TheFIFA 100 is a list compiled by Brazilian professional footballerPelé featuring his choices of the "greatest living footballers" at the time of its release. The list was unveiled on 4 March 2004 during a gala ceremony at theNatural History Museum inLondon, England, as part of the celebrations commemorating the 100th anniversary of the foundation of theFédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), the international governing body offootball.[1][2]
The figure 100 does not refer number of players nominated in the list, which is actually 125. Pelé was asked by FIFA to select 50 active players and 50 retired players from a shortlist of 300, but found it too difficult to limit himself and therefore picked 50 current and 75 former players.[1][3] The list contains 123 men and two women (Michelle Akers andMia Hamm).
The list was controversial. Writing in theEvening Standard, politician turned football pundit,David Mellor, felt the selections were politically motivated rather than being made on purely footballing grounds.[4] He suggested the geographical spread of inclusions indicated the list came from then-FIFA presidentSepp Blatter rather than Pelé himself.BBC columnistTim Vickery expressed similar assertions.[5]
Brazilian midfielderGérson, who played alongside Pelé at the1966 and1970 FIFA World Cups, reacted to his omission by tearing up a copy of the list on a Brazilian television programme.Marco van Basten andUwe Seeler refused to take part in the project on a point of principle.[3]
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