Cristiano Ronaldo has named the one player he ranks alongside himself and Lionel Messi in the GOAT debate

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are often hailed as two of the greatest footballers of all time, dominating the “Greatest of All Time” (GOAT) debate. Some enthusiasts also mention legends like Pele, Diego Maradona, Johan Cruyff, Alfredo Di Stefano, and Ferenc Puskas. While opinions vary, there’s a consensus that Ronaldo and Messi are at the pinnacle of football greatness.

In a November interview with Piers Morgan, Ronaldo was asked whether Messi was the greatest player he had ever seen. Ronaldo responded, “Probably, yes. Him and [Zinedine] Zidane probably, that I have played and fought with. Messi is an amazing player, he is magic. As a person, we share the stage for 16 years. Imagine, 16 years we share.

So I have a great relationship with him. I’m not a friend of his in terms of, what I mean friend is the guy who was with you in your house, speaking on the phone. No, but it’s like a team-mate. He’s a guy that I really respect the way he always speaks about me.”

Zidane, who managed Ronaldo at Real Madrid from 2015 to 2018, also features prominently in the GOAT debate. Under Zidane’s leadership, Ronaldo and Real Madrid secured three consecutive Champions League titles. As a player, Zidane is renowned as one of the greatest midfielders ever, celebrated for his exceptional passing, dribbling, and flair for the spectacular.

Zidane’s career highlight came when he led France to the World Cup final in 2006, although it ended in infamy with his headbutt on Italy’s Marco Materazzi. Post-2006, Zidane retired, capping a career with over 800 club and international appearances and more than 150 goals. His accolades include Champions League and La Liga titles with Real Madrid, a Serie A title with Juventus, and a World Cup and European Championship with France. Zidane also won the Ballon d’Or in 1998.

In 2017, Zidane lauded Ronaldo as the greatest player ever, telling ESPN, “There have been many players who have made history at this club [Real Madrid]. But nobody has done what he has – the statistics speak for that. What he has done is impressive. So I think yes [he is the best in history]. You know I think Cristiano is much better [than me], although I had a good career.”

This endorsement from Zidane, combined with Ronaldo’s acknowledgment of Messi and Zidane’s greatness, adds an intriguing dimension to the ever-evolving GOAT debate, further cementing their legacies in football history.