The Brazilian icon is widely regarded as one of football’s all-time greats, although his career could have reached even greater heights if not for two severe knee injuries sustained while at Inter Milan.
It speaks volumes about his talent that he recovered to win the 2002 World Cup and later enjoyed a successful five-year stint at Real Madrid as one of Florentino Perez’s ‘Galacticos’. ..Continue Reading
Ronaldo’s best professional season saw him score 47 goals in the 1996/97 campaign while playing under Sir Bobby Robson at Barcelona.
Although he only spent one year at Camp Nou, he remains a legendary figure in Barca’s history, having also played for both El Clasico giants.
Ronaldo won the Ballon d’Or twice, making him one of only ten players to receive the prestigious award more than once.
His remarkable achievements have led him to consider himself among the eight greatest players of all time.
In a 2022 interview with The Guardian, he said, “I think there is a very, very special group.”
“Where you have Diego [Maradona], [Lionel] Messi, [Johan] Cruyff, [Franz] Beckenbauer, Pele, [Marco] Van Basten, Ronaldinho.
“I would include myself. Let the fans say, let them debate it in the bars. But you can’t rank them, can’t compare generations.
“People call me Original Ronaldo but there were others – and they weren’t false. I’m not the only one and more will come along and be better than me, in everything.”
Cristiano Ronaldo, who recently turned 40, will no doubt have been dismayed to have missed out on his list, as he described himself as the ‘most complete player’ in football history.
Speaking to Spanish outlet El Chiringuito on Monday, the Al Nassr star said: “I think I am the most complete to have ever existed. In my opinion, it’s me.
“I do everything well in football: with my head, free kicks, left foot. I’m fast, I’m strong.
“If you like Messi, Pele, Maradona, I understand that and I respect that. But saying Ronaldo isn’t complete… I’m the most complete.”
