When Ronaldo snubbed Ronaldo in GOAT ranking

With the bias that comes for recent achievements, there might come a time when Cristiano Ronaldo might actually be snubbed and underrated despite his achievements in the game.

In a recent interview with The Guardian in 2022, Ronaldo Nazario, the former Inter Milan, Barcelona, and Real Madrid superstar, made headlines by revealing his personal selection of the eight greatest footballers of all time.

The Brazilian icon, who secured two World Cup triumphs during his illustrious career, humbly included himself in the esteemed list but raised eyebrows by omitting Cristiano Ronaldo from his elite group.

The interview sparked considerable debate and curiosity among football enthusiasts as to why Ronaldo, often referred to as ‘R9,’ did not include the Portuguese international, who is widely regarded as one of the finest footballers in history.

Instead, Ronaldo presented a star-studded ensemble of footballing legends who have left an indelible mark on the sport.

In his list, Ronaldo Nazario hailed Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona, Johan Cruyff, Franz Beckenbauer, Pele, Marco van Basten, and Ronaldinho, in addition to himself. The players he mentioned come from various eras and have earned accolades and admiration for their unparalleled contributions to the game.

During the interview, Ronaldo emphasized the difficulty of ranking and comparing players from different generations, acknowledging that each era has produced exceptional talents. He expressed that fans and football enthusiasts should engage in friendly debates to decide the greatest players based on individual preferences and perspectives.

“Let the fans say, let them debate it in the bars. But you can’t rank them, can’t compare generations,” Ronaldo shared, offering a humble and diplomatic viewpoint on the contentious topic.

While the footballing world was abuzz with discussions about Ronaldo’s notable omissions, he further asserted that he did not consider himself the only exceptional talent, acknowledging that more gifted players would continue to emerge and surpass his achievements in the future.

“People call me Original Ronaldo, but, bloody hell, there were others – and they weren’t false. I’m not the only one, and more will come along and be better than me, in everything,” Ronaldo asserted modestly.

Despite no longer being an active player, Ronaldo’s influence on the sport endures, as he continues to involve himself in various ventures and endeavors. The 46-year-old emphasized his focus on personal growth and the pursuit of new opportunities outside of football.

“As a footballer, I can’t do any more now. I did what I could, the best I could. I’m doing other things now, important things, and I want to keep improving myself,” Ronaldo expressed, underlining his commitment to personal development beyond his illustrious playing days.

Among the players Ronaldo included in his esteemed list, Lionel Messi remains the only active footballer, showcasing his enduring brilliance with a stunning free-kick goal during his Inter Miami debut.

However, the football community fondly remembers the contributions of Ronaldinho, Van Basten, and Franz Beckenbauer, even though they are no longer actively involved in the game.

On the other hand, the memories of the late football legends Diego Maradona, Johan Cruyff, and Pele continue to shine brightly, as their remarkable legacies continue to inspire generations of footballers and fans alike.

Ronaldo Nazario’s selection of the eight greatest players of all time has sparked fervent discussions and debates among football fans globally, highlighting the timeless allure of the beautiful game and the eternal quest to determine the sport’s most exceptional talents.