The world was struck by tragedy a few days back when it lost one of the most iconic legends in the world of soccer. Brazilian football legend Pele passed away, leaving fans with a highlight of his memories to live with. But when asked if there was any equivalent to Pele in terms of basketball, fans came up with an adequate and respectful reply on social media.
There is no argument that Pele is one of the greatest to play the game of soccer. The level of skill and poise he possessed, along with the number of accolades he has won makes the argument pretty one-sided.
Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, or even Michael Jordan?
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Fans were asked if there was anyone equal to Pele in terms of basketball. Be it from a numbers standpoint, the level of skills anyone possessed or even the same amount of accolades won.?
via Getty
BOSTON – 1968: Bill Russell #6 of the Boston Celtics defends against Wilt Chamberlain #13 of the Los Angeles Lakers during a game played in 1968 at the Boston Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1968 NBAE (Photo by Dick Raphael/NBAE via Getty Images)
However, fans seem to have come up with a reply that does justice to the late soccer legend.
One fan tweeted, ?Doesn’t exist, he’s Bill Russell’s winning record with Wilt Chamberlain’s numbers.?
Doesn't exist, he's Bill Russell's winning record with Wilt Chamberlain's numbers.
— Jett (@Jett_NBA) December 30, 2022
Another fan commented, ?Michael Jordan. Brought the sport to the global audience, innovator who created a lot skill moves for the modern day players, dominated in an era where defenders could get away with murder, and above all winning the biggest prize multiple times in their own sports.?
Michael Jordan. Brought the sport to the global audience, innovator who created a lot skill moves for the modern day players, dominated in an era where defenders could get away with murder, and above all winning the biggest prize multiple times in their own sports
— Swaggy Genio (@SwaggyGenio) December 30, 2022
Here are some more reactions from Twitter.
a mix of bill (accolades) and wilt (records and stats)
— CB (@CaliBornhorst) December 30, 2022
A fusion between Russell and Jordan
— Rodrigo Lopes (@QlopesRodrigo) December 30, 2022
Combine Bill Russells Legacy and Wilt Chamberlains Numbers
— Charnell (@prince_etienne1) December 30, 2022
Michael Jordan (those who say bill rusell dont know about football) pele is the goat
— Pedro Pablo Toledo (@pedropablotole2) December 30, 2022
Everyone who say bill don't know anything about football pele was way more than that for his sport(respectfully RIP bill)
— CJ8 (@__CJ8_) December 30, 2022
Fans debated on which player could come close to what Pele had achieved in soccer that would do justice to the late legend. But most agreed that Bill Russell was the one that came closest to being what Pele was to soccer.
Who comes closest to Pele?
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Pele?s accolades do not do justice to the talent and skill he had back in the day. Even though he is the only player in history to win three World Cups, what is even more astonishing is that he won his first World Cup at the age of 17.
His skills could be argued with that of Wilt Chamberlain. Wilt was an absolute freak of nature who was way ahead of his time. The first stat-sheet stuffer who did so without deliberately doing so.
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But Pele?s number of accolades under his belt could definitely be argued for that with Bill Russell?s 11 NBA championships. However, some fans even threw in the name of Michael Jordan for the sake of comparison.
Which NBA player comes close to what Pele achieved in the world of soccer? Let us know what you think in the comments section down below.
