Brazilian Ronaldo claims Cristiano Ronaldo only in the top 10

"Every time I'm asked about the greatest players in history, I tend to give a different answer," said the 1997 and 2002 Ballon d’Or winner in an interview with ESPN Brazil on Feb. 25. "But three players are guaranteed at the top. Number one, of course, is Pele. Then Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona share the second spot."

When asked to name the remaining seven players in his personal top 10, Ronaldo Nazario went with Zico, Romario, Cristiano Ronaldo, Marco van Basten, Zinedine Zidane, Figo, Rivaldo, and Ronaldinho. "These players are all stars, and I might have missed someone. Neymar also deserves a place here."

Ronaldo Nazario (L) is with Marcelo and Cristiano Ronaldo (R) at Real Madrid in 2013. Photo by Real Madrid

Commenting on Cristiano Ronaldo, the player nicknamed "The Phenomenon" acknowledged the Portuguese star's historic career, winning every title and scoring the most incredible goals. "I don’t think Cristiano is the greatest of all time, but I respect his opinion," Ronaldo Nazario added. "Cristiano easily belongs in the top 10 greatest players."

Ronaldo Nazario recently sparked controversy in an interview with Romario TV, where he claimed he was better than Cristiano Ronaldo, equal to Romario, but below Messi.

However, in his ESPN interview, the former Barcelona and Real Madrid striker did not include himself in the top 10 greatest players. "I wouldn’t feel comfortable putting myself on this list," said the 2002 World Cup Golden Boot winner. "I know many players would love to include themselves in the top 10, and I deeply admire them for their contributions to football. But I prefer to hear what others say about me rather than talking about myself."

Ronaldo Nazario may have been alluding to Cristiano Ronaldo, who has often declared himself the greatest in history. In an interview with journalist Edu Aguirre on the UR Cristiano YouTube channel, the 40-year-old forward stated that he is the most complete player ever and has never seen another player like himself.

Cristiano Ronaldo currently holds the record for 925 goals for clubs and country. The Portuguese star has won the 2016 Euro, five Ballon d’Or awards, four European Golden Shoes, five Champions League titles, three Premier League titles, two La Liga titles, and two Serie A titles. His greatest strength is his ability to find the net in every possible way - predominantly with his right foot but also with his left, headers, backheels, volleys, and free kicks.

During his playing career, Ronaldo Nazario scored 414 goals. The former Brazilian legend won two World Cups, two Copa America titles, two Ballon d’Or awards, one European Golden Shoe, one UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, one UEFA Cup, and one La Liga title, captivating millions of fans with his dribbling skills, technique, and speed. During his time at Barcelona in the 1996-1997 season, he frequently scored after solo runs from midfield. Ronaldo Nazario left an indelible mark at the 2002 World Cup, scoring eight goals and winning both the championship and the Golden Boot.

Both stars played for Real Madrid at different times. Ronaldo Nazario scored 104 goals in 177 matches for the club from 2002 to 2007, before Cristiano Ronaldo set a record with 450 goals in 438 matches from 2009 to 2018.