<P> FIFA Player of the Century was a one - off award created by FIFA to decide the greatest football player of the 20th century , announced at the annual FIFA World gala , held in Rome on 11 December 2000 . Diego Maradona and Pelé were joint winners of the award . Maradona won the award based on the Internet poll , while Pelé won the award based on votes from FIFA officials , journalists and coaches . </P>
<P> FIFA Player of the Century was a one - off award created by FIFA to decide the greatest football player of the 20th century , announced at the annual FIFA World gala , held in Rome on 11 December 2000 . Diego Maradona and Pelé were joint winners of the award . Maradona won the award based on the Internet poll , while Pelé won the award based on votes from FIFA officials , journalists and coaches . </P>
who has received the player of the century award
who has received the player of the century award
Diego Maradona Pelé
Diego Maradona Pelé