Karim Benzema does not agree with the statements of his former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, who considers himself the greatest player of all time. The Frenchman, who played alongside Ronaldo for many years at Real Madrid, prefers another former Real Madrid player.
Karim Benzema was asked about Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent statements following Al-Ittihad’s victory over Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League, in a match where his teammate Steven Bergwijn scored twice.
The 37-year-old French striker was confronted with the Portuguese star’s remarks in an interview ahead of his 40th birthday, in which Ronaldo declared himself not only the “most complete footballer ever” but also the greatest player in history. Benzema, who spent years sharing the attack with Ronaldo at Real Madrid, offered a different perspective when asked who he considers to be the greatest of all time. Without hesitation, he stated that, in his opinion, that title belongs to Brazilian legend Ronaldo Nazário.
Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo played together between 2009 and 2018 at Real Madrid, forming one of the most lethal attacking trios in football history alongside Gareth Bale. Over nearly a decade of success, they won multiple titles, including four Champions League trophies, with Ronaldo assuming the role of the team’s main goal-scoring reference while Benzema often sacrificed himself for the collective good, taking on responsibilities beyond just finishing. Despite their strong professional connection and years of partnership at the Santiago Bernabéu, Benzema made it clear that, in his view, Ronaldo Nazário was an even more special and impactful player in football history. Without wanting to make direct comparisons, the Frenchman emphasized that every player has their own story and legacy, but for him, the Brazilian was the most complete and impressive in terms of technical and physical ability.
While Benzema continues his adventure in Saudi Arabia, where he has already scored 18 goals in 20 matches for Al-Ittihad, Cristiano Ronaldo remains on his own path at Al-Nassr, maintaining his remarkable goal-scoring form. However, not everything has gone smoothly for the Portuguese star, who recently endured a frustrating night in a defeat to Al-Ettifaq. The 40-year-old forward, who has already netted 24 goals in 28 official matches this season, was unable to prevent his team’s loss and was visibly irritated with the officiating, particularly after the red card given to his teammate Jhon Durán. Known for his competitive nature, Ronaldo expressed his dissatisfaction with several decisions and left the field frustrated, while Georginio Wijnaldum shined with two goals for the opposing team.
Benzema’s comments reignite the endless debate over who is the greatest footballer of all time. Cristiano Ronaldo has never hidden his confidence and belief that he deserves this status, arguing that his longevity, impressive statistics, and versatility set him apart from any other player. On the other hand, many including Benzema consider that pure talent and natural brilliance make players like Ronaldo Nazário superior to any statistic-based argument. The Brazilian, who dominated world football in the late 1990s and early 2000s, won two Ballon d’Or awards, two World Cups, and mesmerized fans with his speed, technique, and finishing ability. Although injuries shortened his prime, for many, he remains the most complete striker football has ever seen.
The discussion over the greatest player of all time will never have a definitive answer. Beyond Cristiano Ronaldo and Ronaldo Nazário, other names such as Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona, and Pelé are frequently brought into the debate, each with their own strong case. Messi, for instance, strengthened his claim to the throne of football by winning the 2022 World Cup, something that neither Ronaldo Nazário nor Cristiano Ronaldo ever achieved. However, for Benzema, the issue is not solely about titles or records but also about the impact a player had on the game and how they defined a generation with their unique talent.
While the debate continues, both Benzema and Ronaldo carry on with their careers in the Middle East, where they remain the biggest stars of the Saudi Pro League. Benzema’s Al-Ittihad continues to compete for silverware, while Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr aims to challenge Al-Hilal’s dominance in the league title race. Even though they are no longer in the European spotlight, both veterans continue to prove that they still have plenty to offer and that their rivalry, even if only indirectly, is still alive. Benzema’s opinion may not have pleased Ronaldo, but the Portuguese star is unlikely to be affected, maintaining the same mindset he has had throughout his career the belief that he is the greatest of all time, regardless of what others may think.
