Cristiano Ronaldo, the 39-year-old football superstar, has boldly claimed he is "the most complete player to have existed" in a wide-ranging interview with Spanish television show El Chiringuito. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner backed his assertion with statistical evidence, pointing to his record-breaking achievement of 923 goals in men's football history, including his recent brace in Al Nassr's 4-0 AFC Champions League victory over Al Wasl.
The Portuguese icon emphasized his versatility, highlighting his prowess in various aspects of the game. "Who's the best goal scorer in history? It's about numbers. Full stop," Ronaldo stated, before elaborating on his comprehensive skill set. He noted his remarkable ability to score with both feet, his head, and from set pieces, proudly mentioning his presence among the top 10 left-footed goalscorers despite not being naturally left-footed.
While acknowledging the ongoing debate about football's greatest players, Ronaldo expressed respect for fans who prefer Lionel Messi, Pelé, or Diego Maradona. However, he remained firm in his self-assessment, stating, "I do everything well in football: with my head, free kicks, left foot. I'm fast, I'm strong." He added, "I haven't seen anybody better than me, and I say it from the heart."
The forward, who now plays in Saudi Arabia's Pro League, also addressed criticisms about the competition's quality. He defended the league against what he perceives as unfair comparisons with Major League Soccer, arguing that the Saudi league faces undue disrespect. "People don't know what they're talking about. With those [players] who are here, you have to respect it," he asserted.
Despite his age, Ronaldo shows no signs of slowing down or contemplating retirement from either club or international football. He attributes his longevity to his competitive nature, noting that others in his position might have retired a decade ago. "I'm so competitive that sometimes I forget what I've achieved," he revealed, explaining how this mindset continues to drive him forward.
The interview also touched on his departure from Real Madrid in 2018, with Ronaldo claiming the club "didn't behave well with him" during contract negotiations. However, he didn't rule out a future return to the Bernabéu in some capacity. He also praised current Madrid star Jude Bellingham, comparing the 21-year-old English midfielder to Zinedine Zidane and predicting a bright future for the young talent.
