Cristiano Ronaldo has put an end to the ongoing debate about who the greatest football player of all time is. The Portuguese star claims he stands above his long-time rival Lionel Messi, 1986 World Cup champion Diego Maradona, and Brazilian legend Pele, declaring himself the GOAT of football.

With five Ballon d'Or awards and a slew of other accolades under his belt, Ronaldo has set numerous records throughout his remarkable career. He boldly refers to himself as the "most complete player ever," seemingly dismissing Messi, who has won eight Golden Balls, along with the legacies of Pele and Maradona.

In an interview with La Sexta regarding the GOAT discussion, Ronaldo stated, “I believe I’m the most complete player to have ever played. That’s just my view. It might come down to personal preference, but I think it’s me. I can do everything on the pitch. I’m good in the air, I take set pieces well, I shoot with both feet, I’m quick, I’m strong, and I can jump high.”

He continued, “Personal taste varies, and I respect opinions about Messi, Pele, or Maradona, but to say Cristiano isn’t complete is simply not true. I’m the most complete player. I genuinely don’t see anyone better than me.”

When asked if he sees himself as the best in history, he highlighted his goal-scoring ability.

"There are things that just don’t add up. What does it mean to be a goalscorer? It’s someone who puts the ball in the net," the Al-Nassr forward explained. "I think I’m the most complete player that has ever existed. I can do everything in football. I’m good with my head, I take great free kicks, I have a strong left foot, a right foot, I’m powerful, I can jump..."

As he approaches his 40th birthday, Ronaldo remains the all-time leading goalscorer, with 919 goals in 1,251 matches. He’s aiming for that elusive 1,000-goal milestone, stating, “Even if I hit 920, 925, or 930 goals, I’m still the best in history. No question about it.”

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