The debate over who deserves the title of the greatest footballer in history has raged for decades, with countless names entering the conversation. In recent years, Cristiano Ronaldo has frequently placed himself at the center of this discussion, boldly proclaiming his own case as the best of all time. But his former Real Madrid teammate and current Al-Ittihad forward, Karim Benzema, offered a different perspective when asked about the topic.
In a candid interview with TNT Sports Brasil, Benzema dismissed the notion of Cristiano Ronaldo being the ultimate footballer in history. Instead, he chose to highlight a figure from an earlier era—Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima, widely known as the Brazilian Ronaldo.
When asked about Cristiano’s claim that he is the best footballer in history, Benzema gave a straightforward response: “Everyone says what they want. If they think they’re the best in history… For me, for example, it’s the Brazilian Ronaldo.” This statement was simple yet powerful. For Benzema, greatness is not measured by sheer statistics or even trophy counts, but by the influence and brilliance a player brings to the game. The Brazilian Ronaldo, often referred to as “O Fenômeno” (The Phenomenon), is remembered not just for his goal-scoring ability but for revolutionizing the striker’s role.
Benzema’s admiration for Ronaldo Nazário is shared by many legends of the game. Despite a career hampered by injuries, the Brazilian striker showcased extraordinary talent with clubs like Barcelona, Inter Milan, and Real Madrid, as well as on the international stage with Brazil’s national team, where he won two FIFA World Cups. His combination of speed, dribbling, and finishing set a standard that few have matched since.Cristiano Ronaldo has often spoken of himself as the greatest footballer in history, a reflection of the unmatched confidence that has fueled his career. With more than 800 professional goals, five Ballon d’Or titles, and trophies across England, Spain, Italy, and now Saudi Arabia, Cristiano has built a resume that is almost unparalleled.
His relentless pursuit of perfection, work ethic, and longevity make his claim understandable. Many fans and pundits point to his incredible consistency and ability to shine in crucial moments as justification for his self-assessment. Yet, Benzema’s remarks highlight an important reality: greatness in football is not universally defined.
For some, it lies in raw statistics; for others, it is about artistry, style, and the ability to inspire. By choosing Brazilian Ronaldo, Benzema is aligning himself with those who see the game through the lens of influence and brilliance rather than pure numbers.The discussion over football’s greatest player is far from new. Names like Pelé, Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi, Zinedine Zidane, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Ronaldo Nazário are constantly compared, each representing different eras and styles. Brazilian Ronaldo’s case rests on his ability to mesmerize defenders with dribbles, combine power with elegance, and dominate games almost single-handedly. Even though his career was shortened by injuries, his peak years left an unforgettable impression.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s case, on the other hand, is built on his relentless dominance across nearly two decades, his adaptability in different leagues, and his record-breaking achievements. For many, his consistency and mentality make him the embodiment of modern greatness.
Benzema’s comments also remind fans of the subjectivity of greatness. Players often choose idols who inspired them in their youth, and for a generation of strikers like Benzema, the Brazilian Ronaldo was the blueprint of perfection. Watching O Fenômeno glide past defenders with ease in the 1990s and early 2000s left a mark that statistics alone cannot capture.Karim Benzema’s decision to crown Brazilian Ronaldo as the greatest footballer in history instead of his former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo adds another layer to the eternal debate. While Cristiano has the numbers and accolades to argue his case, Benzema and many others see O Fenômeno as the purest representation of what a footballer should be—explosive, artistic, and unforgettable.
