Cristiano Ronaldo has once again ignited the eternal GOAT debate, boldly claiming he is “the most complete player to have existed.”
In an extensive interview with El Chiringuito on Monday, the now 40-old football icon argued that statistics back up his claim, even as he acknowledged the personal preferences of fans who admire Lionel Messi, Pelé, or Diego Maradona.
“Who’s the Best? It’s About Numbers. Full Stop.”
Fresh off a brace in Al Nassr’s 4-0 AFC Champions League victory over Al Wasl, Ronaldo reinforced his case with cold, hard facts.
“Who’s the best goal scorer in history? It’s about numbers. Full stop.”
The Portuguese forward, who holds the record for the most goals in men’s football history (923 and counting),emphasized his versatility across different aspects of the game.
“Who’s the player in history who’s scored most goals with their head, their left foot, penalties, free kicks?”
”I was looking the other day, and not being left-footed, I’m in the top 10 goal scorers with their left foot in history. And with my head, and with my right foot, and penalties. All of them.”
“I Haven’t Seen Anybody Better Than Me”
For nearly two decades, Ronaldo and Messi have been compared in every way possible, dividing football fans across the globe. But in Ronaldo’s eyes, the debate isn’t even close.
“I think I’m the most complete player to have existed. In my opinion, I think it’s me. I do everything well in football: with my head, free kicks, left foot. I’m fast, I’m strong.”
Despite acknowledging that “taste” plays a role in fans’ choices, he remained firm in his self-belief.
“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. I haven’t seen anybody better than me, and I say it from the heart.”
Retirement? Not Anytime Soon!
While many players slow down in their late 30s, Ronaldo remains obsessed with competing at the highest level.
“I’m so competitive that sometimes I forget what I’ve achieved.”
“Because it gives me motivation to do more and do better every year … I think that’s the difference with others.”
”Somebody else in my position would have left football 10 years ago. I’m different, full stop.”
At 39, Ronaldo continues to defy age, leading the line for Al Nassr and Portugal while showing no signs of calling it quits.
“People Don’t Know What They’re Talking About” – Ronaldo Defends Saudi Pro League
Since moving to Al Nassr in 2023, Ronaldo has been the face of the Saudi Pro League’s transformation. However, the competition continues to face skepticism, something the Portuguese superstar is eager to challenge.
“People don’t know, they give their opinion, they talk too much.”
When asked about comparisons with Major League Soccer (MLS), where Messi currently plays, Ronaldo didn’t hold back.
“It’s a shame, because it’s a different reality when people talk about Arabia and the USA. [Is Major League Soccer worse?] Obviously, but as it’s Arabia, it’s disrespected …”
”People don’t know what they’re talking about. With those [players] who are here, you have to respect it.”
Why Cristiano Ronaldo Left Real Madrid – and a Potential Return?
Ronaldo also reflected on his departure from Real Madrid in 2018, revealing that the club’s handling of his contract negotiations left a sour taste.
“[Madrid] didn’t behave well with me.”
However, despite the past tension, he left the door open for a future return to the Bernabéu in a non-playing role.
Jude Bellingham – “He Reminds Me of Zidane”
While discussing the current football landscape, Cristiano Ronaldo had high praise for Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham, calling him a future star.
“Bellingham reminds me of [Zinedine] Zidane.”
“Zidane was brilliant, beautiful. Bellingham is 21, he has his whole future ahead of him. The lad will be a top player.”
The Debate Rages On
Cristiano Ronaldo has never lacked confidence, but his latest comments have reignited discussions among fans and analysts alike.
Is he truly the most complete player in football history, or do Messi, Pelé, and Maradona still hold that crown?
