In an interview with Spanish outlet LaSexta TV, Cristiano Ronaldo confidently proclaimed himself as the best footballer of all time.
“I’m the best player in football history. I haven’t seen anyone better than me, and I say it from my heart,” said the 39-year-old Portuguese forward.
Acknowledging the constant comparisons with Lionel Messi, Ronaldo admitted that many fans favor the Argentine. However, he firmly argued that statistics support his claim.
“I’m talking about numbers,” he emphasized. “I believe I’m the most complete player ever. I excel in everything—headers, free kicks, using both feet. I’m fast and strong. If you like Messi, Pele, or Maradona, I respect that, but in terms of being complete, I haven’t seen anyone better.”
The Al-Nassr captain, who previously starred for Real Madrid and Manchester United, holds the all-time scoring record with 923 goals, further cementing his argument. His latest feat included a brace in Al-Nassr’s 4-0 AFC Champions League win over Al Wasl.
“Who’s the best goal scorer in history? It’s about numbers. Full stop,” Ronaldo said.
“Who’s the player in history who’s scored the 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.”
Ronaldo topped Forbes’s 2024 list of the best paid athletes as his earnings off the pitch reached $60m, boosted by more than a billion social media followers.
The forward, who turns 40 on Wednesday, still isn’t contemplating retirement from club or international football.
