Cristiano Ronaldo misses top spot to ‘total footballer’ in list of 50 greatest Real Madrid players ranked by FourFourTwo
Cristiano Ronaldo ranked second in Real Madrid's all-time best players list, as per a list put out by FourFourTwo (reported via Sport Bible). The Portugal captain was pipped to the top spot by club legend Alfredo Di Stefano.
Ronaldo, who spent nine glorious years at Real Madrid, winning four Champions League titles (three on the bounce) was outdone by Stefano, who starred in Blancos' five-peat of the European Cup (1956-1960).
Ronaldo won four Ballons d'Or awards with Real Madrid compared to Stefano's two (1957 and 1959). However, Stefano - described by FourFourTwo as a 'total footballer' holds the record for being the only player to also win a Super Ballon d'Or (1989).
Stefano, who was born in Argentina but also played for Spain, registered 293 goals and 11 assists in 308 games for Real Madrid during an 11-year stay. Ronaldo outshone the Los Blancos legend on that front, registering 450 goals and 131 assists in 438 games.
Zinedine Zidane, Raul and Ferenc Puskas complete the top five of the 50-man list issued by FourFourTwo.
Cristiano Ronaldo addresses his retirement rumours
Having burst onto the European scene in the early 2000s, Cristiano Ronaldo has maintained his level at the top for over two decades. The star forward hit a brace (including an acrobatic overhead kick) for Portugal before addressing his future plans.
He said after the 5-1 UEFA Nations League win at home against Poland last week (via GOAL):
"I just want to enjoy. Plan for retirement if it has to happen, in one or two years. I don't know. I'm turning 40 soon and I really want to enjoy - as long as I feel motivated I keep going. The day I don't feel motivated, I will retire."
With players usually retiring from the national team before hanging up their boots in club football, Ronaldo said:
"When I decide to leave the national team, I'll do it spontaneously but thoughtfully. There won't be any advance announcements."
He also ruled out managing football teams in the future,:
"I don't see myself managing a team. That's not in my plans. My future lies in other areas outside of football, although time will tell what happens."
Cristiano Ronaldo is the most prolific international goalscorer, with 910 goals for club and country.