Former Chelsea defender John Terry recently entered the ongoing Lionel Messi versus Cristiano Ronaldo GOAT debate by choosing Ronaldo as his preferred player. The debate, which has divided fans worldwide for nearly two decades, centers on who is the greatest footballer of all time between these two iconic superstars.
Terry, having faced both Messi and Ronaldo during his career, expressed his admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo, highlighting the Portuguese star’s achievements across multiple top European leagues. He emphasized Ronaldo’s success in the Premier League, which Terry regards as the best league globally, as a key factor in his decision.
John Terry’s Perspective on Ronaldo’s Versatility and Impact
The former Chelsea captain praised Ronaldo’s ability to excel in various countries and leagues beyond England. In February 2024, while speaking to the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA), Terry explained his reasoning for favoring Ronaldo over Messi, recognizing the difficulty in choosing between the two legends.
“I’m going to upset a couple of people here but I think I’m going to have to go with Ronaldo. When you’re talking probably the best ever, probably him and Messi, he (Ronaldo) has to be in my team. And I think because he’s been away and done it not only in the Premier League, done it in other countries and still achieved what he’s achieved is incredible.”
—John Terry, Former Chelsea Defender and England Captain
He further detailed Ronaldo’s consistent high-level performance across different leagues, praising his ability to continue scoring goals regardless of the environment. Terry suggested that Ronaldo’s relentless ambition and adaptability make him a role model for aspiring footballers worldwide.
“Like you said, I think the Premier League is the best league in the world, it has been in the last 20 years and will continue to be, but this guy, everywhere he’s gone, he’s been one of the very best and continued to score goals. For every young player, he’s your prime example of who to look up to.”
—John Terry, Former Chelsea Defender and England Captain
Throughout their careers, Terry faced Cristiano Ronaldo 15 times, securing five wins, suffering six losses, and drawing four. Against Messi, he played eight matches, winning twice, drawing five, and losing once. These direct encounters gave Terry significant insight into both players’ abilities on the pitch.
Contrasting Views: Mario Kempes on Messi’s Playing Style
Argentine football legend Mario Kempes offered a different perspective on the Lionel Messi versus Cristiano Ronaldo GOAT debate, focusing on the contrasting playstyles of the two stars. In a 2019 interview, Kempes remarked that Messi appeared more selfish in his recent performances compared to Ronaldo’s approach.
“Messi is Messi and Messi is Barcelona. What you do or do not do is key. When Messi is on the field, prepare yourself, because you do not know at what moment he is going to mess you up. But Messi should not surprise us. We have seen him do everything, although I think he has slowed down a bit and now I see him wanting to do more things on his own.”
—Mario Kempes, Argentine Football Legend
Kempes, who lifted the FIFA World Cup with Argentina in 1978, also highlighted a shift in Messi’s gameplay over time, contrasting it with Ronaldo’s evolving role focused more on team contribution.
“Before I saw him as a team player, now I see him more selfish in his actions. It is the opposite of Cristiano, who now plays more for the team than for the ‘me’.”
—Mario Kempes, Argentine Football Legend
Both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have left an indelible mark on world football, collectively winning 13 Ballon d’Or awards—with Messi securing eight and Ronaldo five—underscoring their dominance over the last twenty years.
The Ongoing Debate and Its Implications
John Terry’s surprising endorsement of Cristiano Ronaldo adds fresh fuel to the intense Lionel Messi versus Cristiano Ronaldo GOAT debate, reflecting how opinions vary even among elite professionals. The discussion touches not only on individual brilliance but also on influence across different leagues and styles of play.
As both players continue to inspire new generations and compete at high levels, their legacies will remain a central topic in football discourse. Terry’s emphasis on Ronaldo’s adaptability and drive highlights the diverse criteria fans and experts use to judge greatness beyond trophies and statistics.