A Legendary Coach’s Take
Former Real Madrid and England manager Fabio Capello has weighed in on the eternal debate over the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) in football, placing Lionel Messi above Cristiano Ronaldo. Capello, a highly respected figure in the football world, believes Messi belongs in the same category as legends like Pelé and Diego Maradona, while Ronaldo is on par with Ronaldo Nazário, the Brazilian icon.
Capello’s comments add another layer to the ongoing discussion about the two modern-day legends and their places in football history.
Capello’s GOAT Rankings
In an interview with FlashScore, Capello shared his thoughts on the GOAT debate:
Lionel Messi: Capello placed Messi alongside Pelé and Maradona, describing him as a “true phenomenon.”
Cristiano Ronaldo: He ranked Ronaldo slightly below, grouping him with Ronaldo Nazário, the legendary Brazilian striker.
Capello acknowledged that Messi and Ronaldo are not far apart in terms of greatness but expressed a preference for Messi.
“When I talk about true phenomena, I say Messi, I say Pelé, I say Maradona—and I put Ronaldo ‘O Fenômeno’ right next to them. He’s just a hair below,” Capello said.
Capello’s Admiration for Messi
Capello’s admiration for Messi is well-documented. In 2024, he declared Messi the GOAT at the Laureus World Sports Awards. He also revealed that he wanted to sign Messi after watching him play for Barcelona in a pre-season match, saying it took him just 25 minutes to recognize the Argentine’s extraordinary talent.
Ronaldo’s Claim to Greatness
Cristiano Ronaldo, on the other hand, has consistently argued that he is the most complete player in football history. In recent statements, Ronaldo placed himself above Messi, Pelé, Maradona, and other legends, citing his versatility, longevity, and ability to adapt to different leagues and playing styles.
A Never-Ending Debate
Capello’s ranking adds to the endless debate over who truly deserves the title of the greatest footballer of all time. While Messi and Ronaldo have both achieved unparalleled success, their differing styles and strengths make it difficult to declare a definitive winner.
As fans and pundits continue to argue, one thing is certain: both Messi and Ronaldo have left an indelible mark on the sport, cementing their places among the all-time greats.