As Cristiano Ronaldo approaches his 40th birthday on February 5, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has confidently declared himself the greatest footballer in history, claiming, “I have never seen anyone better.”
Currently showcasing his talents in Saudi Arabia, following legendary stints with Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, Ronaldo’s remarkable career continues to spark debates about his place in football history.
🗣️ Ronaldo’s Bold Claim
In an interview with La Sexta, Ronaldo confidently stated:
“Honestly, I have never seen anyone better than me. I believe I am the most complete player to ever exist.”
He elaborated on his all-around abilities:
“I can do it all in football. I’m good with heading, I strike free-kicks well, I shoot well with my left foot, I’m fast, and I’m strong.”
While acknowledging football fans’ differing preferences, he added:
“Personal preferences vary; some prefer [Lionel] Messi, Pele, or [Diego] Maradona. I understand and respect that. But to say Cristiano isn’t complete is a lie. I am the most complete.”
📊 Ronaldo’s Unparalleled Records
Ronaldo’s claim isn’t without merit. His record-breaking statistics back his argument as one of the greatest players ever:
- All-Time Leading Goalscorer in Football History:
- 🥅 923 career goals
- Most International Goals:
- 🇵🇹 135 goals in 217 appearances for Portugal
- Top Champions League Goalscorer:
- 🏆 140 goals in 183 matches
- Most Goals for Real Madrid:
- ⚽ 450 goals, making him Los Blancos’ all-time top scorer
- World Cup & European Championship Records:
- 👕 52 appearances (most combined)
- 🎯 22 goals (most combined)
💬 “Numbers Don’t Lie” – Ronaldo on His Legacy
When asked about his future and potential milestones, Ronaldo responded with typical confidence:
“I am the best [goalscorer] in history. If I reach 1,000 goals, great. If not, that’s fine too. Numbers don’t lie.”
While many athletes would consider retirement at his age, Ronaldo isn’t ready to hang up his boots just yet:
“I could quit the sport today, and I wouldn’t regret anything. But it would be a shame because I’m still very good, I’m still making a difference.
I live very much in the present. I can’t think long-term. I still feel I can make a difference for another year or two.”
🏆 Ronaldo’s Greatest Achievements
- 5 Ballon d’Or Wins
- 5 Champions League Titles
- 7 League Titles (across England, Spain, Italy)
- European Championship (2016) & Nations League (2019) with Portugal
- 4 Golden Boots
🤔 Is Ronaldo the Most Complete Player Ever?
Ronaldo’s self-assessment will surely fuel debates among football fans. While some argue for the artistry of Lionel Messi, the revolutionary impact of Pele, or the magic of Diego Maradona, Ronaldo’s consistency, physical prowess, and scoring record are undeniably elite.
Whether you agree with him or not, one thing is clear: Cristiano Ronaldo’s impact on football is unmatched, and his legacy is etched in history forever.
