He's among the best: Ronaldo Nazario ranks Cristiano Ronaldo

Rajarshi has been part of Khel Now since 2022, and he covers world football.

Published at :November 9, 2025 at 10:50 PM

Modified at :November 9, 2025 at 10:51 PM

(Courtesy : LaLiga Content Hub)

The legendary Brazilian striker feels Cristiano Ronaldo comes in the top 10 category.

Despite his numerous accolades, Ronaldo Nazario does not believe that Cristiano Ronaldo is the greatest football player in history. The Portuguese legend has won numerous Champions League titles and five Ballon d’Ors in England, Spain, and Italy.

But he still hasn’t won a World Cup trophy. Cristiano understated the significance of winning the competition in a recent interview with TV personality Piers Morgan. It is anticipated that he will play his final World Cup for Portugal before hanging up his boots next summer.

“I’d say it’s not a dream for me to win the World Cup,” CR7 told Morgan. “To define what? To define if I’m one of the best in history? To win one competition, six games, seven games, do you think it’s fair?”

Brazilian Ronaldo reveals where Cristiano ranks among the top 10

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal UEFA Nations League — Ronaldo Nazario keeps Cristiano Ronaldo out of his all-time top five list. (Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images)

Even winning the World Cup with his nation, according to Cristiano Ronaldo, would not prove that he is the best football player in history. The “Fenomeno,” as Ronaldo Nazario is called, had already stated his position on whether Cristiano should be ranked among the top five football players of all time.

“[Ronaldo] has a fantastic story, doesn’t he?,” the Brazil icon previously said.

“He has conquered wonderful things, he scored goals in all ways, including a change of position because he has played as a winger and as a striker.”

“That’s not easy. He’s among the best in history, but I don’t know about the best… No, I don’t agree. I respect his opinion, but for me he’s among the best. I would say among the top-10.”

Cristiano was then ranked by Ronaldo Nazario behind Lionel Messi, who is tied for second place with Diego Maradona.

“Pele is number one, followed by Messi and Maradona tied together, then Zico, Romario, Cristiano Ronaldo, [Marco] Van Basten, [Zinedine] Zidane, [Luis] Figo and Rivaldo,” said the Brazilian.

Is Cristiano Ronaldo among the top 10?

Ronaldo Nazario feels the Portuguese striker comes in the top 10 best list, but not in the top five.

How many World Cups has the Brazilian Ronaldo won?

He has won two World Cups in 1994 and 2002.

How many World Cups has Cristiano won?

He is yet to win the World Cup.

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Rajarshi Shukla

After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.