New Delhi, Oct 12, 2026 15:42 IST
Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo has stated that he considers himself the best player in the history of football. The veteran striker is currently facing a suspension from the national team setup following a reported disagreement with manager Jorge Jesus.
During an interview with CNN Portugal, Ronaldo expressed frustration that his scoring achievements and current athletic form are not receiving adequate recognition. He asserted that the statistics speak for themselves and that he stands as the finest player to ever compete in the sport.
Over the past two decades, Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have shared global dominance in football, though public consensus has increasingly favored Messi in recent years, particularly following Argentina's 2022 World Cup victory and Messi's performance in the 2026 tournament. Messi recently concluded his international career with a grand farewell from Argentina, which included a special commemorative jersey celebrating him as the greatest of all time.
Conversely, Ronaldo's current standing with his national side has grown tense. He encountered a major fallout with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus after being instructed to warm up during a 4-2 victory against Denmark without ultimately being substituted onto the field.
Reflecting on his career and recent output, Ronaldo told CNN Portugal that observers fail to properly value his ongoing form and goal tallies. The developing story is expected to see further updates as the situation within the national squad unfolds.