The Real Madrid and Brazil icon has made his feelings clear about Cristiano Ronaldo as the Portuguese star nears the end of his career.
12:07, 08 Nov 2025Updated 14:36, 08 Nov 2025
Ronaldo Nazario does not think Cristiano Ronaldo is the best player in football history despite his major honours. The Portuguese icon has collected major honours across England, Spain, and Italy - including five Ballon d'Ors and multiple Champions League titles.
However, World Cup silverware continues to elude him. In his recent interview with TV personality Piers Morgan, Cristiano downplayed the importance of winning the tournament, with next summer's World Cup expected to be his final one for Portugal before hanging up his boots.
"I'd say it's not a dream for me to win the World Cup", he told Morgan. "To define what? To define if I'm one of the best in history? To win one competition, six games, seven games, do you think it's fair?"
Cristiano has suggested that even winning the World Cup with his country wouldn't define whether he's the greatest in football history. Prior to this, the 'Fenomeno' - as Ronaldo Nazario is known - had already made his stance clear on whether Cristiano belongs in the top-five footballers of all time.
"[Ronaldo] has a fantastic story, doesn't he?," the Brazil icon previously said.
"He has conquered wonderful things, he scored goals in all ways, including a change of position because he has played as a winger and as a striker.
"That's not easy. He's among the best in history, but I don't know about the best...
"No, I don't agree. I respect his opinion, but for me he's among the best. I would say among the top-10."
Ronaldo Nazario then proceeded to rank Cristiano behind Lionel Messi, who is joint-second alongside Diego Maradona. "Pele is number one, followed by Messi and Maradona tied together, then Zico, Romario, Cristiano Ronaldo, [Marco] Van Basten, [Zinedine] Zidane, [Luis] Figo and Rivaldo," the Brazilian stated.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us, and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.