Latino Legends: The Top 10 Hispanic Athletes of All-time

I’ll come right out and admit it. Compiling this list of the 10 greatest Hispanic athletes of all-time has been the toughest top ten lists I have ever had to write. But, as I always say, since my children like to eat – and eat like full-grown adults – I have once again managed to accomplish the assignment that I set out to complete. 

However, I must reiterate once again, after viewing all of the candidates for my top ten list – and then selecting them – not to mention, ranking them in order, was, by far, the toughest “Greatest of all-time” list I have had to come up with to date.
Now enough about how hard it was to put this column together. I’m sure you have better things to do than listen to me gripe. Here are my top ten Hispanic athletes of all-time. 

Edson Arantes Do Nascimento A.K.A. “Pele”
Incredibly, I think a lot of people here in the United States may not fully realize how great of a player – and humanitarian – Pele actually was. 

The former Brazilian soccer player began his football career at Santos Futebol Clube in eastern Brazil, at the age of 15 and went on to win three World Cup medals in a career that spanned almost two decades. 

Also known as O Rei (The King) and Pérola Negra (The Black Pearl), Pele is widely regarded as one of the greatest – if not the greatest – soccer player of all time. Considered the complete midfield and attacking player, Pele was a prolific finisher who displayed nearly unmatched skills at dribbling and passing. He was also a remarkably good tackler and was famed for his speed and kicking strength, not to mention his now legendary “bicycle kicks.” 

The Brazilian legend scored 1,281 goals over the course of his career and at 16, became the top scorer in the league and a regular on the Brazilian national squad. While at Santos, Pelé won 9 state championships, 6 Brazilian championships, 2 Libertadores Cups (South American Cup) and 2 Intercontinental Cups.