Cristiano Ronaldo has boldly claimed that he is “the most complete player to have existed,” emphasizing that statistics back his assertion.
The Portuguese star, who respects fans’ preferences for Lionel Messi, Pelé, or Diego Maradona, believes his all-around ability sets him apart.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, 39, is the highest men’s goalscorer in football history, with 923 goals, including his latest brace in Al Nassr’s 4-0 victory over Al Wasl in the AFC Champions League on Monday.
“Who’s the best goalscorer in history? It’s about numbers. Full stop,” Ronaldo stated in an interview with El Chiringuito on Monday. “I do everything well in football: with my head, free kicks, left foot. I’m fast, I’m strong. In my opinion, I think it’s me.”
Ronaldo, who has faced constant comparisons with Messi throughout his career, insisted that while personal preferences are valid, his versatility and achievements make him the most complete player.
Addressing his move to the Saudi Pro League, Ronaldo defended the league’s quality, arguing that it is unfairly disrespected compared to Major League Soccer (MLS).
He also spoke about his departure from Real Madrid in 2018, revealing that he felt the club mishandled his contract negotiations. However, he did not rule out a potential return to the Bernabéu in the future.
Praising Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham, Ronaldo compared the England midfielder to club legend Zinedine Zidane, predicting a bright future for the young star.
At 39, Ronaldo remains highly competitive and has no plans to retire, stating that his hunger for success continues to drive him forward.
