It's the football debate that no pundit can settle - but now technology has given it a good go.
Chat GPT has ranked the 10 greatest attacking players in history, and the list is eye-catching. No once can accuse artificial intelligence of not being thorough though, with the list ranging from stars of the 1940's right up until the present day.
But in contrary to popular opinion, Lionel Messi is not considered the most effective forward in the history of the game. And as for Cristiano Ronaldo, who has five Ballon d'Or wins compared to the eight of his great rival, doesn't even make the leading three.
Mirror Football assesses the top 10, and delivers the verdict on the AI choices....
10. Eusebio
Few can argue with the assessment that the Portuguese legend was " one of the top goal-scorers in the history of the sport."
A total of 473 goals for Benfica, 528 overall in his club career, and a further 41 for his country certainly reflect that. The 1962 European Cup and Ballon d'Or winner died in 2014 aged 71, by which time is standing among the greats of the game was long secured.
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9. Alfredo Di Stefano
Five European Cup wins with Real Madrid, 480 club goals, a further 37 for Spain and then Argentina at international level, has the 'blond arrow' right up there with you know who when discussing Real's greatest goal-scorers.
That's not the only club to revere him though, he scored goals right from his debut with River Plate in 1945 through to his final club stint with Espanyol in 1966.
8. George Best
Another one for nostalgia merchant, but perhaps a choice which will have more pedantic pundits debating.
For all his off-field problems, the Manchester United legend remains just that, forever synonymous with the club's 1968 European glory and the "dribbling and goal-scoring prowess" that AI credits him with. But while there is no doubt his main attributes were showcased going forward, the definition of 'forward' is open to debate given he was mostly deployed out wide or in midfield.
7. Ronaldo Nazario
The first entrant on the list whose career highlights aren't viewed in black and white, and there because of "his incredible speed and goal-scoring ability, winning two FIFA World Cups with Brazil."
That statement is factually true, even if 'R9' was an unused 17-year-old in the 1994 tournament, but his goals to win the final in 2002 represented one of the sport's most heartwarming comebacks. Were it not for injuries, a total of 352 club goals and 62 for the Selecao , not to mention his placing on this list, would be considerably better.
6. Gerd Muller
The fact Miroslav Klose overtook Gerd Muller as Germany's top scorer in World Cup matches is proof that lists can often be misleading.
As AI rightfully says, Muller's "ability to find the back of the net was exceptional," and he was instrumental in his country lifting the Jules Rimet in 1974. A total of 68 goals in 62 cups, not to mention 654 in 716 games - mostly for Bayern Munich - represent staggering ratios that perhaps render sixth place harsh.
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5. Thierry Henry
You probably didn't need technology to insightfully tell fans: "A French striker known for his pace, skill, and prolific goal-scoring during his time at Arsenal."
But after winning the World Cup, European Championships, Champions League and titles in England and Spain, it was no coincidence then Henry made the top five. A Ballon d'Or would have supplemented his career had it not been for Pavel Nedved pipping him to the post in 2003.
4. Cristiano Ronaldo
The fourth greatest of all time? That mere notion would be enough to have 'CR7' seething despite AI crediting the "modern great" for his remarkable goal-scoring record and packed trophy cabinet.
With a record breaking 127 international goals, and his current club tally at 737 with many more to come in Saudi Arabia, one glance at this list would rile the man who has long considered himself the best ever. That notion will forever be debated, but in truth, omitting him from a 'podium' place is quite the judgement.
3. Lionel Messi
"A prolific and versatile forward, Messi has consistently been among the top goal-scorers and playmakers in the world." Fans across the globe will be undoubtedly relieved that technology has taught them that one!
Regardless of the 726 club goals and 178 for his country, for many the widespread implication, that the little genius was the best to ever lace a pair of boots, was proven beyond doubt by his role in Argentina's 2022 World Cup win. The third best ever is a title many would crave, for Messi it seems underwhelming.
2. Diego Maradona
Like with George Best, no one doubts the genius of Maradona. Like with George Best, some may quibble over his description as a 'forward'.
But his "goal-scoring ability and impact in front of the goal" was cited by Chat GPT , and sure enough it was the latter that defined him. For all the controversy that accompanied his career, the manner with which he carried Argentina to the 1986 World Cup will forever be etched in sporting folklore.
1. Pele
And there was one. We know he had 77 goals in 92 games with Brazil, although not even the most accurate of technological innovations will ever get to the bottom of his true career record.
But the line that "Pele's scoring record is legendary, and he won three FIFA World Cups," is one that not even the most vociferous contrarian would dare oppose. And archived footage of his playing days should be enough to prove to fans of all generations that is talent was unique, even those keen to shout about 'farmers' and 'frauds'.
Does lifting the Jules Rimet three times justify his placing at the top of this list? Perhaps. But Ronaldo will be apoplectic, Messi will shrug his shoulders and stroll back into training in Miami, and Maradona will be turning in his grave .
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