In January 2024, Cristiano Ronaldo publicly questioned Lionel Messi’s 2023 Ballon d’Or win, arguing that his own statistical output was superior throughout the year. After leaving Manchester United, Ronaldo felt overlooked, emphasizing that despite being dismissed by many, his achievements could not be ignored. The Portuguese forward highlighted his impressive tally of 54 goals at Al Nassr as evidence of his strong season.
Discussing this with Record, Ronaldo said that numbers provide a clear measure of performance and should not be disregarded when evaluating the best player of the year.
“It’s not to say that Messi didn’t deserve it, or Haaland or even Mbappe… but the numbers are there and the numbers don’t deceive. You have to consider the entire season. The numbers are facts. If you go back and see what happened at Manchester United and the national team, people actually considered me lost… But the truth is that I focused and had a great period at Al Nassr, that’s why I scored 54 goals.”
Although Ronaldo’s season stats were high, he did not finish among the top 30 contenders for the Ballon d’Or in 2023. Lionel Messi secured the award with 462 points, followed by Erling Haaland with 357 points, and Kylian Mbappe in third place with 270 points.
Ronaldo Reaffirms His Status as Football’s Best in 2025
In February 2025, Ronaldo proclaimed himself the greatest footballer of all time during an interview with LaSexta TV. He emphasized his belief that his comprehensive skill set and goal-scoring record distinguish him above all others in football history. Ronaldo described himself as the most complete player, without any weaknesses, and highlighted his versatility across various aspects of the game.
Speaking to Al Jazeera, Ronaldo said:
“I’m the best player in football history. I haven’t seen anyone better than me in football history, and I’m saying truth from my heart. I’m talking about numbers. I think I’m the most complete player to have existed. In my opinion, I think it’s me. I do everything well in football: with my head, free kicks, left foot. I’m fast. I’m strong. One thing is taste. If you like Messi, Pele, Maradona, I understand that and I respect that, but saying Ronaldo isn’t complete … I’m the most complete. I haven’t seen anybody better than me, and I say it from the heart.”
“Who’s the best goal scorer in history? It’s about numbers. Full stop. Who’s the player in history who’s scored the most goals with their head, their left foot, penalties, free kicks?”
Ronaldo’s Future Plans After UEFA Nations League Triumph
Following Portugal’s victory in the UEFA Nations League this summer, where Ronaldo scored crucial goals in both the semifinal and final, the striker confirmed that he intends to extend his contract with Al Nassr. The tournament win marked a significant achievement for Ronaldo, reinforcing his ongoing impact on the international stage despite criticisms after his departure from European club football.
Implications for the Ongoing Debate Over Football’s Greatest
Cristiano Ronaldo’s persistent emphasis on statistical evidence fuels the intense debate surrounding Lionel Messi’s 2023 Ballon d’Or victory. While Messi’s award was supported by votes recognizing his overall influence and performance, Ronaldo insists that goal numbers and versatility provide a different perspective on who excelled most this past year. His comments add to long-standing discussions about the criteria used to judge football’s elite players and suggest that his career accomplishments remain a central part of the conversation moving forward.