Nani's Shocking GOAT Pick: Ronaldinho Over Ronaldo and Messi
In a surprising revelation that has sent shockwaves through the football community, former Manchester United and Portugal winger Nani has made a controversial selection for the greatest footballer of all time. The Portuguese star, who played alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at Old Trafford, has chosen Brazilian legend Ronaldinho Gaucho as his ultimate pick, overlooking both Ronaldo and Argentine maestro Lionel Messi.
Nani's Detailed Football Rankings
During an exclusive interview with ESPN, Nani provided comprehensive rankings across various football categories, offering insight into his football philosophy and historical perspective. The 39-year-old former Sporting Lisbon star acknowledged the monumental impact of both Ronaldo and Messi on modern football, but maintained his position on Ronaldinho's supremacy in the overall historical context.
Nani's complete football hierarchy includes:
- Greatest Footballer Ever: Ronaldinho Gaucho
- Best Playmaker: Lionel Messi
- Best Finisher: Romario
- Best Defender: Nemanja Vidic
- Best Goalkeeper: Michel Preud'homme
- Greatest Dribbler: Denílson
Ronaldinho's Illustrious Career Credentials
The Brazilian magician Ronaldinho, whom Nani selected as the greatest ever, boasts an impressive trophy cabinet that justifies such high praise. His remarkable achievements include winning the FIFA World Cup with Brazil in 2002, claiming the prestigious Ballon d'Or in 2005, securing the UEFA Champions League title, and lifting the La Liga trophy twice during his peak years at Barcelona.
Nani emphasized that while Ronaldo and Messi have dominated the 21st century with record-breaking performances and numerous trophies, Ronaldinho's unique artistry and impact on the game place him in a category of his own. The Portuguese winger played alongside Ronaldo during their successful stint at Manchester United, where they collectively won the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, and FA Cup together.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
The football community has erupted with mixed reactions to Nani's controversial selections. Social media platforms have been flooded with debates and discussions about his rankings, with fans expressing diverse opinions about his choices.
Notable fan reactions include:
- "He knows Messi is the GOAT but he doesn't want to trigger Ronaldo fanbase."
- "Ask him the best Portuguese player and he might still call himself or Figo?"
- "I won't blame him. If you were Ronaldo's teammate at United you won't believe he's the best player anywhere."
- "Real football people don't rank Messi as all time great top 10... he's no better than Bale or Van Nistelrooy."
Nani's Plea to Football Fans
In a heartfelt appeal to the global football community, Nani has urged fans to stop the constant comparison between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Speaking through GOAL, the Portugal legend emphasized the unique qualities of both superstars and cautioned that football will never be the same once they retire.
"He's a machine, he's a different player and you can tell by the level he's reached in football," Nani stated about Ronaldo. "We criticize Ronaldo and Messi a lot, but the day they retire, football won't be the same. We have to make the most of it while they're still on the pitch."
Contemporary Football Context
Nani's comments come at a time when the football world continues to debate the legacies of modern greats. Recent performances by emerging stars like Kylian Mbappé, who has broken records in the UEFA Champions League, add another layer to these ongoing discussions about football greatness across generations.
The former Valencia and Fenerbahçe star's comprehensive rankings provide a unique perspective from someone who has played at the highest level alongside some of these legends. His selections reflect not just statistical achievements but also the artistry, impact, and memorable moments that define football greatness beyond mere numbers and trophies.
