“He could do everything” - When ex-Real Madrid star Roberto Carlos named one player better than Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr.
Brazil legend Roberto Carlos once placed Ronaldo Nazario ahead of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar. El Fenomeno won the 2002 FIFA World Cup with Brazil and was part of the 'Galacticos' era at Real Madrid.
Ronaldo registered 103 goals and 34 assists from 177 games across competitions during his five-season stay with Los Blancos. Interestingly, he also appeared for Barcelona in the 1996/97 campaign before leaving for Inter Milan.
Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are the best footballers of the modern generation. The two superstars have dominated world football for close to two decades now, setting and breaking records at will.
However, speaking to GOAL in 2020, Roberto Carlos insisted that his countryman was better than the duo.
"Ronaldo stood out in training. He was the best. There will never be another Ronaldo 'Fenomeno'. Not Neymar, Cristiano or Messi – Ronaldo is unique. I think in our generation it was harder to score goals. It was more physical back then and attackers were less protected. But Ronaldo could do everything," said Carlos.
He continued:
"I knew how unbelievable he was when he arrived but a lot of people at Madrid didn't. He surprised a lot of people. I remember 80,000 people were very happy and pleasantly surprised by him."
Roberto Carlos had also labeled Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Eden Hazard to take over from Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
"I still think they have another three years at the very top but Neymar, [Kylian] Mbappe and Hazard will take over after Ronaldo and Messi. Indeed, Hazard, in a short time, will prove he is number one in the world," said Carlos.
Neymar is also one of the biggest names in world football, although he never reached the heights of Ronaldo and Messi. The Brazilian currently plays for Saudi side Al-Hilal.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are in the final phases of their career
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are arguably in the final phases of their career. The Portuguese started his top-flight career in 2002, while the Argentinean did so in 2004.
Since then, the two of them have dominated football like few have managed to do in the history of the beautiful game. Cristiano Ronaldo is currently with Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, moving to the Middle Eastern club from Manchester United in December 2022.
Lionel Messi, meanwhile, is plying his trade in the MLS with Inter Miami, and recently won the Supporters' Shield. While neither have shown signs of slowing down any time soon, it is safe to assume that they won't be carrying on for much longer. However, both players could have an eye on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which could be the ideal stage to pull down the curtain on their illustrious careers.