Nigeria legend Jay-Jay Okocha has weighed in on the eternal GOAT debate by choosing Lionel Messi over Cristiano Ronaldo. The former playmaker highlighted a fundamental difference in style, describing the Argentine icon as a natural genius.
Jude Bellingham is “not Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo” and cannot “win games by himself”, John Barnes has told GOAL, with the England and Real Madrid superstar considered to be more of a Bryan Robson-esque No.8 than a creative No.10. The all-action midfielder has often been pushed into a more advanced role, but his ability is maximised when operating in a deeper-lying berth.
Harry Kane has been told that emulating Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi by gracing the World Cup finals in the twilight of his playing career will be a “big ask”. Ex-Bayern Munich star Dietmar Hamann - who has been speaking to GOAL - is not convinced that the two-time Bundesliga title winner will, at 36 years of age, form part of England’s major tournament plans in the summer of 2030.
Harry Kane has been advised to use Cristiano Ronaldo as a World Cup warning, with Chris Waddle telling GOAL that involvement with England at the 2030 World Cup will be a “big ask” for the Three Lions’ record-shattering captain. Kane is showing no sign of slowing down, with club and country, but questions continue to be asked of his international future.
Cristiano Ronaldo captioned his latest Instagram post "My toys" - but what exactly is parked inside the five-time Ballon d'Or winner's garage? The Al-Nassr captain gave fans a glimpse of his multi-million-euro car fleet as his post-World Cup break winds down.
Gareth Bale’s standing in the pantheon of footballing greats remains a hot topic of debate long after his retirement from the professional game. While the Welsh wizard conquered Europe multiple times with Real Madrid, questions often persist regarding his legacy compared to other British icons like Wayne Rooney.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s relentless pursuit of footballing history has received significant public backing from his long-time former team-mate Nacho Fernandez. The veteran defender, who also plies his trade in Saudi Arabia, believes the Portuguese superstar is destined to reach the elusive 1,000-goal milestone.
Douglas Costa has opened up on the partnership he had with Cristiano Ronaldo at Juventus, describing the Portuguese superstar as a "machine" who made life easy for his team-mates in Turin. The Brazilian winger, who spent several trophy-laden years at Juventus, revealed the unique blend of professional intensity and light-hearted personality that defines the highest-scoring player in international football history.
Manchester United icon Cristiano Ronaldo is preparing to conquer a new arena as the legendary forward makes his foray into the world of television drama. The Al-Nassr and Portugal superstar has signed on to executive produce and star in a high-profile series focused on the intricacies of British football, with Arsenal and France legend Thierry Henry also slated to feature.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been told he must accept a reduced role for the Portugal national team if he is to continue his record-breaking international journey. Following the appointment of Jorge Jesus as the new Seleccao boss, former Benfica president Luis Filipe Vieira has suggested that the legendary forward will no longer be an undisputed starter.
Cristiano Ronaldo is being backed to make the move into Hollywood movies once his playing career comes to a close, with Mikael Silvestre telling GOAL that CR7 should have no problem cracking that industry “if Vinnie Jones can become an actor”. There is no indication that the Portuguese GOAT is ready to head for Los Angeles just yet, but a new challenge will be sought at some point in the not too distant future.
Ange Postecoglou's opening game in charge of Al-Nassr ended in embarrassment after the Saudi champions were beaten by Benfica's B team in a behind-closed-doors friendly in Lisbon. The result offered an early test for the Australian coach as he begins building his squad for the new campaign, with Cristiano Ronaldo missing the pre-season opener.
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are likely to have taken in their “last dance” at the World Cup finals, former France international Mikael Silvestre has told GOAL. Two all-time greats featured at the 2026 event, as their evergreen exploits thrill audiences across the globe, but Argentina and Portugal may be without their respective GOATs when the 2030 tournament rolls around.
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have never been team-mates, but Mikael Silvestre has told GOAL that it would “make sense” for two GOATs to be kept apart in MLS if CR7 were to join his eternal rival in the United States. There has been talk of a remarkable union being pieced together at Inter Miami, but not everybody is convinced that a couple of iconic figures should grace the same team.
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