When one of the all-time greatest forwards and one of the all-time greatest players in modern soccer has an opinion regarding the greatest of all time, everyone is listening. And Karim Benzema was not afraid to select Ronaldo Fenômeno as greatest ever. His comments, respectful as they are, quietly dissent from his past teammate at Real Madrid Cristiano Ronaldo, who just declared himself "the most complete player in history."
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If Benzema's choice was based on raw talent, impact on the game, or playing style, there's no doubt the Brazilian made a mark. But his comment goes beyond personal preference. It is an increasing sentiment among players and retired greats: Ronaldo Fenômeno's reputation is more than numbers and titles.
Benzema's view and his admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo
French forward Benzema reacted to the claim by Al-Ittihad's 4-1 Saudi Pro League victory over Al-Hilal. When asked about Cristiano Ronaldo's claim to be the best and most versatile player ever, Benzema brought him back to reality: "Everyone is welcome to say what they think. If he thinks he's the greatest, then he is. It depends. To me, the best is Ronaldo, from Brazil. But Cristiano is what he is."
His diplomatic wording was not required to be inflammatory, but he spoke plainly. Benzema played nine years alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid and formed part of one of European football's greatest attacking duos. He knows the Portuguese forward's obsession with being great but has evidently reserved his admiration for a different sort of legend.
Why is Ronaldo Fenômeno still so revered?
Benzema's decision isn't surprising. Numerous soccer legends, such as Zidane, Ronaldinho, and even Messi, have alluded to Ronaldo Fenômeno as a special player. Why? He linked skill, explosiveness, and a natural goal-scoring ability like very few players ever.
From his early days at Cruzeiro to dominating at PSV, Barcelona, Inter Milan, and then Real Madrid, Ronaldo was a generation's player. His prime was defined by unstoppable runs, merciless dribbles, and merciless finishing. Even after suffering two career-ending knee injuries, he returned to lead Brazil to World Cup victory in 2002, finishing as the tournament's top scorer.
To everyone, no forward has ever been as complete as Ronaldo Fenômeno at his best. Had it not been for injuries, his records would be even more unbreakable. What set him apart from the rest was not just statistics, it was the way he played, with a mix of power, grace, and unpredictability that captivated an entire generation.
Is Cristiano Ronaldo the greatest, or just the most complete?
Cristiano Ronaldo, on the other hand, makes a strong case for himself as the most complete player in history. His numbers are staggering — over 850 career goals, titles with Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and now Al-Nassr, and a level of athleticism that has kept him at the top for two decades.
Alongs the process, the Portuguese player had turned into a flashy dribble virtuoso turned goal-scoring behemoth. His amazing stats and records across the different leagues set him amongst the greatest of all time. And so, quite naturally, he perceives himself as the same.
But does the most complete equate to the best? For Benzema, not exactly. The French forward admits Cristiano's greatness but prizes other elements of the game that go beyond longevity and numbers. And that poses an interesting question: what really makes the greatest of all time?
The never-ending debate in soccer
Benzema made it apparent that he does not enjoy player comparisons, and that could be the most significant thing to take from his comment. Each legend has their own era, their own style, and their own contribution to the game. But regardless, the GOAT debate will always be present.
Cristiano Ronaldo built a career that is characterized by records, resilience, and championships. Ronaldo Fenômeno, on the other hand, carved an image with raw brilliance and effortless control of the pitch. Parallel paths, two undeniable legends.
What Benzema's words affirm is that, even in the era of soccer today, wherein statistics drown, the excellence of the sport remains valid. And to most, Ronaldo Fenômeno is the embodiment of that excellence more than anyone else.