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| FIFA 100 | |
|---|---|
| Name | FIFA 100 |
| Caption | List compiled by Pelé for FIFA centenary celebrations in 2004 |
| Date | 2004 |
| Compiled by | Pelé |
| Purpose | Best living footballers |
| Publisher | Fédération Internationale de Football Association |
| Language | English |
FIFA 100 is a curated list compiled in 2004 by Brazilian footballer Pelé at the behest of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association for its centenary celebrations. Announced during centenary events involving personalities from Zurich, the list aimed to recognize the "greatest living footballers" and combined players and coaches from diverse eras and continents. It was presented amid ceremonies featuring figures associated with World Cup history, Maracanã Stadium, and other landmark venues.
The list originated as part of the FIFA centenary year program alongside initiatives like the FIFA World Cup commemorations and exhibitions at the FIFA Museum. FIFA invited Pelé, who had won the FIFA World Cup with Brazil national football team in 1958, 1962 and 1970, to assemble a roster reflecting international football heritage spanning the UEFA and CONMEBOL confederations as well as representatives from CAF, AFC and CONCACAF. The project intersected with centennial events in Zurich, diplomatic receptions involving officials from the Swiss Confederation, and media coverage by outlets such as BBC Sport, ESPN, and L'Equipe. Organizational input came from FIFA officials who coordinated selections with national associations like the English Football Association and the Brazilian Football Confederation.
Pelé described the remit as naming the "greatest living footballers", but FIFA framed the task as a celebration rather than a strict ranking, asking for a list of 100 active or retired professionals. The process reflected Pelé's personal knowledge shaped by encounters at tournaments including the FIFA World Cup, Copa América, and UEFA European Championship. Selections drew upon achievements in competitions such as the UEFA Champions League, Copa Libertadores, Olympic Games football tournament, and domestic leagues like the Premier League, La Liga, and Serie A. Nominees included senior figures associated with club institutions like Real Madrid CF, FC Barcelona, AC Milan, Manchester United F.C., and Bayern Munich. FIFA publicized the list during celebratory events involving former players and administrators from bodies like the Union of European Football Associations.
Pelé's compilation mixed contemporary stars with past legends across positions including forwards, midfielders, defenders, goalkeepers, and managers. The roster incorporated figures linked to landmark matches such as the 1966 FIFA World Cup Final, the 1970 FIFA World Cup Final, and the 1999 UEFA Champions League Final. Names included athletes celebrated for trophies with clubs like Inter Milan, Juventus F.C., Liverpool F.C., and Ajax Amsterdam as well as national-team accomplishments with squads like Argentina national football team, Germany national football team, and Spain national football team. Several selected individuals had won awards such as the Ballon d'Or, FIFA World Player of the Year, and UEFA Best Player in Europe Award and had managerial credentials tied to organizations like Real Madrid Castilla and national federations. The list also featured coaches renowned for triumphs in tournaments like the UEFA European Championship and the Copa América.
The compilation generated debate over criteria, notable exclusions, and perceived biases toward certain eras, countries, and Pelé's personal perspective. Critics from publications including The Guardian, The Times, and Marca argued about the absence of some past icons associated with clubs like Nottingham Forest and Santos FC or national successes such as West Germany 1974 and Italy 1982. National federations, commentators from Sky Sports, and analysts linked to FourFourTwo debated whether selections adequately represented influential figures from Africa Cup of Nations history and emerging talents from the AFC Asian Cup. Some prominent omissions sparked reactions from former internationals and managers who had been influential in competitions like the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup and the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Public and media reception mixed praise for celebrating football heritage with criticisms about methodology. Retrospectives by outlets such as The New York Times, Der Spiegel, and La Gazzetta dello Sport discussed the list in context with Pelé's stature and the symbolic politics of FIFA centenary programming. The selection influenced commemorative exhibits at institutions like the FIFA Museum and featured in anniversary broadcasts produced by networks including ITV and Canal+. Academic commentators in sports studies referenced the list when analyzing celebrity influence in global sports governance centered on personalities involved in events like the Olympic Games and FIFA congresses.
The FIFA centenary list prompted subsequent compilations by magazines, confederations, and broadcasters, inspiring rankings such as all-time best XI lists from UEFA.com, balloted honours from France Football, and hashtags circulated across platforms like Twitter and Instagram. Clubs, national associations, and fan groups used the roster to frame debates about legacy in contexts including club rivalries between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, historic derbies like the Manchester derby, and continental narratives spanning South America and Europe. The exercise reinforced the role of celebrity curatorship exemplified by figures linked to FIFA ceremonies and contributed to ongoing dialogues about how institutions such as FIFA and media organizations construct sporting memory.
Category:Lists of association football players