Fabio Capello, the former Real Madrid coach known for his blunt honesty, has said Cristiano Ronaldo does not reach the same level as other global icons like Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona, or Ronaldo Nazario. His comments came during an interview with Egyptian network ON Sport.
“Cristiano is a great goalscorer and an incredible player, but he doesn’t have the genius of Messi, Maradona, or Ronaldo Nazario,” Capello said on ON Sport’s Hat-Trick program. He added, “The kind of brilliance the others had is missing in Cristiano. You cannot compare him to those three.”
The Messi-Maradona debate continues
Messi has long been compared to Maradona in an ongoing debate that remains unresolved. Even after winning the World Cup, some argue Messi still does not quite match his legendary compatriot. Ronaldo has never really been part of this particular discussion.
Ronaldo still chasing milestones at 41
Despite Capello’s comments, Ronaldo continues to prove he is among the greatest players in history. At 41, he is chasing 1,000 career goals and striving for a World Cup title, which could mark his final appearance on soccer’s biggest stage.