The GOAT debate: Is Ronaldo truly number one?

November 19, 2025 Oliver Obel

Ronaldo entered Old Trafford as a flashy teenager—quick, unpredictable and thin as a wire. Simpson remembered that early version of CR7 well. What always stayed with him wasn’t the stepovers or the pace, but the willingness to change. Ronaldo retooled his body, reshaped his movement, even shifted his role on the pitch.

Few players reinvent themselves fully once, let alone several times. Ronaldo managed it at United, then at Real Madrid, then again in Italy, and now in Saudi Arabia. It’s the thread that runs through a career still going strong at age 40, as he continues as a key figure for Al-Nassr and remains available for Portugal.

Simpson: adaptability separates Ronaldo from Messi

“That’s the best thing about Ronaldo, he adapts,” Simpson told GOAL. “He adapted at 18/19, he adapted at Real Madrid, he adapted at Juve. He’s always adapting. He’s adapting now in Saudi, he’s adapted with Portugal. That’s why, for me, he is the best player in the world.”

Simpson was careful to acknowledge Messi’s brilliance, but argued that the Argentine’s game has been built on natural instinct rather than transformation. “I don’t think — no offence to Messi, he’s an unbelievable talent, but he’s never really had to adapt all these different parts of his game,” he said.

One example stuck with him. “Ronaldo, when he first came [to United], couldn’t head the ball! Now he’s probably the best header in the world — up there as a No.9.”

A different perspective from Ronaldo Nazário

Not everyone agrees—especially another Ronaldo.

The image you supplied shows Ronaldo Nazário, the Brazilian legend, offering a contrasting view. Speaking about Cristiano’s confidence and self-assessment, he put it plainly:

“Some people have a lot of self-confidence. I prefer others to talk about me rather than me talking about myself.”

And on whether Cristiano is the greatest ever:

“He's one of the best players in history, but is he the best? I don’t agree.”

His comments add a useful counterweight to Simpson’s admiration. The GOAT debate rarely has middle ground, and Nazário’s stance reflects a different philosophy—one rooted less in evolution and more in pure footballing essence.

Cristiano’s own belief in his place in history

Cristiano Ronaldo has long leaned into the GOAT conversation. In a well-known interview with La Sexta, he explained why he considers himself the most complete player ever.

“I think I'm the most complete player there has ever been. That's my opinion. It could be a question of taste but I think it's me,” he said. “I do everything in football. I head well, I take set pieces well, I shoot well with my left foot, I'm fast, I'm strong, I jump.”

He added that fans may prefer Messi, Pelé or Diego Maradona, but insisted his all-around profile sets him apart: “To say that Cristiano isn't complete is a lie. I'm the most complete. I don't see anyone better than me and I tell you that with all my heart.”

What keeps Ronaldo going

Age has not softened Ronaldo’s ambition. Simpson believes he will continue as long as his body allows it — and history suggests that may be longer than anyone expects.

“I don’t think you can write him off. As long as he is scoring goals, as long as he doesn’t get any injuries, then it wouldn't surprise me because it’s him,” Simpson said.

Two personal objectives remain on Ronaldo’s list:

the chase for 1,000 career goals
the dream of playing alongside his son

Cristiano Jr. is progressing through Al-Nassr’s academy, and although the timeline is uncertain, the possibility of a father-and-son professional pairing is one of the rare milestones Ronaldo has not yet reached.

The next chapter

Ronaldo is expected to feature for Portugal at the 2026 World Cup, another attempt to capture the one trophy that has eluded him. Meanwhile, the 2025–26 season offers more opportunities to add to a career already overflowing with records.

And as the GOAT debate rolls on—as it always does—Simpson’s perspective, Ronaldo Nazário’s skepticism, and Cristiano’s own confidence all underline the same truth: greatness is rarely measured the same way by everyone. But Ronaldo’s longevity, reinvention and relentless ambition ensure that, even at 40, he remains at the heart of the conversation.

Verdict: Is Ronaldo the GOAT? My take

The debate will continue for as long as Ronaldo plays — and probably long after he retires. His longevity, reinvention and remarkable consistency are achievements few players in history can match. He is undoubtedly one of the greatest athletes the sport has produced.

But is he the GOAT?

For me, the answer is no.

Ronaldo’s dedication and evolution are extraordinary, yet greatness isn’t defined by one trait alone. Other players — including Lionel Messi, Pelé and Diego Maradona — have shaped the sport in ways that go beyond statistics or physical transformation. Ronaldo belongs firmly in the top tier of all time, but the singular title of “greatest ever” is, in my view, a step too far.

That doesn’t diminish his legacy. If anything, it highlights how unique and competitive football’s history truly is. Ronaldo is an icon, a relentless competitor and a player who redefined what longevity in the sport looks like — just not, in my opinion, the one who stands alone at the very top.

Sources: GOAL, William Hill, La Sexta, SPORTbible