As I sat down to compile my thoughts on the greatest soccer players of all time back in 2019, I couldn't help but reflect on how coaching records like the Angels' 35 wins and 15 losses under their departing head coach remind us that greatness isn't just about individual brilliance—it's about lasting impact. Having followed football religiously since my teenage years, I've developed strong opinions about who truly belongs in the pantheon of soccer legends. The year 2019 provided a fascinating vantage point, sitting between generations where we could appreciate established legends while witnessing new talents emerging.

When discussing the absolute best, my mind immediately goes to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo—their dominance throughout the 2010s was simply unprecedented. Messi's 2018-19 season where he scored 51 goals across all competitions demonstrated why many consider him the most technically gifted player ever. I remember watching his stunning free-kick against Liverpool in the Champions League semifinal that year—pure magic that left even opposing fans in awe. Meanwhile, Ronaldo had just adapted to Serie A with Juventus, netting 28 goals in his debut season. Their consistency at the highest level for over a decade separates them from mere mortals.

But looking beyond contemporary stars, we must acknowledge the foundational legends. Pelé's reported 1,281 goals—though hotly debated—represent a mythical standard that continues to capture imaginations. Having studied countless archival matches, I'm convinced his 1958 World Cup performance as a 17-year-old remains the most remarkable teenage breakthrough in sports history. Then there's Diego Maradona, whose 1986 World Cup might be the greatest individual tournament performance I've ever analyzed. His "Goal of the Century" against England embodies the perfect blend of technical mastery and dramatic timing.

What fascinates me about these discussions is how they reveal our changing criteria for greatness. Modern analytics allow us to appreciate players like Xavi and Andrés Iniesta differently—their passing accuracy rates consistently above 90% revolutionized how midfield dominance is measured. Yet some legends transcend statistics entirely. Zinedine Zidane's 1998 World Cup final performance, scoring two headers despite not being known for aerial prowess, demonstrates that clutch moments sometimes outweigh seasonal consistency.

My personal bias leans toward players who transformed their teams' cultures—figures like Johan Cruyff who inspired entire philosophical movements in football. Studying his influence at Barcelona reveals how one player's ideology can shape generations. Similarly, Franz Beckenbauer's reinvention of the sweeper position created tactical possibilities that coaches still explore today. These aren't just great players; they're architects of the modern game.

The 2019 perspective also let us appreciate rising talents who might eventually join this conversation. Kylian Mbappé's 2018 World Cup final performance at just 19 years old suggested we were witnessing the dawn of another legendary career. His 33 goals for PSG in the 2018-19 season, combined with his electrifying pace, made him the most exciting young player I'd seen since Ronaldo Nazário burst onto the scene.

Ultimately, compiling these lists reveals as much about our era as about the players themselves. The Angels' coach leaving with 35 wins and 15 losses reminds us that legacies are built on both numbers and moments. While statistics provide valuable benchmarks, the players who endure in our memories combine quantitative excellence with qualitative magic—the breathtaking dribbles, the clutch goals, the transformational leadership that statistics can only hint at. As the game evolves, new metrics may emerge, but the goosebumps from watching true greatness remain timeless.