Too much self-esteem’ – Ronaldo Nazario slams Cristiano Ronaldo’s GOAT claim as Brazil icon names five players ahead of Al-Nassr superstar

Ronaldo Nazario is not impressed with Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent GOAT claim and has named a host of players who could be considered the greatest.Ronaldo has recently declared himself the greatest player of all-time ahead of other legends to have graced the game such as Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona and Pele. The Portuguese superstar has won countless titles with Manchester United and Real Madrid as well as lifting a European Championship with Portugal. He’s also banged in 925 goals during an incredibly prolific career and is still going strong at the age of 40 with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr.Ronaldo’s GOAT claim has, unsurprisingly, generated plenty of debate already. Inter Miami boss Javier Mascherano has disagreed along with Lionel Messi’s Argentina team-mate Nahuel Molina. Former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has also shared his thoughts and feels Ronaldo Nazario is the best the world has seen. The Brazilian legend has now been asked what he thinks of Ronaldo’s GOAT claim and named the players he thinks are the best in history.He told ESPN: “I don’t really like to get into this, I think people have too much self-esteem. I prefer people to talk about what I did and who I was rather than talking about myself. Cristiano Ronaldo has a fantastic story, he won everything, scored goals in every possible way. He is definitely among the best in history. Now, I don’t agree with the best. But I respect his opinion… I would say he is easily in the top 10.Pelé number 1 without a doubt, Messi and Maradona tied together, Zico, Romário, Cristiano Ronaldo, [Marco] Van Basten, [Zinedine] Zidane, [Luis] Figo, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho Gaúcho, a series of players, there are many great players on this list, and I’m sure I’m forgetting some. Every time someone asks me about this ranking, I make a different list. Only these first three are definitive.”

Ronaldo’s comments are unlikely to go down too well with his Portuguese namesake, who continues to hunt for trophies in Saudi Arabia despite being in the twilight of his career. However, Ronaldo is yet to win silverware with Al-Nassr and a league title is looking difficult again this season. Ronaldo’s team are currently eight points behind leaders Al-Ittihad and have played one game more.