For the Benfica legend, there is only one answer.
"For me, the greatest of all time is Pele," Simoes told Football Presse.
And he is adamant there is a clear reason why.
"I say this because I saw Pele do everything that all the other stars did for 50 years. I have no questions about it."
But what truly separates the Brazilian icon, in Simoes' eyes, is something deeper.
"Every star did great things. But none of them did what I saw Pele do."
Simoes recalls watching him with his own eyes.
"When Pele played against Benfica, I saw him put the ball against the opponent, receive it again, turn and dribble him. He did it once, twice. It was like playing against a wall. I never saw another player do that."
For Simoes, that moment says it all.
"Pele did everything the other players did. But the other players never did everything Pele did."
A bold claim.
But for the Portuguese great, the debate is already over.
"He was the best of the best."