Despite acknowledging Ronaldo’s versatility and goal-scoring prowess, Ronaldo Nazario stopped short of naming him the best in history
Brazilian football legend The long-running controversy over whether Cristiano Ronaldo is the greatest football player of all time has finally been addressed by Ronaldo Nazario.
The Portuguese superstar has played for some of the biggest teams in the world, including Sporting Club de Portugal, Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, and has broken numerous records during his storied career.
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The 40-year-old forward, who currently plays for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, has scored an incredible 790 goals in 1050 club games, solidifying his status as one of football’s greatest players of all time.
Ronaldo Nazario refrained from referring to the Portugal captain as the best of all time despite his outstanding accomplishments.
The Brazilian legend ranked the former Manchester United hero in the top 10 but was hesitant to declare him the greatest of all time when asked directly if he earned the GOAT label.
According to ESPN, Ronaldo Nazario stated:
“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,”
“He has a fantastic story, doesn’t he? He conquered wonderful things, scored goals in every way, including a change of position because he has played as a winger and striker. “
“That’s not easy. He’s among the best in history, but the best? I don’t know… No, I don’t agree. I respect your opinion, but for me, he is among the best. I would say among the top 10.”
“Pelé number 1 without a doubt, Messi and Maradona tied together, Zico, Romário, Cristiano Ronaldo, [Marco] Van Basten, [Zinedine] Zidane, [Luis] Figo, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho Gaúcho, a series of players, there are many great players on this list, and I’m sure I’m forgetting some. Every time someone asks me about this ranking, I make a different list. Only these first three are definitive.”“Pelé number 1 without a doubt, Messi and Maradona tied together, Zico, Romário, Cristiano Ronaldo, [Marco] Van Basten, [Zinedine] Zidane, [Luis] Figo, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho Gaúcho, a series of players, there are many great players on this list, and I’m sure I’m forgetting some. Every time someone asks me about this ranking, I make a different list. Only these first three are definitive.”
