Ronaldo Nazario Reveals His List of the Eight Greatest Footballers Ever

The debate over the greatest football player ever often centers around Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who have won 13 Ballons d'Or combined. Before them, Pele and Diego Maradona defined their eras and still remain central to discussions about the sport’s all-time greats.

Ronaldo Nazario, known as the Brazilian Ronaldo and one of football’s most iconic strikers, shared his opinion in a 2022 interview with The Guardian, naming eight players he considers to belong to an elite group of football legends. Notably, Cristiano Ronaldo was not on his list.

While the selection is widely respected given Ronaldo's legendary career, some notable players such as Michel Platini, Alfredo Di Stefano, Zinedine Zidane, George Best, and Ferenc Puskas were missing from his choices. Let’s explore the eight players Ronaldo included and why they stand among the greatest in football history.

Diego Maradona

The Argentine attacking midfielder is remembered as one of the best ever. Playing in four World Cups, he led Argentina to victory in 1986 and helped Napoli win their first Serie A title in 1986/87, inspiring the city immensely. Maradona's magical skills are immortalized, especially that unforgettable goal against England.

• Appearances: 435
• Goals: 194
• Assists: 134

Lionel Messi

Following Maradona, Messi might be the greatest player ever. Now at Inter Miami, Messi has won every major trophy possible, including the 2022 World Cup that boosted his GOAT status. With 672 goals in 778 appearances for Barcelona alone, his record is phenomenal. Beyond scoring, Messi is celebrated as the top playmaker and dribbler, holding a record eight Ballons d'Or.

• Appearances: 1180
• Goals: 922
• Assists: 454

Johan Cruyff

Cruyff is less about being the absolute best and more about his revolutionary impact. Winning three Ballons d'Or in the early '70s, he became a legend for Ajax and Barcelona and created the famous 'Cruyff turn,' a move still widely used. His influence extended into management, making him a giant both on and off the field.

• Appearances: 599
• Goals: 335
• Assists: 221

Franz Beckenbauer

Considered by Ronaldo as the greatest defender, Beckenbauer invented the modern sweeper role. He is among the few players to win the FIFA World Cup, European Champions Cup, and Ballon d'Or. With nearly 600 games for Bayern Munich, his dominance at the back set a new standard for defenders.

• Appearances: 724
• Goals: 88
• Assists: 85

Pele

Pele’s greatness is hard to compare across generations. Few witnessed his prime firsthand, but he remains the only player to win three World Cups (1958, 1962, 1970). FIFA credits him with 1,281 goals in 1,363 games. As a Santos legend and Brazil icon, his influence on football is undeniable.

• Appearances: 1363
• Goals: 1281

Marco van Basten

Van Basten ranks among the finest strikers despite retiring at 28 due to injury. He won three Ballons d'Or and multiple league titles with Ajax and AC Milan. His five goals in Euro 1988, including a stunning volley in the final, helped the Netherlands claim the title. Imagine what more he could have achieved if not for injuries.

• Appearances: 431
• Goals: 301
• Assists: 92

Ronaldinho

Though not often mentioned in GOAT talks, Ronaldinho's brilliance was unmatched during his peak. Winning the Ballon d'Or in 2005, his joyful style at Barcelona thrilled fans worldwide. Known for dazzling skills and match-winning moments, his peak may have been brief, but it was spectacular.

• Appearances: 643
• Goals: 180
• Assists: 151

Ronaldo Nazario

Ronaldo included himself in this select group, and it's easy to see why. Once the fastest and most feared striker, he broke transfer records moving from PSV to Barcelona and then to Inter Milan, where he became the youngest Ballon d'Or winner at 21. Injuries limited his later years, but his pace and skill left a lasting mark on football.

• Appearances: 553
• Goals: 360
• Assists: 108

All statistics are sourced from Transfermarkt and FIFA.com, accurate as of June 25, 2026.