Former Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello claimed Cristiano Ronaldo lacks the “genius” found in legendary players like Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona, and Ronaldo Nazario.
Despite being 41 and playing for Al Nasr, Ronaldo continues to pursue 1,000 career goals but is still viewed by some as not among the elite players.
Ronaldo Remains Prominent in the Game
Although he is nearing the end of his illustrious career, Ronaldo remains a focal point in the media. His recent disagreements with Al Nasr led to his absence in two matches, but he continues to perform admirably in the Saudi Pro League, scoring 17 goals in 18 games this season while aiming for his first significant title with Al Nasr. Ronaldo has an impressive trophy case, having claimed every major title with Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, and he is expected to participate in Portugal’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.
Ronaldo, who spoke at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai, expressed his desire to keep playing until he reaches 1,000 career goals. He stated, “My passion is high and I want to continue, regardless of where I play. My goals include winning trophies and reaching that number.” As long as he stays injury-free, those numbers seem likely to increase.
Great Scorer, Not a Genius
While Ronaldo has enjoyed significant success, Capello stated that he hasn’t reached the heights of true football legends. “Cristiano is an exceptional goalscorer and athlete, but he doesn’t possess the creative genius of Messi, Maradona, or Ronaldo Nazario,” Capello remarked during an interview. “You can’t compare him with those three.”
The Italian coach recalled coaching Ronaldo Nazario at Real Madrid, noting that he was a more passive leader compared to others. He also commented on Barcelona’s playing style, highlighting it as beautiful yet mentioning that their tendency to rely on offside traps might expose them defensively.
Ronaldo’s Opinion on the GOAT Debate
Ronaldo and Messi have frequently been pitted against each other in discussions about the greatest players of all time. After Messi’s World Cup victory with Argentina in 2023, he implied that he had achieved everything, yet Ronaldo disagreed, stating, “Is Messi better than me? I don’t think so. I don’t want to be humble,” during an interview with Piers Morgan.
He elaborated, “If you ask me if my dream is to win the World Cup? No, it’s not. Does winning one tournament over just six or seven games define me as one of the best players ever? Is that fair?”
What’s Next for Ronaldo?
In Ronaldo’s recent absence, Al Nasr has been feeling the impact, but there’s hope for his return to the field for the upcoming Saudi Pro League match on Saturday. He is currently training with his team and is expected to play against Al Fateh. Al Nasr is just one point behind league leaders Al Hilal, and reports indicate Ronaldo is not pleased with the team’s inactivity during the January transfer window. On the other hand, Al Hilal has strengthened their squad by signing Karim Benzema from Al Ittihad.
Fan Take: This news is crucial for soccer enthusiasts as it sheds light on Ronaldo’s unwavering aspirations and competitive spirit, despite nearing retirement. His ongoing pursuit of a milestone like 1,000 career goals not only influences his legacy but also captivates fans and adds intrigue to the sport.
