LAFC forward Denis Bouanga has rejected the idea that Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo are the greatest strikers in football history, instead selecting Brazil legend Ronaldo Nazario for this honor. While reflecting on the best players past and present, Bouanga also shared his view that Kylian Mbappe currently stands as the top player worldwide.
Denis Bouanga’s Picks for the Best Players Across Positions
In an interview with GOAL, Bouanga was asked to identify the most outstanding footballers in key roles. For the greatest midfielder of all time, he chose Zinedine Zidane, while recognizing Kevin De Bruyne and Luka Modric as the best current midfielders. When it came to defenders, Bouanga named Paolo Maldini as the all-time great and singled out Arsenal’s William Saliba as the leading defender today.
Regarding goalkeepers, the Gabonese star crowned Brazilian icon Dida as the best ever, with Germany’s Manuel Neuer taking the title of the top current goalkeeper. By naming Ronaldo Nazario, Bouanga dismissed the legacies of Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi in the striker category, highlighting a different icon for the role.
Bouanga’s Previous Comments on Lionel Messi and MLS Best Player
The 20-year-old LAFC attacker has expressed a lukewarm stance towards Lionel Messi in the past. Ahead of the MLS All-Stars game, Bouanga told Spanish outlet AS that Evander is the best player in Major League Soccer right now, rather than Messi. He said:
“I said it on Instagram, for me [Evander] is the best player in the MLS, without a doubt. He’s doing very well, and I can’t wait to play with him on the field.” —Denis Bouanga, LAFC forward
Bouanga has played against Messi five times, losing twice against PSG in Ligue 1 with his former club Saint-Étienne, and twice with LAFC when facing Inter Miami. To date, he has not encountered Cristiano Ronaldo on the pitch.
Calls for MLS to Rekindle Ronaldo and Messi Rivalry
Earlier this year, ESPN analyst Herculez Gomez recommended MLS clubs pursue Cristiano Ronaldo to replicate the impact of Messi’s signing at Inter Miami. Speaking on Futbol Americas, Gomez emphasized the importance of bringing both superstars to the league, stating:
“Nobody thought Lionel Messi would come, and yet he did. What did it take? It took ownership and I think it’s going to be a similar package [to recruit Ronaldo to MLS]. American owner John Textor (owns Botafogo, Crystal Palace and American Eagle Football Group), they want, as per reports, to offer a similar package for Cristiano Ronaldo to join Botafogo, or one of the teams, ahead of the Club World Cup.” —Herculez Gomez, ESPN analyst
“Do I see someone within Major League Soccer with the ability to do that? Maybe. Should they do that? Absolutely. There is no absolute way you have Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi playing in the same league, and you’re not going to pay attention. Whether you’re a hater of what they have become now, or whether you’re a lover of what they’ve done to the game. Two players who have played at the highest of levels for so long, who have competed against one another.” —Herculez Gomez, ESPN analyst
However, Cristiano Ronaldo has since committed to a new contract with Saudi club Al-Nassr that lasts until 2027, while Lionel Messi remains in ongoing talks regarding an extension with Inter Miami.
The Potential Impact of These Player Choices on Football and MLS
Denis Bouanga’s opinions challenge the conventional evaluations of modern football’s greatest names, provoking discussions about what qualities define a striker or a top player today. His preference for Ronaldo Nazario over Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo reflects an appreciation for a historic figure whose impact is sometimes overshadowed by contemporary superstars.
The active debate around bringing Cristiano Ronaldo to MLS, following Messi’s arrival, highlights the league’s ambition to raise its global profile and competitiveness by attracting legendary talents. While Ronaldo’s future in MLS appears uncertain due to his Al-Nassr contract, continued negotiations around Messi’s involvement suggest the league remains a magnet for elite players.
Bouanga’s perspective and ongoing player movements may influence player evaluations, fan expectations, and club strategies within MLS and across international football in the coming years.