Manchester United winger Bryan Mbuemo recently highlighted Lionel Messi as his all-time favorite player, choosing him over Cristiano Ronaldo. This preference came to public attention through a video circulating on social media shortly after Mbuemo’s Premier League debut at Old Trafford facing Arsenal.
During an appearance on The F2Freestylers, Mbuemo was tasked with naming eight favorite players from leading football nations selected by the presenter. The Cameroonian identified Wayne Rooney for England, Juninho representing Brazil, and Italy’s Andrea Pirlo as part of his selection.
From other countries, Mbuemo chose Cristiano Ronaldo for Portugal, Andres Iniesta from Spain, and Toni Kroos from Germany. He also picked Eden Hazard as Belgium’s best and Lionel Messi as his preferred Argentine player, rounding out his initial list of eight.
These players then competed in a knockout-style contest, with Rooney, Ronaldo, Iniesta, and Messi advancing to the later stages. When faced with the final choice between Ronaldo and Messi, Mbuemo quickly named Messi, the Inter Miami captain, as his definitive favorite.
Insights from Mbuemo on His Football Inspirations
Since joining Manchester United this summer from Brentford, Mbuemo has spoken openly about the influences that shaped his passion for football. In an interview with the club’s media team, he acknowledged both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as key inspirations throughout his development.
“My first top was one with Ronaldo behind [on the back]. It changed the time. When I was really young, the two best footballers were Ronaldo and Messi. When I was growing up, Neymar. After that, it was Eden Hazard. My dream was to become a football player and play for one of the biggest teams in the world. But when you’re actually doing it, it’s completely different.” —Bryan Mbuemo, Manchester United winger
Manchester United secured the signing of Mbuemo for £65 million from Brentford, awarding him a five-year contract. Despite interest from Tottenham Hotspur, the winger opted against reuniting with Thomas Frank, choosing instead to continue his career at Old Trafford.
Wayne Rooney Also Names Messi as the Greatest Over Ronaldo
Adding perspective to this debate, Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has publicly stated his preference for Lionel Messi as the greatest footballer of all time, placing him ahead of former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo. Speaking in 2024 on the Pardon My Take podcast, Rooney expressed his views plainly.
“Cristiano Ronaldo or Messi? Messi. I’ve said it before: the two of them are probably the best two players to have played the game, but I just think Messi is, in my eyes, the greatest of all time.” —Wayne Rooney, Manchester United legend
Rooney’s experience includes 205 games alongside Cristiano Ronaldo before the Portuguese forward’s transfer to Real Madrid in 2009. Against Messi, Rooney appeared in three encounters, with Messi’s team winning twice and drawing once, highlighting the Argentine’s formidable impact on the pitch.
The Broader Significance of Mbuemo’s Choice
Mbuemo’s selection of Lionel Messi as his favorite player underscores the ongoing admiration for the Argentine’s skill and influence in football, even as Ronaldo remains a revered figure. This inclination reflects the complex ways current players relate to iconic stars who shaped the modern game during their formative years.
As Mbuemo begins to establish himself at Manchester United, his expressed inspirations suggest he aspires to emulate the excellence represented by both Messi and Ronaldo. His preference may also influence fans and young players who follow his career closely, highlighting the enduring debate over football’s greatest player.