Ronaldo Nazario’s Top 5 Players: Messi Number One, Cristiano Ronaldo Snubbed
Brazilian football legend Ronaldo Nazario has shared his perspective on the age-old GOAT (Greatest of All Time) debate, revealing his personal top five favorite players to watch. In a notable declaration, Ronaldo named Lionel Messi as his ‘number one’ pick, while surprisingly omitting Cristiano Ronaldo from his list of preferred footballers.
Lionel Messi, celebrated for his extraordinary career spanning club and international football, boasts an impressive trophy cabinet. His achievements include four UEFA Champions League titles with Barcelona and leading Argentina to a historic FIFA World Cup victory in 2022, solidifying his legendary status in the sport.
Ronaldo Nazario emphasized Messi’s unique talent, suggesting that it could be decades before we witness a player of similar caliber again.
Speaking in a 2020 interview with AS, Ronaldo stated, “Messi, of course, he is number one, it is a talent that we will take 20 or 30 years to see something similar.” This quote clearly highlights Ronaldo’s admiration for Messi’s exceptional abilities and lasting impact on football.
Beyond Messi: Ronaldo’s Favorite Football Talents
While Lionel Messi tops his list, Ronaldo Nazario also expressed his admiration for other contemporary football stars. His list of enjoyable players to watch extends to include:
- Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
- Eden Hazard (Formerly Real Madrid, then Chelsea at the time of the quote)
- Neymar Jr. (Paris Saint-Germain)
- Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain, now Real Madrid)
“I also like Salah, Hazard, Neymar, that I love watching him play, of course Mbappe,” Ronaldo added, further confirming his appreciation for these dynamic and skillful players.
At the time Ronaldo made these comments, Eden Hazard was playing for Real Madrid after his move from Chelsea, while Neymar and Mbappe were teammates at Paris Saint-Germain. Mohamed Salah was, and continues to be, a key player for Liverpool, showcasing consistent brilliance in the Premier League.
Reflecting on comparisons often drawn between himself and Kylian Mbappe, Ronaldo acknowledged similarities but expressed reservations about comparing players across different footballing eras.
“It says a lot of people who look like me, [Mbappe] has a lot of speed, finishes well, has great movements, hits excellent with both legs, has an incredible stride,” Ronaldo observed. “We have similar things, but I never liked comparisons, especially between players of different generations, because the situations are different.” This statement highlights Ronaldo’s humbleness and understanding of the evolving nature of football.
Interestingly, Mbappe has since joined Real Madrid and inherited the number 9 jersey, the same number Ronaldo famously wore during his time with the Spanish giants. Mbappe’s debut season at Real Madrid has been remarkably prolific, with over 30 goals scored across all competitions so far. This goal-scoring feat is especially noteworthy considering Ronaldo’s best season at Real Madrid saw him net 31 goals in the 2003/04 campaign.
Who are your top 5 favorite football players to watch? Share your list in the comments below!