Cristiano Ronaldo has named the one player he ranks alongside himself and Lionel Messi in the GOAT debate

Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the most celebrated footballers of our time, has named the one player he believes can contend with himself and Lionel Messi in the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) debate. The player in question is none other than Zinedine Zidane.

The GOAT Debate

The debate about who is the greatest footballer of all time is a contentious one. Some fans argue that it’s Ronaldo or Messi, while others bring legends like Pele, Diego Maradona, Johan Cruyff, Alfredo Di Stefano, and Ferenc Puskas into the conversation. However, everyone agrees that Ronaldo and Messi are among the top contenders.

In an interview with Piers Morgan, Ronaldo was asked whether Messi was the greatest player he had ever seen. He responded affirmatively but added Zidane to the mix. He said, “Him and [Zinedine] Zidane probably, that I have played and fought with.”

Zidane’s Legacy

Zidane is considered one of the greatest midfielders of all time. His excellent passing and dribbling abilities combined with an eye for the spectacular made him a formidable player. He played over 800 times for club and country, scoring over 150 goals.

Zidane won the Champions League and La Liga titles with Real Madrid, a Serie A title with Juventus, and a World Cup and European Championship with France. He lifted the Ballon d’Or award in 1998.

The Debate Continues

While Ronaldo’s endorsement of Zidane adds another dimension to the GOAT debate, it’s unlikely to settle it. The question of who is the greatest footballer of all time is subjective and depends on individual perspectives.

What do you think? Does Zidane deserve to be ranked alongside Ronaldo and Messi in the GOAT debate? Share your thoughts in the comments below.