Ronaldo Nazario Reveals His Top 8 Football Legends

Ronaldo Nazario’s List of the Greatest Footballers Ever

The legendary Brazilian striker Ronaldo Nazario shared his thoughts on the eight football players he considers the greatest in history. His list includes some of the most iconic names in the sport, like Lionel Messi and Pele, but notably excludes Cristiano Ronaldo.

While debates about the best player ever usually focus on Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo—two stars who together have won 13 Ballon d'Or awards—Ronaldo’s picks bring attention to other giants from football’s past and present.

Diego Maradona - Argentina - Attacking Midfielder

Diego Maradona is remembered as one of the all-time greats. The Argentine maestro starred in four World Cups and led his country to glory in 1986. At club level, he was instrumental in Napoli's first Serie A win in 1986/87, with the city still celebrating him passionately today. His flair and unforgettable moments, like the goal against England, make him a legend.

• Appearances: 435
• Goals: 194
• Assists: 134

Lionel Messi - Argentina - Forward

Lionel Messi may top the list for many. The Inter Miami forward has claimed nearly every honor possible, with his 2022 World Cup win possibly cementing his GOAT status. Beyond scoring 672 goals in 778 games for Barcelona, Messi is also celebrated as an unparalleled playmaker and dribbler, holding a record eight Ballon d'Or trophies.

• Appearances: 1180
• Goals: 922
• Assists: 454

Johan Cruyff - Netherlands - Attacking Midfielder

The Dutch legend Johan Cruyff may not always be called the best player, but his influence on football is immense. Winner of three Ballon d'Or awards, he left a mark at Ajax and Barcelona and created the famous 'Cruyff turn,' a move still widely used today. His success extended into management, where he also excelled.

• Appearances: 599
• Goals: 335
• Assists: 221

Franz Beckenbauer - Germany - Defender

Franz Beckenbauer stands out as perhaps the greatest defender ever, the only defensive player on Ronaldo’s list. Known as the inventor of the modern sweeper role, Beckenbauer won the World Cup, European Champions Cup, and Ballon d'Or. His dominance at Bayern Munich set new standards for defenders.

• Appearances: 724
• Goals: 88
• Assists: 85

Pele - Brazil - Forward

Pele remains a towering figure in football history. Ronaldo remarked that comparing generations is impossible, yet Pele’s record is staggering: FIFA credits him with 1,281 goals in 1,363 matches. He is the only player to have won three World Cups (1958, 1962, 1970) and is a Santos icon whose impact shaped football for decades.

• Appearances: 1363
• Goals: 1281

Marco van Basten - Netherlands - Forward

Marco van Basten is regarded as one of football’s finest strikers despite retiring early due to injury. He earned three Ballon d'Or titles and won numerous league and European trophies with Ajax and AC Milan. Van Basten also shone internationally, scoring 24 goals for the Netherlands and leading them to victory at Euro 1988 with memorable strikes.

• Appearances: 431
• Goals: 301
• Assists: 92

Ronaldinho - Brazil - Winger

Ronaldinho might not always feature in GOAT conversations, but his unique brilliance was undeniable. At his peak, he was the best globally, winning the Ballon d'Or in 2005. Watching him during the 2005-07 seasons at Barcelona was a delight, as he combined dazzling skills with joyful celebrations and match-winning performances.

• Appearances: 643
• Goals: 180
• Assists: 151

Ronaldo Nazario - Brazil - Forward

Of course, Ronaldo Nazario included himself among the greatest, which is understandable. Known as the first true superstar with extraordinary speed and skill, he dazzled before injuries struck. By age 20, he was already a record transfer and FIFA World Player of the Year. His spells at PSV, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, AC Milan, and Corinthians yielded 360 goals in 553 appearances.

• Appearances: 553
• Goals: 360
• Assists: 108

Statistics sourced from Transfermarkt and FIFA.com, accurate as of June 25, 2026.