How Maradona, Romario, Zidane, Felix & co hail 'phenomenal' Ronaldo

FIFA.com lists the famous quotes in the football world that hail Men's Player of the Year nominee Cristiano Ronaldo.

"There are players who are touched by the magic wand. The truth is that us Argentinians are proud that Messi is Argentinian and did not go [and play for] the Spanish. The other is a beast. Ronaldo is pure power and is now also a sorcerer.”

-- Diego Maradona

“He’s a living football God. It’s ridiculous what he’s doing. All the records – in the Champions League, he’s got every record you can imagine.”

-- Rio Ferdinand

“I trained because I was made to. He trains because he loves to. There are very few players who take such care of their bodies, have such a fierce desire to improve. He’s unbelievable.”

-- Ronaldo ‘Fenômeno’

"There are genius paintings and genius sculptures. He’s a football genius."

-- Fernando Santos

“Cristiano is from another galaxy. He guarantees goals. He’s such a unique player.”

-- Zinedine Zidane

“Cristiano is a phenomenal athlete, person, and entrepreneur. His all-around discipline, perfectionist attitude, and dedication to his craft is inspiring and has inspired so many young children to play football. Just look what he did recently in the Champions League, at 34 years young, a hat-trick under the lights when the pressure was on for all the marbles. And against Atletico Madrid, one of the best defensive sides in Europe. That is inspiring!”

-- Conor McGregor to FIFA.com

“What sets him apart? His ambition. I’ve never seen a champion hungrier than him. He plays every game as it if was the last in his career.”

-- Rui Costa

“Ronaldo. In my opinion he has taken on more challenges and succeeded at all of them. He's the most complete player I have seen and his work ethic is unmatched. He inspires people. I don't think many people do that. He's also a leader and I love that. Absolutely love it. He has amazing belief too.

-- Virat Kohli to FIFA.com when asked whether Ronaldo or Lionel Messi has had the greater career

“Ronaldo has absolutely everything. He’s the best player in the world right now. I’d even say he’s the best player in football history.”

-- Krzysztof Piatek

“Ronaldo is like [Usain] Bolt and [Roger] Federer. He's an alien.”

-- Giorgio Chiellini

“He's a phenomenal worker, an exemplary footballer. He has been the best in the world for many years and will remain so for a long time. Real Madrid are noticing his absence."

-- Joao Felix

“Cristiano is an incredible player. Look what he did for [Real Madrid], the number of goals he scores, and he continues to do so in Italy.”

-- Gareth Bale

“He’s the best ever. For me [there’s] no doubt.”

-- Ruben Neves

“Cristiano Ronaldo is among the five best players in history. He's a very focused guy with undeniable talent.”

-- Romario