when we consider players from different positions. Personally, I think goalkeepers and defenders often get shortchanged in these discussions. Gianluigi Buffon's longevity - still playing at top level in his 40s - deserves special recognition. Similarly, Franz Beckenbauer revolutionized the sweeper position in ways that still influence how defenders play today. I'd include both in my top 15, though I know many fans focus primarily on attacking players.

What about modern players breaking through? In 2019, we're seeing young talents like Kylian Mbappé already making strong cases for future consideration. His World Cup final performance at just 19 years old was something I haven't witnessed since Ronaldo Nazário's early days. Speaking of which, the original Ronaldo's 352 career goals despite multiple serious injuries always makes me wonder what might have been had he stayed healthy.

The reference to a coach leaving with 35 wins and 15 losses actually reminds me how player legacies are often tied to their managers. Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United era produced several players who might make this list, like Cristiano Ronaldo and Eric Cantona. That winning record - similar to what we see in the reference - shows how important the right environment is for players to achieve greatness.

Looking at the current landscape, I'd argue we're in a golden era of football talent. Beyond Messi and Ronaldo, players like Modrić, Neymar, and Salah are writing their own chapters in football history. Luka Modrić breaking the Messi-Ronaldo Ballon d'Or streak in 2018 was particularly significant, showing that midfield maestros can still claim individual honors in this goal-obsessed era.

As I conclude this ranking, I'm reminded that these lists are inherently subjective. My personal top five would probably include Messi, Maradona, Ronaldo, Pelé, and Zidane, though I know reasonable fans could argue for dozens of other legends. The beauty of football is that these debates will continue as new talents emerge and old legends are remembered through increasingly nostalgic lenses. What makes 2019 particularly special is that we're witnessing the twilight of two of the greatest players ever while watching the next generation begin their assault on the record books.