The eternal debate over who is the greatest soccer player of all time has been reignited, but this time with an unexpected twist. Nani, a former Manchester United player and Cristiano Ronaldo’s teammate in the Portugal national team, put aside both CR7 and Lionel Messi when it came to choosing the GOAT of soccer. His answer surprised many: for him, the best in history is Ronaldinho.
In an interview with ESPN, the Portuguese winger was asked about different historical categories of football, from the best finisher to the most complete footballer. Although he recognised the talent of Messi and Cristiano, his final choices ended up relegating both in the most symbolic categories.
Ronaldinho, chosen as the best footballer in history
When the ultimate question came – who is the greatest player of all time – Nani did not hesitate and leaned towards Ronaldinho. The Brazilian, world champion in 2002 and Ballon d’Or winner in 2005, was singled out by the Portuguese as the footballer who best represented the essence of the game.
The choice did not go unnoticed, especially as Nani shared the dressing room and titles with Cristiano Ronaldo for years, both at Manchester United and with the Portuguese national team. However, his criteria pointed more to the artistic impact and magic that Ronaldinho offered on the pitch.
Messi and Cristiano recognised but displaced
Although he did not choose them as the GOAT, Nani did have words of recognition for Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The Argentine was singled out as the best playmaker of all time, highlighting his vision, associative ability and talent to generate football in any context.
For his part, Cristiano Ronaldo was also not chosen as the best finisher, as Nani opted for the Brazilian Romario in that category. In addition, in the category of the best dribbler in history, the former United player again surprised by choosing Denilson over Messi, Cristiano and Ronaldinho himself.
Nani’s message about the legacy of Messi and Cristiano
Beyond his choices, Nani took the opportunity to send a clear message to the fans. In statements reported by GOAL in 2025, he asked that Messi and Cristiano be enjoyed while they are still active, remembering that football will change when both retire.
Without Cristiano and Messi, football will not be the same, we must enjoy them while they are still playing
“They are different players, competitive machines. The day they retire, football will not be the same,” said the Portuguese, underlining the impact both have had even after falling off the radar of Europe’s big clubs.
With his choice, Nani is not looking to minimize Messi or Cristiano, but to pay tribute to a different generation. For him, Ronaldinho embodies the joy, creativity and freedom that marked an unrepeatable era of world soccer.
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