Ronaldo Nazario once selected the EIGHT greatest players of all time without mentioning Cristiano Ronaldo.
When questioned about the greatest players of all time, the former Inter Milan, Barcelona, and Real Madrid star praised a ‘very, very special group’ of players.
The Brazilian, who twice won the World Cup during his storied career, wonderfully included himself but strangely left out Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Al Nassr man, who has had fruitful spells at Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, is widely regarded as one of the best players of all time.
However, when naming his EIGHT greatest players of all time, ‘R9’ did not include the Portuguese international.
Along with himself, he chose Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona, Johan Cruyff, Franz Beckenbauer, Pele, Marco van Basten, and Ronaldinho.
In 2022, he told the Guardian, “I think there is a very, very special group where you have Diego, Messi, Cruyff, Beckenbauer, Pele, Van Basten, Ronaldinho.” I’d include myself. Let the supporters have their say, and let them discuss it in the bars. But you can’t compare generations or rate them.”
“People call me the Original Ronaldo, but there were others – and they weren’t false,” the 46-year-old remarked. I’m not the only one, and more will come along and outperform me in every way.
“I did the best I could with what I had.” I’m doing more significant things now, and I want to keep improving myself. I can’t play football any more.”
Messi is the only player still in the game, having scored a fantastic free-kick on his Inter Miami debut, with Ronaldinho, Van Basten, and Franz Beckenbauer all out.
Maradona, Cruyff, and Pele are no longer with us, but their impact on the beautiful game will live on.
