Soccer fans debate endlessly about which player is the GOAT, or the greatest of all time. Many fans argue over which modern-day superstar, Ronaldo or Messi, deserves to be called the best. Others insist that legendary players, such as Beckham or Pele, were the best to play the sport. Everyone has their favorite, but it is difficult to compare players from different teams and eras. Using basic and intermediate math principles, readers will explore statistics and compare each player's accomplishments. With these tools, readers will learn how to successfully use statistics to back up their favorite star.

Americans call the game “soccer,” while the rest of the world dubs it “football.” Whatever it’s called, fans know their names: Maradona. Beckham. Ronaldo. Messi. Diego Maradona’s career formed while he was only a child kicking a ball in the slums of Buenos Aires. He became a legend during the World Cup tournament in 1986 and was named FIFA Player of the 20th Century. David Beckham dreamed of playing for Manchester United and England and grew into a worldwide sex symbol, style icon, celebrity husband and father, and international brand. Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro rose from poverty in Portugal to wear the number seven worn by Beckham. His speed, footwork, and skills as a forward and a winger made him one of the sport’s most respected players. One of the youngest ever to play the game professionally, Lionel Messi, proudly sporting the coveted number 10 worn by Maradona and Pele’ on his jersey, holds five Ballon d’Ors and a meritorious achievement award from FIFA. Their stories inspire us and teach us the meaning of hard work and dedication.

"Looks at cases of records being broken in soccer/football"--

In 2009 Real Madrid paid £80m, a then record fee, to sign a ready-made superstar in an effort to keep pace with a Barcelona side that had won it all. In doing so, they sparked a rivalry like no other; Messi vs Ronaldo. The seasons that have followed have been truly spectacular, the battle for supremacy increasing in profile and intensity all the while. Their styles, personalities and footballing allegiances continue to divide opinion, but their dominance of the record books has now put one claim beyond debate - this is football's greatest ever head-to-head. Acclaimed football writer Luca Caioli draws on invaluable testimonies from those closest to the two stars, with exclusive insights from friends, families, teammates and managers, to tell the inside story of this fascinating rivalry.

Lionel Messi and Pelé are soccer legends. They thrilled fans with incredible goals and led their national teams to World Cup titles. But which soccer hero is better? Compare their accomplishments and decide for yourself.

This title compares classic star Pel� and contemporary champion Lionel Messi. From scoring and field skills to trophies and stardom, chapters explore and compare each player's skills on the field. The title also features end-of-chapter fact boxes for side-by-side player comparison, as well as a glossary. It will be up to the reader to decide who is the all-time soccer hero. SportsZone is an imprint of Abdo Publishing Company.

This enlightening book compares the lives and careers of four great women's tennis players: Serena Williams, Venus Williams, Maria Sharapova and Martina Navratilova. Each of these women is a legend, but which of these on-court superstars is the GOAT, or the greatest of all time? Using basic math and analytical principles, readers will learn to sort out what makes each of these four great champions unique and to draw conclusions about their relative abilities. Among the statistics that will be considered are career wins, grand slam victories, percentage of games and sets won, and head-to-head matchups.