Portuguese soccer legend Cristiano Ronaldo was recently trolled by the fans after the Al Nassr star dubbed himself the best player in history. Ronaldo is widely regarded as one of the best soccer players in the world, who boasts a long list of records like most goals in the UEFA Champions League (140 goals), most goals in a UEFA Champions League season (17), and most international goals (135). In addition to that, the 39-year-old icon has also won accolades like five Ballon d'Ors (the most by a European player).
Despite this never-ending list of accomplishments, the footballer was recently mocked by the fans for his self-appreciation and calling himself the best in the world, sidelining his other equally great contemporaries like Lionel Messi, Pele, or Diego Maradona.
Cristiano Ronaldo under fire with soccer fans
It all started with Ronaldo's appearance at El Chiringuito, a Spanish television show where he discussed his soccer endeavors and also gave a pat to himself on the back by stating that he is the most complete player to ever exist. However, he acknowledged the greatness of his peers like Lionel Messi and others, but he kept emphasizing his own greatness.
"Who’s the player in history who’s scored most goals with their head, their left foot, penalties, free kicks? I was looking the other day, and not being left-footed, I’m in the top 10 goal scorers with their left foot in history. And with my head, and with my right foot, and penalties. All of them," he said.
"I’m talking about numbers. I think I’m the most complete player to have existed. In my opinion, I think it’s me. I do everything well in football: with my head, free kicks, left foot. I’m fast, I’m strong. One thing is taste – if you like Messi, Pelé, Maradona, I understand that and I respect that" he added.
However, Cristiano Ronaldo’s self-praise did not go down well with fans, who quickly called him out on social media, especially on X (formerly Twitter). Many even schooled him using the famous quote from Lord Tywin Lannister (Game of Thrones): "Any man who must say 'I am the king' is no true king."
Fans shared their reaction to a post shared by Italian Sports Reporter, Fabrizio Romano on his X, fan claimed Ronaldo's self appreciation is making him look like a 'clown.'
"I’ve never seen another great athlete this insecure about his legacy bro ur Cristiano Ronaldo, the more he keeps talking like this, the more of a clown he looks like."
Another fan took a dig at the Portuguese footballer while giving an indirect example of Messi, writing:
"If you have to constantly remind people that you’re the best, you probably aren’t. Meanwhile, the actual GOAT is chilling with a World Cup, a Ballon d’Or from MLS, and zero need to beg for validation. Numbers don’t lie? True. But context exists, my guy."
One other fan wrote:
"You’re a great goalscorer but, you’re not the best player in history ."
Here are some more reactions from the fans.
"This guy is delusional."
"This guy is so self obsessed."
Although Ronaldo is known for brushing off such remarks and rarely acknowledging his critics, it will be interesting to see if the Al Nassr icon responds to this.