Ronaldo says he is the complete player over Messi, Maradona and Pelé
Cristiano Ronaldo, the 40‑year‑old Al Nassr striker, told CNN he is “the most complete player”, positioning himself alongside Lionel Messi, Diego Armando Maradona and Pelé as the sport’s greatest. He has scored 980 goals in 1,337 professional appearances and insists his form remains unrivalled.
At 40, the Portuguese striker continues his career with Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr, where he remains a focal point of the attack. His fitness regime and goal‑scoring instincts have kept him in the spotlight despite his age.
The comments came days after Ronaldo left Portugal’s training camp following a dispute with national team coach Jorge Jesus. The episode sparked speculation about his future with the national side, but he declined to comment on any possible return.
Ronaldo also complained that “people don’t appreciate my current form and my goals enough”, insisting that his contributions are undervalued despite his prolific record.
Goal record and ambition
Ronaldo’s statistics underline his claim. He has netted 980 goals in 1,337 professional appearances, a ratio that places him among the most prolific forwards in history. He added, “The numbers speak for themselves”, reinforcing his belief in his quality.
He reiterated his ambition to reach the 1,000‑goal milestone, adding that even a tally of 920 or 930 would still leave him “the best”. He stressed that the target is a personal challenge rather than a long‑term plan. Reaching 1,000 would be incredible, but he does not plan beyond that.
Legacy and rivalry
When asked about his rivals, Ronaldo said, “If someone prefers Messi, Pelé or Maradona it is a matter of taste. I respect them, but I consider myself the most complete player.” The interview repeatedly highlighted RONALDO’s confidence. He said the rivalry has motivated both players throughout their careers.
He also likened the rivalry with Messi to the Formula 1 duel between Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna, suggesting that competition fuels both athletes. “One always motivates the other,” he explained, highlighting the positive impact of their rivalry. The comparison highlights how competition can elevate performance in any sport.
Ronaldo admitted he has not set a retirement date, noting, “I don’t know what will happen tomorrow. Maybe I wake up unmotivated and stop playing. I simply don’t know.” The article also referenced LOS, though its meaning was not explained. His lack of a set date keeps fans guessing about the length of his playing career.