Real Madrid legend Iker Casillas names 23-year-old star as best player in the world right now ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo
Real Madrid legend Iker Casillas believes Los Blancos star Vinicius Junior is currently the world's best player ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo. However, the former goalkeeper was quick to add that the Portuguese is the best of all time.
It comes as no surprise that Casillas rates the Brazilian winger ahead of Ronaldo at the moment. With the 39-year-old plying his trade in the Saudi Pro League and Vinicius performing at the highest level with Real Madrid, the latter would always have an edge.
On top of that, Vinicius enjoyed a wonderful season with the Spanish giants, bagging 24 goals and 11 assists in 39 matches across competitions. He helped Real win the UEFA Champions League, the La Liga, and the Supercopa de Espana.
When asked about the best player in the world, Casillas said (via @MadridXtra):
"The best player in the world? Vinicius. Cristiano? Cristiano for all, always, but now Vinicius."
Ronaldo, who has won 30 trophies at club level, is certainly an all-time great after what he has managed to achieve in his career. He's a five-time Ballon d'Or winner who has also won the UEFA Champions League five times.
The Al-Nassr superstar has also won three Premier League, two La Liga, and two Serie A titles, amongst other honors. However, he had an underwhelming Euro 2024 campaign, failing to score in five appearances for Portugal. A Selecao were knocked out of the tournament after losing on penalties (5-3) to France following a goalless draw after 120 minutes. Ronaldo also missed a crucial penalty in the 105th minute against Slovenia in the Round of 16 before successfully converting his spot-kick in the shootout victory.
Casillas and Ronaldo played 228 matches together across competitions for Real Madrid, winning 170 times.
How did Cristiano Ronaldo fare at Real Madrid?
Cristiano Ronaldo is most well known for his incredible spell at Real Madrid. He secured a reported €94 million move from Manchester United to the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer of 2009.
The former Red Devils star would remain in the Spanish capital for nine years before being sold to Juventus in 2018 for a whopping €117 million. While with the Spanish giants, Ronaldo scored 450 goals and bagged 131 assists in 438 matches across competitions.
He won four UEFA Champions League titles, among other honors, during his time in the Spanish capital. Ronaldo, who won four of five Ballons d'Or at Real Madrid, is also the club's all-time leading goalscorer.