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Ronaldo Claims Title of Most Complete Player in Soccer History

In a recent interview on the Spanish television program El Chiringuito, Cristiano Ronaldo confidently declared himself the most complete player ever in the world of soccer. The 39-year-old forward, who currently plays for Al Nassr, emphasized his remarkable skill set during the discussion, detailing his prowess in various aspects of the game.

Ronaldo stated, “I’m talking about numbers. I think I’m the most complete player to have existed. In my opinion, I think it’s me. I do everything well in football: with my head, free kicks, left foot. I’m fast, I’m strong.” He acknowledged that preferences may vary, mentioning fellow soccer legends like Lionel Messi, Pelé, and Diego Maradona, yet insisted that he stands out in terms of completeness on the field. “I haven’t seen anybody better than me, and I say it from the heart,” he added.

With 923 goals to his name, Ronaldo holds the record as the all-time leading scorer in professional soccer. Despite his extraordinary scoring ability, some critics have noted that his contributions on the defensive side of the game are minimal, and he seldom plays as a creative facilitator for his teammates. In response, Ronaldo pointed to his diverse scoring methods, asserting that his ability to score in numerous ways is what makes him the most complete player.

“Who’s the best goal scorer in history? It’s about numbers. Full stop,” he continued. “Who’s the player in history who’s scored the most goals with their head, their left foot, penalties, free kicks? I found out recently that, despite not being left-footed, I’m among the top scorers in history with my left foot. And with my head, and with my right foot, and penalties—all of them.”

While Ronaldo’s scoring record is impressive, Messi, who follows him in the all-time rankings with 850 goals, is often cited more frequently as the greatest of all time (GOAT), attributed to his blend of scoring and playmaking abilities. Messi boasts a wider array of individual accolades, having won the Ballon d’Or eight times compared to Ronaldo’s five, alongside securing four UEFA Champions League titles and two Copa América titles with Argentina.

A crucial aspect that differentiates the two players is Messi’s triumph at the FIFA World Cup. In 2022, he led Argentina to victory and received the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player in both 2014 and 2022. Conversely, the World Cup trophy has eluded Ronaldo, and as Pelé and Maradona both achieved this milestone, it raises the question of whether Ronaldo’s lack of a World Cup title affects his standing in the GOAT conversation.

As discussions surrounding the greatest players in soccer history continue, Ronaldo’s firm belief in his abilities will likely spark further debate among fans and analysts alike.

Source
bleacherreport.com