Cristiano Ronaldo has boldly declared himself the greatest footballer of all time during a recent interview with Spanish television network LaSexta. In a candid conversation, the 39-year-old Portuguese forward expressed his unwavering belief in his superiority over other football legends, including Lionel Messi, with whom he has often been compared. "I’m the best player in football history. I haven’t seen anyone better than me in football history, and I’m saying truth from my heart," Ronaldo stated.
Ronaldo’s assertion comes as he continues to build on an illustrious career that has seen him break numerous records. He emphasized that his claim is supported by statistics, stating, "I think I’m the most complete player to have existed." He highlighted his versatility on the pitch, noting his proficiency in various aspects of the game, including scoring with his head and both feet, as well as his speed and strength.
While acknowledging that some fans may prefer Messi or other football greats like Pelé and Maradona, Ronaldo maintained that his accomplishments speak for themselves. "One thing is taste. If you like Messi, Pelé, Maradona, I understand that and I respect that, but saying Ronaldo isn’t complete … I’m the most complete," he remarked.
Ronaldo, who currently serves as captain for Saudi Pro League team Al-Nassr, recently set a new milestone by becoming the highest goal scorer in football history, with a remarkable total of 923 goals. This record was further solidified after he scored twice in Al-Nassr’s 4-0 victory over Al Wasl in the AFC Champions League. He confidently stated, "Who’s the best goal scorer in history? It’s about numbers. Full stop."
In addition to his on-field achievements, Ronaldo has also made headlines off the pitch, topping Forbes’s 2024 list of the highest-paid athletes, with earnings exceeding $60 million, aided by his massive social media following of over a billion fans. Despite approaching his 40th birthday, Ronaldo shows no signs of slowing down, indicating that he is not contemplating retirement from either club or international football.
As the debate over the greatest footballer continues, Ronaldo’s emphatic statements and impressive statistics certainly keep him at the forefront of the conversation.