I’m football’s greatest ever player – Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo has proclaimed himself the greatest footballer of all time (GOAT), citing his unparalleled statistics and versatility as the ultimate proof of his claim.

The Portuguese superstar, who recently celebrated his 40th birthday, made the declaration during an interview with Spanish TV show, El Chiringuito, reigniting the age-old debate about who is football’s greatest player.

Ronaldo, who currently plays for Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, has long been regarded as one of the sport’s most iconic figures.

His rivalry with Lionel Messi, particularly during their time at Real Madrid and Barcelona, respectively, has defined football discourse for over two decades.

With a career spanning more than 20 years, Ronaldo has consistently broken records and redefined excellence on the pitch.

The Numbers Speak for Themselves
Ronaldo’s argument for being the GOAT is rooted in his extraordinary goal-scoring record.

He is widely believed to be the leading goal-scorer in the history of men’s football, with over 850 goals for club and country.

Just two days before turning 40, Ronaldo added two more goals to his tally in Al Nassr’s 4-0 victory over Al Wasl in the AFC Champions League.

He is now within striking distance of an astonishing milestone: 1,000 senior career goals.

“What sets me apart is the numbers,” Ronaldo said during the interview.

“Who’s the best goal-scorer in history? It’s about numbers. Period. Who’s the player in history who’s scored the most goals with their head, their left foot, penalties, and free-kicks? I’ve checked the stats, and even though I’m not left-footed, I’m in the top 10 goal-scorers with my left foot in history. The same goes for headers, right-footed goals, and penalties. I do it all.”

Ronaldo also emphasized his versatility, claiming to be the most complete player the sport has ever seen. “I think I’m the most complete player to have existed. I do everything well in football: headers, free-kicks, left foot, right foot. I’m fast, I’m strong. One thing is taste—if you prefer Messi, Pelé, or Maradona, I respect that—but saying Ronaldo isn’t complete? I’m the most complete. I haven’t seen anyone better than me, and I say it from the heart.”

Breaking Down Ronaldo’s Claims
Ronaldo’s assertion about his goal-scoring prowess is hard to dispute.

He holds the record for the most goals in UEFA Champions League history (140) and is the all-time top scorer for both Real Madrid and the Portuguese national team.

His ability to score in various ways—headers, volleys, penalties, and free-kicks—sets him apart from many of his peers.

However, when it comes to free-kicks, Ronaldo’s claim is less definitive. While he has scored around 64 free-kick goals in his career, he trails behind Juninho Pernambucano, the Brazilian maestro who netted an incredible 77 free-kicks during his time at Lyon.

The GOAT Debate: Ronaldo vs. Messi
The debate over football’s greatest player often centers on Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, who have dominated the sport for over a decade.

While Messi is celebrated for his creativity, dribbling, and playmaking, Ronaldo’s athleticism, goal-scoring consistency, and ability to perform in crucial moments have earned him a place in the pantheon of football legends.

Longevity

Ronaldo’s longevity is another factor in his favour.

At 40, he continues to perform at an elite level, defying the natural decline that most athletes experience with age.

A Legacy Beyond Numbers
Beyond the statistics, Ronaldo’s impact on football is immeasurable. He has won five Ballon d’Or awards, five UEFA Champions League titles, and numerous domestic league trophies in England, Spain, and Italy.

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