Cristiano Ronaldo calls himself football’s most complete player, comparing his legacy with Lionel Messi, Pelé and Diego Maradona

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has declared himself the most complete player in football history, making a bold claim during an interview with CNN Portugal on Monday, October 12, 2026.

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The 41-year-old forward compared himself with some of the sport’s greatest figures, including Argentina captain Lionel Messi, Brazilian legend Pelé and Argentine icon Diego Maradona, while insisting that his overall abilities set him apart.

Ronaldo acknowledged that football supporters have different opinions when comparing the game’s legendary players. However, he maintained that questioning his completeness as a footballer was unfair.

“If someone prefers Messi, Pelé or Maradona, that’s a matter of personal taste. I respect that,” Ronaldo said.

“But to say Cristiano Ronaldo is not a complete player is a lie.

“I am the most complete player.”

The statement reflects Ronaldo’s confidence in his achievements and abilities, as debates over the greatest footballer of all time continue to divide supporters across generations.

Ronaldo’s claim comes as he continues his pursuit of another major career milestone. According to the source report, the Portugal international is 20 goals away from reaching 1,000 career goals.

Across a career spanning Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and Al-Nassr, Ronaldo has established himself as one of football’s most prolific forwards.

His career has featured domestic league titles, major European honours and international success with Portugal, including victory at Euro 2016 and the inaugural UEFA Nations League in 2019.

His long-running rivalry with Messi has also shaped discussions about football’s greatest players, with both men collecting numerous individual awards and setting records at club and international level.

Messi, Pelé and Maradona each have a distinct legacy in football history. Messi’s achievements include the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina, while Pelé won three World Cups with Brazil. Maradona famously captained Argentina to World Cup glory in 1986.

Comparisons between players from different generations remain subjective because they competed in different tactical systems and footballing eras.

Ronaldo’s latest comments place the emphasis on completeness rather than simply naming the player with the greatest achievements or the most individual awards.

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While supporters will continue to debate the merits of Ronaldo, Messi, Pelé and Maradona, the Portuguese forward has made his position clear: he believes his combination of goalscoring, athleticism, versatility and longevity makes him football’s most complete player.