"Top 3 players in history" - When Jose Mourinho snubbed Cristiano Ronaldo but named Lionel Messi in his GOATs list
Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho once snubbed Cristiano Ronaldo and named Lionel Messi, Pele, and Maradona as the top three players in the history of football. In 2016, shortly after Mourinho was appointed as the manager at Manchester United, he was asked about his football GOAT (Greatest of the time).
In response to the question, the former Real Madrid boss took the names of Messi, Pele, and Maradona. He said (via GIVEMESPORT):
"For me, the top three players in history are Messi, Pele and Maradona."
Jose Mourinho worked with Ronaldo between 2010 and 2013 at Real Madrid. In 2013, when the Portuguese ace won his Ballon d'Or, Mourinho lauded Ronaldo and said (via the Mirror):
"He (Ronaldo) is the best. The best in the world, yes. Probably the best ever. I saw Maradona a couple of times. I never saw Pele. But Cristiano is amazing. This man is the best."
Last month, rumors of Cristiano Ronaldo joining Jose Mourinho-managed Fenerbahce emerged. The legendary forward's contract with Al-Nassr will expire next summer. However, Mourinho recently denied all rumors by saying he already has enough good attackers. He said (via GOAL):
"Cristiano Ronaldo will not come. The first reason is that I have three good forwards and I don't want another one. Cristiano will always be Cristiano, but I don't want him because I'm happy with my forwards."
The frontline of the Turkish side includes Edin Dzeko, Cenk Tosun, and Youssef En-Nesyri. Fenerbahce are second in the league table with 32 points from 14 matches, three points behind leaders Galatasaray, who have a game in hand.
Liverpool star Mohamed Salah chooses between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo
Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah once chose Lionel Messi over Cristiano Ronaldo in the football GOAT debate. The Liverpool superstar was asked to choose between the two football icons.
In response, Salah took the name of Messi and said (via Barca Universal on X):
"Messi, it's not a debate anymore."
Mohamed Salah has been in stellar form this season. The Egyptian has made 21 appearances across all competitions for Liverpool, bagging 15 goals and 12 assists.
Additionally, Arne Slot's Liverpool are at the top in the Premier League with 35 points from 14 matches. The Reds also lead the pack in the UEFA Champions League with 15 points from five matches.