Nani Crowns Ronaldinho as Football’s GOAT, Dismisses Ronaldo & Messi
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Former Manchester United winger Nani has ignited debate within the football world by naming Brazilian legend Ronaldinho as the greatest player of all time, surpassing contemporaries Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. The surprising declaration came during a recent question-and-answer session with ESPN, prompting a significant reaction from fans and analysts alike.
A Controversial Choice
Nani’s assessment challenges the widely held belief that either Ronaldo or Messi holds the title of football’s greatest. The former Portuguese international didn’t shy away from making bold choices throughout the ESPN segment, demonstrating a clear preference for players beyond the modern era’s dominant figures.
He selected Brazilian icon Romário as the best finisher in history, even over his former teammate, Cristiano Ronaldo. However, Nani readily acknowledged Lionel Messi’s unparalleled talent as the greatest playmaker of all time. His selections extended to defensive positions as well, naming Nemanja Vidić as the definitive center-back and Michel Preud’homme as the best goalkeeper to ever play the game.
Dribbling Prowess & a Final Verdict
The former Manchester United star continued to surprise with his picks, choosing Denílson over both Messi and Ronaldo as the best dribbler in football history. But the most significant revelation came when asked to name the greatest player of all time.
“At that moment, Nani decided in favor of Ronaldinho, dismissing the two contemporary monsters, Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo,” according to reports from the session. This decision underscores Nani’s admiration for Ronaldinho’s unique flair and impact on the game.
Reflecting on a Bygone Era
Nani previously urged fans to appreciate Ronaldo and Messi while they are still actively playing, recognizing their eventual departure will fundamentally change the sport. In 2025, following Ronaldo’s contract extension with Al-Nassr, Nani told the media outlet GOAL: “He’s a machine, he’s a different player, and that shows in the level he’s reached in football (…) We talk a lot about Ronaldo and Messi, but when they stop playing, football will never be the same.”
Nani shared the pitch with Cristiano Ronaldo in 130 matches, contributing to a combined total of 14 goals. He faced Lionel Messi five times, resulting in three defeats and two victories. These experiences likely informed his perspective, yet ultimately led him to elevate Ronaldinho above both modern greats.
Nani’s bold statement serves as a reminder that defining the “greatest” is subjective, and often influenced by personal experience and appreciation for different styles of play.
