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As far as the title of the best player is concerned, Ronaldo Nazario believes that Brazil’s great Pele deserves to be at the top of the charts.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Ronaldo Nazario (X)
Brazilian legend Ronaldo Nazario refuses to agree with Cristiano Ronaldo claiming himself to be the “most complete footballer” of all time.
To prove his point, the Portuguese superstar referred to his goal-scoring prowess as well as his flexibility to play in different positions. His remarks once again sparked the GOAT debate which, according to many, was settled after Lionel Messi won the FIFA World Cup with Argentina in 2022. Ronaldo Nazario shared his view on the topic during a recent interview with ESPN.
When asked to name the best player in football history, the legendary striker said, “Well, I don’t like to get into these things, but people have a lot of self-esteem… I prefer that people talk like that about my performance, about what I was… and not that I have to talk about myself. Ronaldo has a fantastic story, doesn’t he? He conquered wonderful things.”
“He scored goals in all ways, including a change of position because he has played as a winger and as a striker. That’s not easy. He’s among the best in history, but I don’t know about the best. No, I don’t agree. I respect his opinion, but for me, he is among the best. I would say among the top 10,” he added.
As far as the title of the best player is concerned, Ronaldo Nazario believes that Brazil’s great Pele deserves to be at the top of the charts. “Pele is number one, followed by Messi and Maradona tied together, then Zico, Romário, Cristiano Ronaldo, Van Basten, Zidane, Figo and Rivaldo,” the World Cup winner said.
Cristiano Ronaldo, currently plying his trade in the Saudi Pro League, has achieved tremendous success in European football. After becoming the Premier League champion in three consecutive seasons with Manchester United, Ronaldo shifted his base to Real Madrid where he won as many as five Champions League titles. With the five-time Ballon d’Or winner spearheading the attack, Los Blancos also emerged victorious in the La Liga in 2011-12 and 2016-17 seasons.
Ronaldo moved to Juventus in 2018 and went on to secure two Serie A titles. He led Portugal to win the European Championship in 2016 before triumphing in the inaugural UEFA Nations League in 2019. The 40-year-old has also lifted the FIFA Club World Cup four times.
