Carlo Ancelotti supported Cristiano Ronaldo’s GOAT claim over Lionel Messi as Real Madrid paid respect to CR7 on his 40th birthday.
Ronaldo, the former Real Madrid and Manchester United star, recently declared that he believes he is the most complete football player to have ever played the game. In an interview with La Sexta, he claimed that his versatility sets him apart from players like Lionel Messi, Pele, and Diego Maradona.
“I think I’m the most complete player there has ever been,” he insisted. “I think it’s me. I do everything in football. I head well, I take set pieces well, I shoot well with my left foot, I’m fast, I’m strong, I jump,” he said.
“Taste is one thing, saying this, that or that, whether you prefer Messi, Pele or Maradona, I hear it and I respect it but to say that Cristiano isn’t complete is a lie. I’m the most complete. I don’t see anyone better than me and I tell you that with all my heart.”
“Cristiano has left his mark on an era, he is leaving his mark on an era,” he told reporters about Ronaldo’s influence at the Bernabéu. “For me, he has been the best. Also because he has helped me a lot, with the goals he has scored, to remain calm on the Real Madrid bench.” Ancelotti, who coached Ronaldo during his first stint at Real Madrid, did not hesitate to endorse the Portuguese star’s self-evaluation.
Ronaldo remains Madrid’s all-time leading scorer, having netted an astonishing 451 goals and provided 131 assists in 438 appearances. As the Portuguese forward turned 40, Real Madrid made sure to honour their former talisman with a special message on social media.
They wrote: “🎁 Dear Cristiano, from Real Madrid, we want to send you our warmest wishes on your 40th birthday. Every Madridista is proud of the legend that you are and what you represent for our history. Have a great day with your family and loved ones.”
Shortly after Ronaldo reflected on his incredible time in Spain and acknowledged that he still has a deep emotional bond with Madrid, the tribute was delivered. “In terms of football, my time at Real Madrid has been the happiest for me,” he said. “Maybe after ending my career, something can happen.”
Ronaldo’s influence on football is still evident as he marks his milestone birthday. He is among the best football players to have ever set foot on a field, having won five Ballon d’Or awards, four Champions League championships with Real Madrid, and left a legacy of memorable moments. With 135 international goals in 217 games, he is still Portugal’s all-time top scorer and is committed to reaching 1,000 career goals before retiring.
