Cristiano Ronaldo: I am the best in history

Cristiano Ronaldo has declared himself the best player in football history. In an interview with CNN Portugal, he insisted that his goalscoring record and current form are not receiving the recognition they deserve.Cristiano Ronaldo says he is the best ever days after suspension from national team. (Reuters Photo)New Delhi,Oct 12, 2026 16:01 ISTCristiano Ronaldo has declared himself the greatest footballer of all time, insisting that his goalscoring record is not receiving the recognition it deserves. The Portugal forward made the claim in an explosive interview with CNN Portugal, days after being provisionally suspended by the Portuguese Football Federation following his departure from the national team camp amid a reported dispute with manager Jorge Jesus.Speaking in an interview teaser released by CNN, Ronaldo expressed frustration over how his performances and achievements are being perceived.“People aren't appreciating my moments or my goals, you know?” Ronaldo said.“Whether it's 920 goals, 925, 930 I'm the best in history. Full stop. There's no debate about who the best in history is. You just have to keep scoring goals. The numbers say it all,” he added. His comments have reignited the debate over his place in football history, with Lionel Messi remaining his biggest rival in the GOAT conversation. Messi's 2022 World Cup triumph strengthened his claim, while Ronaldo continues to add to a career goals tally that has brought him within touching distance of 1,000.DO THE NUMBERS BACK RONALDO'S GOAT CLAIM?Ronaldo's statistical record gives him a strong argument, particularly when it comes to goalscoring and longevity. His career numbers, however, tell only part of the story when compared with Messi. Career goals – Lionel Messi: 934 | Cristiano Ronaldo: 980International goals – Lionel Messi: 125 | Cristiano Ronaldo: 146Champions League goals – Lionel Messi: 129 | Cristiano Ronaldo: 140Ballon d'Or awards – Lionel Messi: 8 | Cristiano Ronaldo: 5World Cup titles – Lionel Messi: 1 | Cristiano Ronaldo: 0Career assists – Lionel Messi: 426 | Cristiano Ronaldo: 261The numbers highlight the difference between their careers. Ronaldo leads in career and international goals, as well as Champions League scoring, while Messi has more Ballon d'Or awards, more assists and the World Cup title that eluded his rival. His supporters point to his longevity, success across different leagues and record-breaking performances, while Messi's case rests on his World Cup triumph, individual honours and influence as both a scorer and creator.Ultimately, the answer depends on how greatness is measured. Ronaldo, however, has made it clear that he does not believe the debate should be open to interpretation.- Ends