text: who was the greatest soccer player and why?  don't just name your personal favorite!? greatest player of all time in my opinion, the question has to be answered by choosing a great player per position. how can i compare a defender with a scorer, when both have totally different assignments on the field. so i will name the greatest player per position: greatest defender: franz beckenbauer greatest midfielder: diego maradona greatest foward: edson do nacimento (pele)  each of these players have redefined their positions, defined their era, and won world cups for their countries.