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Cristiano Ronaldo's 'best ever player' claim shot down as Ronaldo Nazario shares who he considers to be the real G.O.A.T

The Al Nassr frontman recently claimed that he is the most complete player that the game has ever seen

Cristiano Ronaldo during the match between Saudi Arabia's Al-Nassr and UAE's Al-Wasl on February 03, 2025
Cristiano Ronaldo(Image: Mohammed Saad/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Brazil icon Ronaldo Nazario has shot down Cristiano Ronaldo's self proclamation that he is the greatest footballer of all-time.

The former Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and current Al-Nassr superstar recently declared that he considers himself to be best player that has ever lived because his all-round attributes as a complete striker give him the edge over the likes of Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona and Pele. Portugal captain Ronaldo has won five Ballon d'Ors and has won 33 major honours in his career including five Champions Leagues and the European Championships with his country.


But Selecao legend Ronaldo - a two-time Ballon D'Or and two-time World Cup winner himself - has refuted the 40-year-old frontman's boast. In an interview with ESPN, he stated: "I really don't like to get into this subject. People have a very high self-esteem, to be honest. I prefer people to talk about what I did, what I was.


"Getting down to business, Cristiano Ronaldo has a fantastic history. He achieved wonderful things, he did everything his way, including changing position, from the wing to the centre.

Ronaldo bagged a brace for Brazil in the 2002 World Cup final to down Germany(Image: Mark Leech/ Getty Images)
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"That is not an easy thing. He is certainly among the best in the history of football, but the best? I don't agree, but I respect his opinion. Cristiano is among the best in history, among the top ten.

O Fenomeno then offered his verdict on who the greatest footballer ever to walk the earth is, detailing his top 10. He added: "Pelé number one, Messi and Maradona tied together, Zico, Romário, Cristiano Ronaldo, Van Basten, Zidane, Figo and Rivaldo."

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