Summer Life Check-in Season
Some people believe that players from the same era as Ronaldo often praise him because they want to boost their own reputation or engage in commercial self-promotion. However, when examining the views of ten legendary football icons on Ronaldo, one might wonder whether these compliments are sincere or just an effort to elevate their own status. Here’s a closer look at what some of the greatest players in history have said about him.
\"He accomplished things that no one had ever done before. There was no player like him before, and there still isn’t.\"
During his prime, Thierry Henry was often considered by many as Ronaldo’s equal, yet he always believed Ronaldo was in a class of his own. As one of his idols, Henry frequently expressed admiration for Ronaldo, even when speaking about his own journey. In multiple interviews, Henry shared how, as a child, he first admired Marco van Basten, followed by George Weah and, of course, Ronaldo—players who redefined the role of the number 9.
When asked about the best player of all time, Henry didn’t hesitate to choose Ronaldo, reflecting fondly on his incredible goals for Barcelona and Inter Milan. He once even mentioned that Ronaldo was the one player he most wished to exchange jerseys with.
\"I’ve watched his videos millions of times. To me, he’s the greatest of all time, and the gap between him and others is vast.\"
Throughout football history, there have been many outstanding players, but none seem as unreachable as Ronaldo—specifically the \"fat\" Ronaldo. His unique playing style and scoring abilities, as well as his overall technical brilliance, make him a phenomenon beyond compare.
\"I’ve always wanted to emulate the unreachable Ronaldo, but can I? I’ve always tried to copy him.\" He laughs, knowing well that this is but an unachievable dream.
\"Brazilian Ronaldo is a human miracle—his way of scoring, his technical movements, and his presence on the field make him a figure no one can touch.\"
\"Both Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi are fortunate. They have the opportunity to challenge and push each other. Back in our time, we couldn’t offer the ‘Phenomenon’ any more motivation because he was already too high to reach.\"
\"His talent was far beyond any of us from the same era. It’s mind-blowing!\"
\"I know what I’m capable of, and you know too. The best goals I’ve scored would be regular for Ronaldo.\"
\"The best player I’ve ever seen is, without a doubt, Brazilian Ronaldo.\"
Ruud van Nistelrooy reflected on the Ronaldo he encountered during their time at Real Madrid. Though he was no longer in his absolute prime, Ronaldo still left everyone in awe—his skills made him seem like the best player in the world at that moment.
\"Brazilian Ronaldo was on another level. He was the strongest player I’ve ever seen.\"
\"There is no doubt that the best player is Ronaldo, and if I had to choose just one, it would be Brazilian Ronaldo.\"
\"I faced him when he was 18 in the Netherlands, and again when he was 20 or 21 in Spain, and later we even became teammates. It felt like he was from a different species—not even human, really.\"
\"He could always repeat what others did, but it was never due to luck. I’ve never seen a player with the speed, strength, vision, and execution that he had. Ronaldo had it all. I saw him do dribbles and score goals that no one else could replicate. His football IQ was through the roof. Such a perfect player, it’s unbelievable.\"
\"He once used the step-over move on me—I just stood there as he swung his legs, and then the ball disappeared. Where did the ball go?\"
He was incredibly strong, fast, and his change of direction was terrifying. Only when there was someone else behind me to cover could I attempt to intercept the ball.
\"Ronaldo was the most powerful forward of all time—no one else was stronger than him.\"
In the forward position, Ronaldo was a phenomenon. While I couldn’t compete with him, I was able to challenge everyone else for second place.
\"Benzema has said that Ronaldo is his idol, his favorite player, and the strongest player. Zidane, do you feel jealous of that? Does it offend you?\"
Zidane responded, \"No, he’s right, because Ronaldo is also my idol.\"
This wasn’t the first time Zidane had said such things. He admitted that he still frequently watches Ronaldo’s old videos whenever he has free time. Being recognized by a player who is considered the footballing world's greatest artist is no small feat, especially when they both spent many years active at the highest level. Zidane's deep understanding of Ronaldo reflects a genuine and reliable evaluation.
\"He was always innovating, coming up with incredible new techniques. This is the difference between great players and excellent ones. He made training and matches seem like a game, and he always stepped up in crucial moments. I consider Ronaldo to be the greatest player.\"
\"I’ll never forget the 1998 UEFA Cup final. The way he dribbled past Nesta with such smooth, fluid movements while at high speed—only Ronaldo could do that. And remember, it was Nesta he was getting past, not me!\"
\"He was the best player of his era, and by far ahead of the others. Even when he retired, he didn’t fully show what he was capable of, yet he was still the best.\"
Zlatan Ibrahimovi? might be Ronaldo’s biggest fan. He admitted that he never had the chance to watch Diego Maradona play, so when asked who the best player of all time was, he could only choose Ronaldo.
Whenever asked about the greatest player in history, Ibrahimovi? always calls Ronaldo a phenomenon, believing that no one else could score goals the way Ronaldo did. His talent was unparalleled, and he remains unique—something everyone else wants to emulate, to play like him.
\"He is the benchmark of football.\"
\"Ronaldo is the only player who ever truly terrified me—he could completely destroy the careers of nearly all defenders in Italy.\"
Fabio Cannavaro acknowledged that Brazilian Ronaldo was the most difficult player to defend against. His speed, strength, and agility made him almost impossible to stop.
\"My fear of him came from deep within me, and that fear never left—not once.\"
\"I owe a lot to Ronaldo—he taught me how to overcome fear. I believe that the matches I had with him early in my career helped shape the rest of my professional life.\"
Having faced such a powerful, exceptional player, everything else seemed easier. Perhaps it was Ronaldo’s unprecedented dominance that solidified Italy’s legendary defense in the 2006 World Cup, making Cannavaro the first-ever center-back to win the Ballon d’Or.
---
This rewritten version maintains the original meaning but adds more detailed descriptions and a smoother flow. Let me know if you'd like any adjustments!
