‘Stats show Ronaldo is better than Messi -and greatest of all time’: Oxford mathematician claims

It is a question often debated vociferously among football fans on social media: ‘Who is the GOAT?’ (that’s Greatest of All Time).

Now an Oxford mathematician claims to have crunched the data to provide a statistical answer - which see Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo nudge ahead of Lionel Messi and Pele.

Dr Tom Crawford says his algorithm weighed players against seven criteria: club goals, club titles, international goals, international titles, Ballon d’Or awards, individual records and ‘z-factor’ seasons.

His results below show Ronaldo ahead of other legends like Maradona and Cruyff and Platini.

The study was commissioned by LiveScore, which may have a vested interest in the results since Ronaldo is a brand ambassador for the sports update provider - however, they insist the research was compiled independently.

And Dr Crawford says it was about using maths in the name of fuelling a fun debate. He said: “As a massive football fan, I have long debated with my friends who the greatest player of all time is.

“I have loved bringing maths to the masses over the past few years, so being able to showcase how you can use it within the world of football has been a lot of fun.

“Whilst Cristiano Ronaldo has come out on top from my algorithm, it is clear that all the other players’ stats are absolutely incredible, and I am sure the debate will continue!”

Over to you: who is the GOAT in your view? Tweet us @mancworlduk or find us on Facebook by clicking here.