Brazilian football legend Ronaldo Nazário (often referred to as R9 or "O Fenômeno") has revealed his list of the 11 greatest players of all time. His selection not only highlights individual brilliance but also pays tribute to the teammates and rivals who shaped football history.
Speaking in an interview with ESPN, Ronaldo shared the players he believes deserve a spot in the pantheon of football GOATs, showing a clear preference for his Brazilian compatriots.
The Phenomenon's Selection (The Greatest XI)
While a specific formation wasn't explicitly stated, Ronaldo's commentary revealed the players he ranks highest in the history of the sport:
Pelé (Brazil): Ronaldo did not hesitate to name his national team legend as his greatest player of all time (GOAT). Having grown up in Brazil in the 1980s, Ronaldo's admiration for Pelé, often referred to as "The King of Football," is profound and understandable.
Lionel Messi (Argentina): In an interview in 2020, Ronaldo expressed immense admiration for the Argentine star, calling him "phenomenal" and "spectacular." Messi easily earns a spot in R9's elite list.
Diego Maradona (Argentina): Although Pelé is his number one, Ronaldo placed the Argentine duo of Messi and Maradona side-by-side in his top three, recognizing Maradona's historical significance.
Zico (Brazil): Widely regarded as one of Brazil's greatest playmakers, Zico spent most of his career at Flamengo. Ronaldo placed him directly after the top three, stating: "Pelé is number one, no doubt, Messi and Maradona are equal, then Zico."
Romário (Brazil): Ronaldo and Romário were international teammates. The article recalls a humorous anecdote from 1997 where Romário allegedly tried to sabotage the young Ronaldo by encouraging him to party all night before training to try and take his starting spot. Despite the competitive history, Romário is included in the list.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal): R9 recognized the incredible career of the Portuguese superstar, stating, "He’s definitely one of the best players, but not the greatest." He praised CR7 for his goal-scoring versatility and adaptability.
Marco van Basten (Netherlands): The three-time Ballon d'Or winner is included, with R9 noting his special quality despite a career shortened by injuries—a situation Ronaldo Nazário could relate to.
Zinedine Zidane (France): A former Real Madrid teammate of R9, Zidane is considered by many to be the greatest midfielder of all time. The two achieved significant club success together, including a La Liga title.
Luís Figo (Portugal): Figo was a close teammate of Ronaldo at both Barcelona and Real Madrid. With 22 career titles, Figo is recognized as one of the best players of his generation.
Rivaldo (Brazil): The 1999 Ballon d'Or winner and a World Cup-winning teammate of R9 for the Brazilian national team is featured on the list.
Ronaldinho (Brazil): The final player mentioned is Ronaldinho, another Ballon d'Or and World Cup winner. Ronaldo suggests his list would be incomplete without his former Brazilian international teammate.
The list ultimately reflects Ronaldo Nazário's personal experience, honoring the legends he grew up watching and the extraordinary players he competed with and alongside throughout his storied career.
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