Cristiano Ronaldo, undeniably one of the greatest footballers of all time, has left an indelible mark on the sport. Having dominated world football for over a decade, his legacy continues to thrive, even as he now plays for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia. His career has been shaped by an intense rivalry with Lionel Messi, a debate that has divided fans for years.
Recently, Ronaldo made an unprecedented admission about the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) debate, acknowledging that some people might prefer Messi, Pele, or Maradona over him. However, he firmly stands by his belief that he is the most complete footballer in history.
Ronaldo’s Boldest Statement Yet
In a recent interview with LaSexta TV, Ronaldo confidently asserted:
“In my opinion, no player has ever possessed a more well-rounded skill set than I do. People could like Messi, Maradona, or Pele, and I respect it, but I’m the most complete.”
This statement alone adds fuel to the ongoing GOAT discussion. While Messi’s dribbling and playmaking skills are widely praised, Ronaldo believes his all-around ability sets him apart.
Why Ronaldo Considers Himself the Best
Ronaldo backed his claim by listing his skillset, highlighting what makes him superior:
- Versatile Goal Scorer – Scores with both feet and head.
- Set-Piece Master – Expert in free kicks and penalties.
- Strength & Speed – Combines physical dominance with agility.
- Aerial Ability – One of the best headers of the ball.
- Consistency – Proven excellence across different leagues.
“I’m the best player in football history. I haven’t seen anyone better than me in football history, and I’m saying the truth from my heart.”
Ronaldo on His Relationship with Messi
Despite the fierce competition for Ballon d’Ors and records, Ronaldo dismissed any notion of hostility between him and Lionel Messi:
“I’ve never had a bad relationship with Messi. We’ve shared 15 years of awards, and we’ve always gotten along well. I recall assisting him with English translations, which often led to amusing moments.”
He emphasized that their rivalry was purely professional:
“He stood firm for his club just as I did for mine, and we both carried the same passion for our respective national teams. I think we gave each other feedback. There were years when he wanted to play everything, and so did I. It was a healthy fight.”
This sheds light on how their competition pushed them to new heights, rather than fostering personal animosity.
Ronaldo on Being the Ultimate Goal Scorer
When asked about his goal-scoring prowess, Ronaldo had a simple yet powerful response:
“There are some things that don’t make sense. What does a goalscorer mean? A true goalscorer is defined by their ability to consistently find the back of the net.”
He elaborated on why he sees himself as the most complete player:
“I do everything in football. I play well with my head, I take good free kicks, I have a left foot, a right foot, I’m strong, I go out…”
This well-rounded ability has allowed Ronaldo to dominate different leagues and competitions, from the Premier League to La Liga, Serie A, and now Saudi Arabia’s top flight.
Final Verdict: The GOAT Debate Continues
In closing, Ronaldo settled the question for himself:
“I think so, I have not seen anyone better than me. I tell you this from the heart.”
Whether you agree or not, Ronaldo’s confidence and achievements speak for themselves. While the debate over football’s greatest player will never have a definitive answer, there is no denying that Cristiano Ronaldo has cemented his place among the sport’s immortals.