Who Truly Deserves the Title of GOAT of Football in Modern History?
When I sat down to watch the UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball Final Four last Saturday, I didn't expect to witness something that would perfectly illustrate the very debate I've been having with friends for years: who truly deserves to be called the GOAT in modern football? National University's incredible comeback against Far Eastern University at the Smart Araneta Coliseum—losing the first two sets 20-25 and 22-25, then fighting back to win the next three 25-23, 25-14, and 17-15—showed me exactly what separates great athletes from legendary ones. That fourth straight finals appearance didn't happen by accident; it happened because certain players understand how to perform when everything's on the line, much like the football legends we debate about late into the night.
I've always believed that consistency under pressure defines true greatness in sports. Watching National U claw back from what seemed like certain defeat reminded me of Lionel Messi's performance during Argentina's 2022 World Cup campaign. The numbers speak for themselves—Messi has scored approximately 793 career goals and provided around 350 assists across all competitions. But what those statistics don't capture is his ability to elevate his game during crucial moments, similar to how National U elevated their play after being down two sets to zero. That mental toughness, that refusal to accept defeat—that's what makes me lean toward Messi in the GOAT conversation, though I'll admit my bias here since I've been watching him mesmerize defenders since I was in high school.
The debate about football's GOAT isn't just about statistics though—it's about impact and transformation. Cristiano Ronaldo's incredible athletic evolution and his staggering 850-plus career goals across different leagues demonstrate another dimension of greatness. His ability to adapt his game in England, Spain, Italy, and now Saudi Arabia shows a versatility that's frankly mind-boggling. I remember watching Ronaldo during his Manchester United days and thinking he was good, but never imagining he'd become this scoring machine that would dominate for nearly two decades. That longevity reminds me of National University reaching their fourth consecutive finals—it's not a fluke, it's a pattern of excellence that both Ronaldo and this volleyball team have maintained through different seasons and against different opponents.
What struck me about National U's victory was how different players stepped up at different moments, much like how modern football requires more than just one superstar. When I think about the GOAT conversation, I can't help but consider players like Zinedine Zidane, whose elegance and technical mastery changed how we think about midfield play, or Ronaldinho, who brought pure joy and creativity to the pitch in ways we hadn't seen before. Their impact transcends statistics—Zidane's approximately 125 career goals don't tell the story of his three FIFA World Player of the Year awards, just as the final score of National U's match doesn't capture the individual moments of brilliance that secured their victory.
The fifth set thriller that ended 17-15 particularly reminded me of those Champions League nights where legends are forged. That's when you separate the truly great from the genuinely legendary—when fatigue sets in and only mental strength carries you through. I've always felt that Messi's performance in the 2011 Champions League final, where Barcelona defeated Manchester United 3-1 at Wembley, showcased this perfectly. His movement, vision, and that brilliant goal demonstrated why many consider him the greatest to ever play the game. Similarly, National U's ability to win that tight fifth set shows they have players who understand how to perform in high-pressure situations.
Some of my friends argue for Pelé or Maradona, citing their World Cup triumphs and cultural impact, and I respect those arguments. Pelé's reported 1,283 career goals across all competitions is a number that still boggles my mind, while Maradona's 1986 World Cup performance remains one of the most dominant individual tournaments I've ever studied. But having watched modern football evolve, I believe the game has become more physically demanding and tactically complex than ever before. The athletes today face pressures and scrutiny that previous generations simply didn't experience, with social media and 24/7 sports coverage amplifying every mistake and triumph.
As National University prepares for their fourth straight finals appearance, I can't help but draw parallels to how we evaluate football greatness. Is it the player with the most trophies? The one with the most beautiful style? The most transformative influence? For me, it comes down to who changes our understanding of what's possible in the sport. Watching National U's remarkable comeback—winning three consecutive sets after dropping the first two—showed that same champion mentality I've seen in the footballers I consider truly great. They find ways to win when it matters most, they elevate their teammates, and they leave an indelible mark on their sport. That's why, in my view, the title of GOAT in modern football belongs to those who don't just accumulate statistics, but who redefine excellence itself through moments that become part of sporting legend, much like that unforgettable fifth set that sealed National University's place in history.
