Not Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo: Brazil legend Marta names the greatest soccer player of all time

Brazilian legend Marta has weighed in on the debate over the greatest soccer player of all time — and her choice isn’t Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo.

The debate over who stands as the greatest soccer player of all time has divided fans, players, and pundits for decades. Names like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Diego Maradona, and Pele often dominate the discussion, but there are other stars who also draw consideration.

Brazilian forward Marta, one of the most decorated players in the history of the women’s game, shared her opinion on the matter. Speaking to FIFA’s official website in 2017, the six-time FIFA World Player of the Year revealed that her pick is Ronaldo Nazario — also known as “O Fenômeno.”

At first, she simply said “Ronaldo,” but clarified her answer given the existence of the Portuguese star with the same name: “Since the question is about ‘all time,’ the answer is Ronaldo O Fenômeno”. Despite choosing the Brazilian legend, Marta also praised the Al Nassr forward.

“My favorite player is Cristiano Ronaldo because he’s a goalscorer. I have to learn from him. I like to watch great players like Cristiano and then try to replicate them on the field,” she explained.

Messi also praised Ronaldo Nazario

Lionel Messi has also praised Ronaldo Nazario in the past. In a 2020 interview with TyC Sports, the Inter Miami star didn’t hesitate when naming the best striker he has ever seen. “Ronaldo Nazario was a phenomenon,” Messi said. “Of all the strikers I have seen, for me, he was the best. An impressive player from every aspect”.

Even after sharing the field with or against top forwards like Luis Suarez, Cristiano Ronaldo, David Villa, and Didier Drogba, Messi has remained firm in his belief that the Brazilian legend stands above the rest.

All of Ronaldo Nazario’s trophies

Cruzeiro

• Copa do Brasil: 1993
• Campeonato Mineiro: 1994

Corinthians

• Campeonato Paulista: 2009
• Copa do Brasil: 2009

PSV Eindhoven

• KNVB Cup: 1995–96
• Johan Cruyff Shield: 1996

Barcelona

• Copa del Rey: 1996–97
• Supercopa de España: 1996
• UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup: 1996–97

Inter Milan

• UEFA Cup: 1997–98

Real Madrid

• La Liga: 2002–03, 2006–07
• Supercopa de España: 2003
• Intercontinental Cup: 2002

Brazil National Team

• FIFA World Cup: 1994, 2002
• Olympic Bronze Medal: 1996
• Copa América: 1997, 1999
• FIFA Confederations Cup: 1997

From: bolavip.com