Is Ronaldo the best in the world?

[Denis The Red]

I have to say in spite of Brady & Souness nit-picking Ronaldo's "arrogance", he is, at this moment, the best player in the word.
Every talented player shows some arrogance at some time (and even some untalented ones). It's healthy and Ronaldo has the ability to back it up.
Rooney worked his socks off against Roma on Tuesday and is a world class player and you probably wouldn't get Ronaldo tracking back as often as you would like, perhaps not at all, but with 36 goals this season and his sheer peerless talent with a football I don't see any one to touch him at the moment.
People question his all round contribution to the team, I say 36 goals is contribution enough.

[superfrank]

Arrogance? He's the best player in the Premiership. He's entitled to it.

I detest Man U but I grudgingly accept that Ronaldo is the best player in the Premiership at the moment. For a winger to be top-scorer in the league is incredible, especially when he's competing against top class strikers like Adebayor, Torres and Drogba for the title. He is a great creative force and, luckily for Man U, he's the kind of player that kind win you a game when the team's playing crap.

He does have off days, like all footballers, and it's because of the hig standards he's set himself that we all notice it. He is a pure footballer. All about the ball at his feet. His ability is unquestionable and he is certainly realising his potential. I remember in the 2003/04 and 2004/05 seasons when more often than not he would do some fancy trickery but fail to deliver a decent final ball. That's changed now and he's all the better for it.

He may have questionable attitude at times but I know I'd want him in my team for his ability alone.

I say best in the Premiership as I don't watch Spanish or Italian football so can't compare him with the likes of Kaka, Messi and Ronaldinho. But if Barca face Man U in the CL semis we'll see who plays the better in that particular battle.

[Dodge]

For me Messi is the best.

Nice to have both of them to watch

[gustavo]

On current form I'd say C Ronaldo is probably the best , not sure about best overall but he certainly would be in the shortlist , he had a great season last season an even better one this season , I hope that Messi makes it back in time for the likely Barca /Manchester game

[anto1208]

I dont find him arrogant in fact i think lately he is just about football the fact he didnt go to that infamous UTD xmas party shows that he is learning a bit of cop on.

[shedite]

I'm 24 years old and I have never seen a player in better form than he is right now. He's unstoppable, can do it all, no fitness worries. I can see him doing European and League doube with Utd this season, and wouldn't bet against him winning Euro 2008 with Portugal. Maybe even golden boot at that too sure.

Yes, he's the best in the world right now, and from what I've seen, the past 15 years too.

[Cymro]

Right now I'd say he's probably the best player in the world. But form is a fickle thing. Three years or so ago, I'd have put Ronaldinho at the same level as Ronaldo is now, but he's way off that today.

Time will tell whether he becomes an all-time great like Best, who he's being compared to, or simply a player who was once very good but failed to maintain standards over the course of his career.

[feo123]

i think he is the best in the world. a right winger to score as many goals as he has with still around 10 games left (if they go all the way in champions league) is remarkable. one thing he has been lucky with is injuries, hes never really been out for a period of time. messi's missed a bit. never watch serie A with the risk of boredom too high so don't know what kaka has been like this year

[TheBoss]

I do not believe in 'Best in the World', they can not be 1 player from about thousands of players that is best of the all. It is a difficult thing to say cause every player is different and offers the team different options, yes Ronaldo scores goals, sets them up, retains possession very well, but what about players who stop goals, set up attacks, lead the team in hard situations.

Also the term World Class is used too much, I believe a World Class player can only be called World Class, when he retires, A player for me has to be preforming at the highest possible level for a prolonged period of time to be called World Class. A top player that is doing well for a short period, I would call them a great player.

[Pike B]

I am Liverpool fan so this hurts, yes he is the best in the World right now, on form, but in terms of ability yet to be fulfilled Messi is the one.. Ronaldo world player of the year this year, Messi the next 5!! That'll do..

[Pike B]

I'm 24 years old and I have never seen a player in better form than he is right now. He's unstoppable, can do it all, no fitness worries. I can see him doing European and League doube with Utd this season, and wouldn't bet against him winning Euro 2008 with Portugal. Maybe even golden boot at that too sure.

Yes, he's the best in the world right now, and from what I've seen, the past 15 years too.
Are you serious?? you are 24, more than old enough to remember one Zinedine Zidane. Ronaldo is good, great even, but Zizou is up there with Puskas, Pele, Cruyff, and Maradona as the greatest ever. Ronaldo may yet join them, but I think Messi is more likely to..

[jmurphyc]

IMO Ronaldo is close but I still think Kaka and Messi are better than him. I personally think that Nani could be an all round better player (probably minus the goals) from what I've seen of him. As for Zidane, I always thought he was incredibly overrated. He was one of the best of his generation, but even though I haven't seen a great deal of great players from the past, I find it hard to believe that he is as good as the likes of Pele, Maradona, Di Stefano et al.

[Pike B]

What are you possibly basing that on man? Zidane's control, and first touch, were incredible, the best I ever saw, not to mention the fact that he NEVER lost the ball!! (Watch any game, he was almost never dispossesed) he scored penalties, free kicks , headers, left and right foot finishes, won the World Cup, Euro Championships, Champions league, three World Player of the year awards, The Ballon D' Or, the Italian and Spanish League titles and is one of only three players (Pele being another,) to score in two World Cup Finals. He scored the greatest ever goal in a Champions League final and was beyond anything I've ever seen in my life as a player. I am 26. Pele and Maradona have both called him the greatest player of his generation, and he is a GOD in France. The truly great players do it on the biggest possible stage. What did Henry and Ronaldinho do in the Champions league final a few years ago?? Nothing.. When France and his clubs needed him, Zizou delivered. The mark of a true great. The World cup thing with Materazzi was a minor blot on an amazing career. Football is worse for his being gone..
Ronaldo has mount everest of achievement in front of him to be anywhere near Zizou. And I won't hear anyone tell me otherwise.

[jmurphyc]

What are you possibly basing that on man? Zidane's control, and first touch, were incredible, the best I ever saw, not to mention the fact that he NEVER lost the ball!! (Watch any game, he was almost never dispossesed) he scored penalties, free kicks , headers, left and right foot finishes, won the World Cup, Euro Championships, Champions league, three World Player of the year awards, The Ballon D' Or, the Italian and Spanish League titles and is one of only three players (Pele being another,) to score in two World Cup Finals. He scored the greatest ever goal in a Champions League final and was beyond anything I've ever seen in my life as a player. I am 26. Pele and Maradona have both called him the greatest player of his generation, and he is a GOD in France. The truly great players do it on the biggest possible stage. What did Henry and Ronaldinho do in the Champions league final a few years ago?? Nothing.. When France and his clubs needed him, Zizou delivered. The mark of a true great. The World cup thing with Materazzi was a minor blot on an amazing career. Football is worse for his being gone..
Ronaldo has mount everest of achievement in front of him to be anywhere near Zizou. And I won't hear anyone tell me otherwise.

I never said that Cristiano Ronaldo was as good as Zidane. However, it's just my opinion that he's overrated as a player. I don't think he's one of the all time true greats. He was one of the best of his generation, but not of all time. I've held this opinion for a long time and it had nothing to do with his antics in the 2006 final. As I said, it's just my opinion and you're entitled to yours.

[mypost]

I am Liverpool fan so this hurts, yes he is the best in the World right now, on form

Best in the world of English football maybe, in the world at large, you're having a :D:D

What about the keepers, defenders, midfielders, or are the best players, always goalscorers?? :confused:

[tetsujin1979]

I think that this season, yes Ronaldo is the best in the world. I still think that Kaka is a better player, but I reckon that without Ronaldo this season, Man United wouldn't be having the season they are. By comparison without Kaka, Milan would be pretty much in the same position they are at the moment.

[jmurphyc]

I think that this season, yes Ronaldo is the best in the world. I still think that Kaka is a better player, but I reckon that without Ronaldo this season, Man United wouldn't be having the season they are. By comparison without Kaka, Milan would be pretty much in the same position they are at the moment.

True. At times Ronaldo has carried Man Utd this season. Before he started going on a scoring rampage last season they were struggling to get second in seasons before, but now they seem to be easily dominating the league.

[Billy Lord]

This is merely a rehash of a previous 'Isn't Ronaldo great' thread. As I said before, Ronaldo isn't even the best player at Manchester United. Scholes, Rooney, Vidic and Ferdinand are all more impressive. Ronaldo's been a great goalscorer this season (a feat that should not be underrated but kept in perspective). Otherwise he's just a Michael Jackson clone with studs and silly socks who drifts in and out of games. And I hate his hands in the air attitude when the ball doesn't come directly to his feet.
If you're great, act great - it demands a degree of humility. Petulance isn't a virtue.

[Rovers fan]

I honestly think rooney is a better player,without him united don't tick.I think they can cope without ronaldo and rooney would probably be even better. United's defense hasn't got enough praise this year either.

[TheBoss]

If you're great, act great - it demands a degree of humility. Petulance isn't a virtue.

What about Maradona, he was worse if anything.

[Dodge]

As for Zidane, I always thought he was incredibly overrated. He was one of the best of his generation, but even though I haven't seen a great deal of great players from the past, I find it hard to believe that he is as good as the likes of Pele, Maradona, Di Stefano et al.
Sacrilige. Zidane was as good as any of them. His touch and vision probably the best of all time. Could tackle, head the ball, wasn't afraid to get stuck in(to the point of stupidity sometimes). Ronaldo has a long, long, long way to go to prove himself anywhere near the level Zidane played at for 10 years or more.


BTW Brazilians don't think Pele is the best player of all time. In their polls Garrincha usually wins...

[jmurphyc]

Sacrilige. Zidane was as good as any of them. His touch and vision probably the best of all time. Could tackle, head the ball, wasn't afraid to get stuck in(to the point of stupidity sometimes). Ronaldo has a long, long, long way to go to prove himself anywhere near the level Zidane played at for 10 years or more.


BTW Brazilians don't think Pele is the best player of all time. In their polls Garrincha usually wins...

As I have said previously it's just my opinion that he's overrated. I wasn't saying that Ronaldo is anywhere near Zidane in terms of quality either. I don't think Ronaldo is even the best player in the world at the moment.

I personally think people have hyped up Zidane to be far superior than he actually is. For example, I remember watching a friendly between France and Portugal a good few years ago and at one point he receive a 60 yard pass and took it down quite comfortably. That led to the commentators raving about it for the next 5 minutes and in the after match analysis the pundits were raving about it for ages when most of the players on the pitch could have done it themselves.

[Dodge]

pundits were raving about it for ages when most of the players on the pitch could have done it themselves.
You don't think they were like to that to the other greats?

I've seen Zidane do stuff no one else could. His goal v Leverkausen is technically perfect. His performance for France v brazil at the 2006 World Cup is as good as any performance ever

[jmurphyc]

You don't think they were like to that to the other greats?

I've seen Zidane do stuff no one else could. His goal v Leverkausen is technically perfect. His performance for France v brazil at the 2006 World Cup is as good as any performance ever

Of course his goal in the CL final was amazing. I'm not saying he's sh*t. He's one of the best players of his generation, if not the best but I don't think he's as good as people make out.

[shakermaker1982]

Ronaldo is the best in the world at this moment in time but if he has a dip in form next season and Kaka/Messi have brilliant seasons then the 'crown' will revert back to them. He won Man Utd the title last season and it looks like he's gonna do it again this season.

Zidane is a legend. Overrated?!!! Please tell me your joking. Never shied away from the big games - christ he won France the World Cup and carried them to the final last time round.

[jmurphyc]

Zidane is a legend. Overrated?!!! Please tell me your joking. Never shied away from the big games - christ he won France the World Cup and carried them to the final last time round.

I knew this comment would get me into trouble. :(

[cartman]

This is merely a rehash of a previous 'Isn't Ronaldo great' thread. As I said before, Ronaldo isn't even the best player at Manchester United. Scholes, Rooney, Vidic and Ferdinand are all more impressive. Ronaldo's been a great goalscorer this season (a feat that should not be underrated but kept in perspective). Otherwise he's just a Michael Jackson clone with studs and silly socks who drifts in and out of games. And I hate his hands in the air attitude when the ball doesn't come directly to his feet.
If you're great, act great - it demands a degree of humility. Petulance isn't a virtue.

totally agree.. not nearly the best player at man united even..so to say hes the best in the world is laughable... united are doing so well this year because their defense has been absolutely brilliant.. ferguson gives ronaldo license to stay as high up the pitch as he wants for counter attacks - so he basically plays as a striker in my eyes ... this talk of him having scored 30 odd goals is ridiculous - im fairly sure alves did that with herenveen last year :p
great players should have great attributes - what are ronaldo's again???
i cant think of any goals he has scored that have turned huge games for united this year - the true mark of a great goalscorer... lets see how he does in the league and champs league run-in - some huge games coming up.. id be pretty sure he will flop just like last year when a 1 million year old milan defense showed him up for the ponse that he is in the semi final match..:D

[DmanDmythDledge]

Ronaldo has been fantastic this season but I don't think he's the best player in the world. He is certainly up there alongside Messi and Kaka at the moment as the top players in the world but I think the latter two have more of an impact on the game as a whole. Ronaldo still seems to slightly drift out of games at times, although that is to be expected, to an extend, given the nature of his position.


For a winger to be top-scorer in the league is incredible...
People seem to hype up this point too much imo. Most of the time he has been playing further forward, alongside Tevez and Rooney. He does very little tracking back. I would consider him to be more of a striker than a winger.


He may have questionable attitude at times but I know I'd want him in my team for his ability alone.
:confused: I think his attitude is fine.


Also the term World Class is used too much, I believe a World Class player can only be called World Class, when he retires, A player for me has to be preforming at the highest possible level for a prolonged period of time to be called World Class. A top player that is doing well for a short period, I would call them a great player.
I think for a player to be considered world class they have to be one of the best in the world in their positions, i.e. top 3/5.

[superfrank]

:confused: I think his attitude is fine.
He dives. Any player that dives has an attitude problem.

[Closed Account 2]

No the best is Andrei Arshavin

[sullanefc]

I knew this comment would get me into trouble. :(

For what it's worth, I agree with you. Zidane was over-rated.

[DmanDmythDledge]

He dives. Any player that dives has an attitude problem.
Complete exageration. Yes, he used to be prone to diving but he rarely, if ever, dives anymore. And I disagree that diving means you have an attitude problem.

[deecay]

No.....

[bellavistaman]

yes, he has along way to go yet to be mentioned in the same breath as george best, lets be honest. Exciting times ahead, even though he was bullied out of it today.

[celticV3]

jan klass huntelaar i9s the best player in the world right now in my opinion. say whatever you want about the dutch league but he has scored 30 goals so far this season assisted so many others and when ajax seemed down and out he picks them back up again, as a 25 year old captain he has taken the responsibility brilliantly i dont think ronaldo will ever be captain as he just does not have what is required. and he has performed on the international stage aswell, for me undoubtadly the best player in the world right now

[cheifo]

Considering he is a winger by trade his ability to get into the right goal scoring positions has been astonishing this year.There does'nt seem to be as many natural goal scorers around these days-ie:Lineker,Aldridge,Rush,Brendan Bradley:)-Ronaldo does the spectacular but seems to have developed the knack of reading the play so he is in the right place to score the tap ins.However if Ferdiand and Vidic miss vital games due to injury young Christano could end the season without a medal to show for his efforts.

[Pike B]

Last word to the Zidane bashers, you guys are entitled to your opinion, even if it is wrong.. :D

[Dodge]

for me undoubtadly the best player in the world right now

Undoubtably? So the strength of the league and he's behind van Nistleroy and Kuyt (and probably van persie too) in the national team ranking don't lead you to even a little doubt?

[shedite]

Are you serious?? you are 24, more than old enough to remember one Zinedine Zidane. Ronaldo is good, great even, but Zizou is up there with Puskas, Pele, Cruyff, and Maradona as the greatest ever. Ronaldo may yet join them, but I think Messi is more likely to..

I do remember Zidane obviously, but I don't think he ever had as much influence in a game. His technique and control are probably better than Ronaldo, but I'd take Ronaldo anyday. He's been toying with every defence in Europe this season.

[jmurphyc]

Undoubtably? So the strength of the league and he's behind van Nistleroy and Kuyt (and probably van persie too) in the national team ranking don't lead you to even a little doubt?

Kuyt hasn't been selected in the last two Dutch squads.

[Pike B]

I do remember Zidane obviously, but I don't think he ever had as much influence in a game. His technique and control are probably better than Ronaldo, but I'd take Ronaldo anyday. He's been toying with every defence in Europe this season.
Oh man, I don't know how to respond to that... Crazy talk.. :(

[Closed Account 2]

I do remember Zidane obviously, but I don't think he ever had as much influence in a game...

Watch France v Brazil from last world cup.

[Pike B]

Kuyt hasn't been selected in the last two Dutch squads.
And rightly so. He is so average. I can't wait until Benitez wakes up and flogs him to Roda Jc or some other Mickey Mouse team.. Everton maybe ;)

[Pike B]

Watch France v Brazil from last world cup.
Thank you, I was in shock there and couldn't think straight. Really can't believe this guy. 24 and he doesn't remember Zizou influencing a game??? Nuts...

[jmurphyc]

I do remember Zidane obviously, but I don't think he ever had as much influence in a game. His technique and control are probably better than Ronaldo, but I'd take Ronaldo anyday. He's been toying with every defence in Europe this season.

As I said before I think Zidane is overrated, but to say he never had any influence on a game and to say that he "probably" has more technique and control than Ronaldo is ludicrous. Ronaldo is still young and in 5 years time may improve that side to his game and be as good as Zidane, but technique and control are two of the things that made Zidane be rated as such a great player. It's one thing that I won't knock him for. Would Ronaldo be capable of scoring a goal like Zidane did against Leverkussen? From what I've seen of Ronaldo I very much doubt it.

[Pike B]

As I said before I think Zidane is overrated, but to say he never had any influence on a game and to say that he "probably" has more technique and control than Ronaldo is ludicrous. Ronaldo is still young and in 5 years time may improve that side to his game and be as good as Zidane, but technique and control are two of the things that made Zidane be rated as such a great player. It's one thing that I won't knock him for. Would Ronaldo be capable of scoring a goal like Zidane did against Leverkussen? From what I've seen of Ronaldo I very much doubt it.
And you still think Zizou is over rated?? Have a good think bud, then say it. Go back a page or two to what I wrote about his achievements.. Come on, he's a legend.. We all make mistakes.... ;)

[jmurphyc]

And you still think Zizou is over rated?? Have a good think bud, then say it. Go back a page or two to what I wrote about his achievements.. Come on, he's a legend.. We all make mistakes.... ;)

There is no way I'm backing down on this because a few people on a football forum think I'm mad. I've held this view for a long, long time and I've seen nothing since that has made me change my mind. In the 2006 World Cup he was excellent but IMO France's World Cup win in 1998 could easily have been achieved without him. He missed quite a few games in that tournament and their success was built on a world class back line and not to do with any individual's attacking flair.

[Pike B]

There is no way I'm backing down on this because a few people on a football forum think I'm mad. I've held this view for a long, long time and I've seen nothing since that has made me change my mind. In the 2006 World Cup he was excellent but IMO France's World Cup win in 1998 could easily have been achieved without him. He missed quite a few games in that tournament and their success was built on a world class back line and not to do with any individual's attacking flair.
Great team France 98, for sure. Full of legends. But in the Final who rose (literally) above the rest??

[shedite]

As I said before I think Zidane is overrated, but to say he never had any influence on a game and to say that he "probably" has more technique and control than Ronaldo is ludicrous. Ronaldo is still young and in 5 years time may improve that side to his game and be as good as Zidane, but technique and control are two of the things that made Zidane be rated as such a great player. It's one thing that I won't knock him for. Would Ronaldo be capable of scoring a goal like Zidane did against Leverkussen? From what I've seen of Ronaldo I very much doubt it.

Okay, read my quote pal, I cleary did not write that.

And yes I did watch the Brazil France game and he was supurb. I also watched the other France games from that world cup tho!

My point is that Ronaldo has done it against everyone from Derby to Roma this season. Every game he seems to be up for and playing out of his skin. I don't think anybody (including Zidane) has ever had a more consistently fantastic season. If you put him in the Chelsea/Liverpool/Arsenal team this season I reckon they would be top of the table.

[jmurphyc]

And yes I did watch the Brazil France game and he was supurb. I also watched the other France games from that world cup tho!

I never mentioned the Brazil game. That was someone else. I was the first person to have a go at Zidane so we're kind of in the same boat.


My point is that Ronaldo has done it against everyone from Derby to Roma this season. Every game he seems to be up for and playing out of his skin. I don't think anybody (including Zidane) has ever had a more consistently fantastic season. If you put him in the Chelsea/Liverpool/Arsenal team this season I reckon they would be top of the table.

Whilst Ronaldo has been excellent this season for him to prove himself as the best player in the world (at the moment) he would need to produce a quality match winning performance either in the CL final (or possibly the semis) or in the final/semis of the European Championships.