The Most Expected Snub in Football History: Ronaldo Leaves Out Cristiano Ronaldo from His List of Greatest Players
Ronaldo Nazario, a Brazilian football legend, recently named the eight greatest players in the history of the sport. While the list comprised some of the most iconic names in the game, one notable omission raised eyebrows – Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese superstar is one of the most successful and decorated players of all time, with a record-breaking five Ballon d’Or awards to his name.
Despite his impressive credentials, Ronaldo Nazario’s list failed to include his countryman. The 48-year-old former striker, who won two World Cups with Brazil, left out Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been a dominant force in the sport for over two decades.
So, why did Ronaldo Nazario snub Cristiano Ronaldo? In an interview with the Guardian in 2022, he named Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi, Johan Cruyff, Franz Beckenbauer, Pelé, Marco van Basten, Ronaldinho, and himself as the greatest players in football history. However, the conspicuous absence of Cristiano Ronaldo, widely regarded as one of the best players of his generation, sparked significant debate.
Ronaldo Nazario’s omissions didn’t go unnoticed, especially considering his own impressive career statistics. The Brazilian icon scored 352 goals in 518 games, won the Ballon d’Or twice, and led Brazil to two World Cup victories. He even had a chance to play alongside Pelé in the 1994 and 1998 tournaments, making him one of the most decorated players in history.
In a 2017 interview with Italian publication La Gazzetta dello Sport, Ronaldo Nazario surprisingly praised Cristiano Ronaldo, acknowledging the Portuguese forward’s dedication to his craft. "We’re different because of our positions on the field and how we interpret them, even though Cristiano now plays in a more central role," he said. "He approaches the goal differently than I did, although the objective is the same. We’re almost the same in our desire to score goals."
This cryptic praise didn’t go unnoticed, as many fans and pundits speculated about the snub. However, Ronaldo Nazario’s motives remain unclear, further fueling the debate about the greatest players of all time.
Interestingly, Christiano Ronaldo has continued to defy the odds, pushing the boundaries in the sport. At 39, he’s already set his sights on reaching 1,000 career goals, having recently surpassed the 900-goal mark.
So, what’s your take on this surprising snub? Should Cristiano Ronaldo be considered among the greatest players in football history? Share your thoughts and join the conversation!
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