FIFA Player of the Century: Analyzing the Voting Results
Determining the greatest footballer of all time is a task often fraught with debate. To provide a structured answer, FIFA conducted a comprehensive voting process to name the Player of the Century. This process was divided into distinct categories, utilizing the perspectives of the general public via the internet, dedicated readers of the FIFA Magazine, and a specialized group of experts known as the Grand Jury.
Key Facts
- Diego Maradona dominated the Internet poll with 53.60% of the vote.
- Pelé was the overall winner, securing the top spot in the combined FIFA Magazine and Grand Jury vote.
- The FIFA Committee (Grand Jury) only cast votes for two players: Pelé and Alfredo Di Stéfano.
- A total of 27 players received votes in the Internet poll.
- The combined award was calculated by weighting the FIFA Magazine and Grand Jury results equally at 50% each.
The FIFA Internet Vote
The Internet poll served as a barometer for global popularity, allowing fans worldwide to cast their votes. This category saw a wide distribution of support across 27 different players, reflecting the diverse preferences of the international football community.
Diego Maradona emerged as the clear favorite among internet users, capturing more than half of the total vote. Pelé followed in second place, while Eusébio and Roberto Baggio rounded out the top four.
The FIFA Magazine and Grand Jury Vote
To balance popular opinion with expert analysis, FIFA implemented a secondary voting system. This result was a hybrid, combining the votes from FIFA Magazine readers and the FIFA Grand Jury (the Football Committee), with each contributing 50% to the final percentage.
In this combined tally, Pelé achieved a commanding victory with 72.75%, significantly outpacing Alfredo Di Stéfano and Diego Maradona. This result highlighted a strong consensus between the magazine's readership and the professional committee.
The Role of the FIFA Committee
The Grand Jury consisted of a group of experts tasked with providing a technical evaluation of the players. Their voting was highly concentrated; only two players received any recognition from this group. Pelé received 87.50% of the expert vote, while Alfredo Di Stéfano received the remaining 12.50%.
The FIFA Magazine Poll
Parallel to the experts, readers of the FIFA Magazine cast their votes. While Pelé again took the lead with 58%, this poll showed a broader spread of support, with Diego Maradona (12%) and Alfredo Di Stéfano (7%) following him.
Comparative Results Summary
| Player | Internet Vote % | FIFA Magazine % | Grand Jury % | Combined (Mag/Jury) % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pelé | 18.53% | 58% | 87.50% | 72.75% |
| Diego Maradona | 53.60% | 12% | 0% | 6.0% |
| Alfredo Di Stéfano | 0.68% | 7.0% | 12.50% | 9.75% |
| Franz Beckenbauer | 1.50% | 5.0% | 0% | 2.5% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the FIFA Internet vote?
Diego Maradona won the Internet vote with a significant lead of 53.60%.
Who was the overall winner of the award?
Pelé was the overall winner, specifically dominating the combined FIFA Magazine and Grand Jury vote.
How was the combined FIFA Magazine and Grand Jury vote calculated?
The final percentages were determined by multiplying the results of the FIFA Magazine readers' vote by 50% and the Football Committee's (Grand Jury) results by 50%.
Which players were recognized by the FIFA Committee?
Only two players received votes from the FIFA Committee: Pelé and Alfredo Di Stéfano.
How many players received votes in the internet poll?
A total of 27 players were voted for in the FIFA Internet poll.