The debate raged furiously in South America in the lead-up to this week's FIFA announcement of World Footballer of the Century.

In the end, as we now know, soccer's governing body copped out, deciding that the Brazilian and Argentine should share the honour.

But many will wonder how such a debate even got started.

How was it possible to compare the most gifted, complete footballer the world has seen with a drug addict and a cheat? Maradona may have produced the odd flash of genius, but for the most part his career was one of controversy, fuelled by an arrogance that knew no bounds.

His ego, as protrusive as the belly that hung over his under-sized shorts, far outweighed whatever talents he brought to the soccer pitch.

Pele, aptly named `The King' from an early age, was, on the other hand, quite simply the most inventive, spectacular, dominating and entertaining player anywhere the game has ever been played.

The suggestion -- reinforced by Argentines hell bent on putting one over their great South American rivals -- that Maradona was superior must have been one of the greatest insults Pele has had to endure.

If comparisons are to be made, then let them at least comprise worthy challengers, such as Garrincha or any one of those who played in the yellow and blue alongside or after Pele in Brazil's brilliant World Cup-winning sides -- Rivelino, Socrates, Tostao, the list is endless.

Maradona might not even have been the best player in Argentina. Some would argue that Alfredo Di Stefano was better. And in that same era, there was Hungary's Puskas, who like Di Stefano made an enormous impact in the early years of European cup competition.

Eusebio, George Best, Bobby Charlton, Franz Beckenbauer, Johan Cruyff, Ruud Gullit and Michel Platini would also rank highly on any all-time best list.

But again, it would be difficult to mention any of them in the same breath as Pele.

In his prime, he had it all -- control, power, speed and unimagineable vision.

And on top, humility that endeared him to fans the world over and most of those whom he played against.

Take away Maradona's infamous `Hand of God' goal, the drug addiction and petulance, and yes, he was a good man to have in the team.

But another Pele. Hardly! -- ADRIAN ROBSON