Zlatan Ibrahimovic crowned Brazilian icon Ronaldo Nazario as the greatest footballer ever, bypassing Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the ongoing Lionel Messi GOAT debate football fans passionately discuss. The revelation emerged from Ibrahimovic’s candid reflections on the sport’s all-time best performers, sparking fresh conversations about football’s greatest talent.

Ibrahimovic’s Endorsement of Ronaldo Nazario as Football’s Top Player

While Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have dominated the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) discussion in recent years due to their remarkable careers and record Ballon d’Or victories, Ibrahimovic chose to highlight Ronaldo Nazario’s unique impact. Ronaldo, a two-time Ballon d’Or winner and a World Cup champion, earned his legend status through explosive speed, technical brilliance, and clinical goal-scoring during the late 1990s and early 2000s.

In a 2021 interview with Discovery+ Sweden, the former AC Milan striker declared:

“Ronaldo, El Fenomeno, he’s the best of all time. For me, that Ronaldo is football, the way he moved. He’s the greatest player in history, without a doubt.”

—Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Former Sweden International and Footballer

Zlatan’s Perspective on His Place Among Football’s Elite

Aside from honoring Ronaldo Nazario, Ibrahimovic has openly discussed his own standing relative to Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. In a 2021 conversation with France Football, he expressed confidence that his football skills match those of these two legends, despite differences in collective achievements such as trophies won.

He stated:

“If you’re talking about intrinsic qualities, I have nothing less than them. If you look at the trophies, [then] yes I didn’t win the Champions League. But I don’t know how you calculate it. I’m not obsessed with it. Because when you do good things collectively, the individual follows. The individual cannot be good if the collective is not good.”

—Zlatan Ibrahimovic

He further added:

“[Do] I miss the Ballon d’Or? No, it’s Ballon d’Or who misses me! Deep down, I think I’m the best in the world. I don’t think it’s relevant to compare players with each other. Everyone has played in their generation, with different teammates … [it’s] difficult to compare. I think everyone has their story and should face it.”

—Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Contextualizing Ibrahimovic’s Views in Football History

Ronaldo Nazario’s influence during his prime set a benchmark admired by many, including Ibrahimovic, due to his style and effectiveness on the field. Meanwhile, Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo maintain their rivalry as the most decorated Ballon d’Or winners, amassing 13 trophies between them, which symbolizes exceptional longevity and consistency.

Although Zlatan never secured the Ballon d’Or or a UEFA Champions League title, he remains respected for his technical talent and confidence expressed during his career. His belief in the importance of collective success over individual awards highlights a broader understanding of football’s complexities and teamwork.

Implications for the Ongoing GOAT Discussion in Football

Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s perspective introduces a different angle into the Lionel Messi GOAT debate football enthusiasts engage in today by underscoring Ronaldo Nazario’s historical significance. His refusal to place himself beneath Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo intensifies dialogues about player greatness beyond mere statistics.

This viewpoint encourages fans and analysts alike to consider football’s evolving eras and individual playing styles rather than focusing solely on contemporary awards. As the GOAT conversation persists, Ibrahimovic’s remarks may prompt reevaluations of what defines the greatest football player across generations.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. Is Lionel Messi religious?

A. Lionel Messi is a Roman Catholic and has talked about his faith. Although he rarely discusses it, he sometimes mentions his belief in God and thanks for his skills.

Q. Is Lionel Messi’s religion?

A. Her passing deeply impacted him just before he turned eleven. As a strong Catholic, he now honors her by looking up and pointing to the sky after scoring goals.