Karim Benzema rejects Cristiano Ronaldo’s GOAT claims, picks former Barcelona star
Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo’s former teammate, has responded to Ronaldo’s bold claim that he is the greatest footballer of all time, offering his own opinion on the debate.
Benzema and Ronaldo, once teammates at Real Madrid and now rivals in the Saudi Pro League, remain among the league’s top scorers. However, they have different views on who is the greatest player in football history.
Benzema reacts to Ronaldo’s claim
In a previous interview, Ronaldo stated, “I believe I am the most complete player that has ever existed. I respect people who prefer Messi, Pele, or Maradona, but to say Cristiano isn’t the most complete is a lie. Honestly, I haven’t seen anyone better than me.”
Speaking to TNT Sports, Benzema addressed Ronaldo’s statement, saying, “Anyone can say whatever they want; if he thinks he’s the best in history, then he is.
“There are many. For me, it’s Ronaldo, the one from Brazil. I don’t like making comparisons between players because everyone has their own story.”
Ronaldo Nazário, Benzema’s footballing icon
While Ronaldo insisted he is the most complete player to ever exist, Benzema chose not to directly compare players. Instead, he named the former Barcelona and Real Madrid star, Ronaldo Nazário, as his personal footballing idol.
From Madrid teammates to Saudi rivals
Benzema and Ronaldo spent nine successful years together at Real Madrid, forming one of football’s most powerful attacking partnerships.
During their time at Madrid, they won four UEFA Champions League titles, two La Liga titles, and two Copas del Rey, while also breaking numerous records in European football.
Now, both players are shining in the Saudi Pro League, where they are currently joint top scorers with 16 goals each.
Although their careers have moved away from Europe’s top leagues, the debate about football’s greatest player continues, and Ronaldo remains confident in his own legacy.
