Cristiano Ronaldo Enters the Michael Jordan vs. Steph Curry GOAT Debate
Football icon Cristiano Ronaldo, often embroiled in the GOAT debate himself in the world of soccer against Lionel Messi, has weighed in on basketball’s ultimate question: Michael Jordan or Steph Curry for the title of Greatest of All Time?
Ronaldo, the 40-year-old global superstar, currently playing his trade in Saudi Arabia, is no stranger to comparisons and the pressure of being considered the best. He openly embraces the GOAT conversation in football, and as expected, he believes he reigns supreme.
The former Sporting Lisbon, Real Madrid, Juventus, and Manchester United legend didn’t hold back when discussing his own place in football history.
“I’m talking about numbers,” Ronaldo declared in an interview with El Chiringuito TV earlier this year. “I think I’m the most complete player to have existed. In my opinion, I think it’s me.” He confidently stated, “I do everything well in football: with my head, free kicks, left foot. I’m fast, I’m strong.”
Ronaldo acknowledged the subjectivity of the GOAT discussion, saying, “One thing is taste – if you like Messi, Pele, 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.”
But beyond football, what are Ronaldo’s opinions on the greatest in other sports disciplines? It appears we have some insight.
Ronaldo’s Basketball GOAT Choice: Jordan Over Curry
In a lighthearted “this or that” game featured on the “UR – Cristiano” YouTube channel, Ronaldo revealed some of his sporting preferences. He made quick choices, tilting his head to indicate his preference between two options.
His rapid-fire selections included:
- NBA over NFL
- UFC triumphing over boxing
- Golf preferred to tennis
- Formula 1 edging out MotoGP
Interestingly, when faced with a tennis GOAT dilemma between Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, Ronaldo couldn’t choose, indicating a draw in his mind.
However, when it came to basketball’s GOAT debate, Ronaldo displayed no hesitation. Presented with the choice between Michael Jordan, the Chicago Bulls icon, and Steph Curry, the modern-day Golden State Warriors sharpshooter, Ronaldo decisively tilted his head towards Michael Jordan.
Steph Curry, currently 37 years old, is undeniably a basketball legend in his own right and is often featured in GOAT conversations, particularly among current generation players. Along with LeBron James and the late Kobe Bryant, Curry’s name frequently surfaces in debates about basketball’s all-time best.
While Curry boasts an impressive four NBA championships, he still trails Michael Jordan’s six championship rings. This difference in championship count is often a focal point in the ongoing Jordan vs. Curry GOAT discussions.
Curry himself has acknowledged the monumental challenge of being considered the GOAT. Back in 2015, he told ESPN, “It’s a high mountain to climb. But I’m pretty motivated to take on the challenge. Whatever that means, however you got on that mountain, why not try to climb it? And do it in your own way.”
When directly asked if he was aiming to surpass Jordan as the GOAT, Curry responded with conviction, “Yeah. Why else would I be playing? You want to be the best you can be. And if the best you can be is better than him, then why not? That’s good motivation.”
Ronaldo’s clear preference for Jordan adds another voice to the chorus in this never-ending debate. While the GOAT conversation is ultimately subjective, it’s fascinating to see opinions from legends across different sports.
What do you think? Is Michael Jordan the undisputed Basketball GOAT, or does Steph Curry have a case? Join the debate in the comments below!