“I’m the Best in Football History”—Ronaldo Declares Himself Superior to Messi

Cristiano Ronaldo has reignited the long-standing debate over who is the greatest footballer of all time, boldly declaring himself the best in football history.

In an exclusive interview with Spanish television outlet LaSexta TV on Monday, the 39-year-old Portuguese star made his stance clear, asserting that no player, including Lionel Messi, surpasses him.

“I’m the best player in football history. I haven’t seen anyone better than me in football history, and I’m saying truth from my heart,” Ronaldo stated confidently.

Throughout his career, Ronaldo has often been compared to his Argentine rival, Messi, with fans divided over who holds the title of the greatest. While acknowledging that many people prefer Messi, Ronaldo insisted that statistics prove his superiority.

“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 explained.

The Al-Nassr captain, who has won five Ballon d’Or titles and played for clubs like Real Madrid and Manchester United, also emphasized his dominance in goal-scoring history.

Ronaldo holds the record for the most goals scored in professional football, with 923 goals—his latest coming in a brace during Al-Nassr’s 4-0 AFC Champions League victory over Al Wasl.

“Who’s the best goal scorer in history? It’s about numbers. Full stop,” Ronaldo said.

“Who’s the player in history who’s scored the most goals with their head, their left foot, penalties, free kicks? I was looking the other day, and not being left-footed, I’m in the top 10 goal scorers with their left foot in history – and with my head, with my right foot, and penalties. All of them.”

Ronaldo remains at the top of his game. He topped Forbes’s 2024 list of highest-paid athletes, earning $60 million off the pitch, fueled by his massive social media following of over a billion people.

For now, the football icon has no plans of stepping away from the sport, continuing to prove his greatness on both club and international stages.