SpainAccording to the former Brazilian player, the top three positions in football history belong to Pele, Messi and Maradona, while Cristiano Ronaldo deserves to be in the top 10.

“Every time I get asked about the best players in history, I answer differently,” the 1997 and 2002 Ballon d’Or winner told ESPN Brazil on February 25. “But there are three players I always make sure are at the top. Of course, number one is Pele. Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona are both in second place.”

When asked to name the remaining seven players in the Top 10 in his personal opinion, Ronaldo Nazario said: “Zico, Romario, Cristiano Ronaldo, Marco van Basten, Zinedine Zidane, Figo, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho. These players are all stars, and maybe I missed someone. Neymar also deserves a place here.”

Ronaldo Nazario (left) reunited with Marcelo and Cristiano Ronaldo (right) in 2013 at Real. Photo: Real

Commenting on Cristiano Ronaldo, the player nicknamed “The Alien” said that the Portuguese superstar has created a great history, won every award and scored goals in every possible way. “I don’t agree that Cristiano is the best of all time, but I respect his opinion,” Ronaldo Nazario added. “Cristiano is easily in the Top 10 greatest players.”

Ronaldo Nazario caused controversy in an interview on Romario TV a few days ago. There, the striker born in 1976 admitted that he was better than Cristiano Ronaldo, equal to Romario, but below Messi.

In an interview with ESPN, the former Barca and Real Madrid striker did not include himself in the Top 10 greatest players. “I’m not comfortable putting myself in this list,” the 2002 World Cup top scorer said. “I know there are many players who would like to see their names in the Top 10, and I admire them for their contributions to football. But I’d rather hear what other people say about me than what I say about myself.”

Ronaldo Nazario could be referring to Cristiano Ronaldo’s frequent claims that he is the best in history. In an interview with reporter Edu Aguirre on the YouTube channel UR Cristiano, the 40-year-old striker said that he is the most complete, and that he has honestly never seen another player like him.

Poll4,492 votesWhere do you think Cristiano Ronaldo ranks among the greatest players of all time?Top 3Out of the Top 3 but in the Top 10Out of the Top 10Vote View resultsTime from: 27/2
Cristiano Ronaldo currently holds the record for scoring 925 goals for club and country. The Portuguese star has also won Euro 2016, five Ballon d’Ors, four European Golden Shoes, five Champions Leagues, three Premier Leagues, two La Ligas and two Serie As. His strength is scoring goals in a variety of ways. The Portuguese star usually shoots with his right foot, but can also shoot with his left foot, head, backheel, volley or take free kicks.

During his playing days, Ronaldo Nazario scored 414 goals. The former Brazilian player won two World Cups, two Copa Americas, two Golden Balls, one European Golden Shoe, one Cup Winners’ Cup, one UEFA Cup and one La Liga. What made millions of fans in the past fall in love with Ronaldo Nazario was his technical dribbling and speed. When he was playing for Barca in the 1996-1997 season, the former player dribbled from midfield to score many goals. Ronaldo Nazario also left a strong mark at the 2002 World Cup, scoring eight goals, winning the championship and the Golden Boot title.

Both stars spent time at Real. Ronaldo Nazario scored 104 goals in 177 games for the Bernabeu side between 2002 and 2007, before Cristiano Ronaldo set a record of 450 goals in 438 games between 2009 and 2018.