Karim Benzema has disagreed with Cristiano Ronaldo’s declaration that he is the greatest footballer of all time, claiming that the title belongs to Ronaldo Nazario instead.
Despite playing alongside the five-time Ballon d’Or winner for nine years at Real Madrid and witnessing the numerous records set by the now-40-year-old during his illustrious La Liga career, Benzema does not consider him the best player ever.
The Frenchman, who moved to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad in 2023, also did not name Barcelona legend Lionel Messi when discussing Ronaldo’s recent comments about his own greatness. The 37-year-old said: “Everyone can say what they want. If he thinks he’s the best in history, fine, then it’s him.
“For me, for example, it’s Ronaldo, the one from Brazil. But Cristiano is who he is. I don’t like making comparisons between players; I believe each has their own story, and he has his, he’s very good.”
Ronaldo’s confident assertion that he is the greatest, citing his long-standing top-level performance and goal-scoring record as evidence, has sparked plenty of debate.
“I honestly haven’t seen anyone better than me. You have to look at the numbers full stop,” he said in an interview with Spanish outlet El Chiringuito.
“I believe I am the most complete player who has ever existed. It’s me. I do everything in football. I play well in terms of heading the ball, I’m good at free-kicks, I’m good with my left foot, I’m quick, I’m strong, I jump. I am the best player ever, I believe that.”
Ronaldo’s bold claim didn’t sit well with former teammate Angel Di Maria, who has played alongside both Ronaldo and Messi. Speaking to Argentine outlet Infobae, Di Maria said: “He [Ronaldo] always made these kind of remarks. He always tried to be the best, but he was unfortunately born in a generation where there was another player [Messi] who made everything he touched turn to gold.”
Di Maria pointed out the stark contrast in their achievements, adding: “The reality is demonstrated in the numbers. One player won eight Ballon d’Or awards [Messi] while the other won five [Ronaldo].
“Another key difference is that one has lifted the World Cup [Messi]. There are many differences between the two players.”