Ronaldo Nazario Reveals His Top 8 Football Legends

Ronaldo Nazario's List of the Eight Greatest Footballers

Ronaldo Nazario, the Brazilian legend, shared his personal selection of the eight greatest football players ever, including Lionel Messi and Pele but notably excluding Cristiano Ronaldo. His choices highlight a special group of talents who shaped the history of football.

Discussions about the greatest player often revolve around Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who between them have won 13 Ballon d'Or awards. Before them, legends like Pele and Diego Maradona ruled the sport and remain central to any GOAT debate. But hearing from someone who excelled at the highest level, like Ronaldo Nazario, gives a unique perspective.

Some big names such as Michel Platini, Alfredo Di Stefano, Zinedine Zidane, George Best, and Ferenc Puskas didn’t make Ronaldo’s list. Still, his experience as one of football’s most lethal strikers commands respect. Here are the eight players he chose, with a look at their achievements.

Diego Maradona (Argentina - Attacking Midfielder)

Maradona is remembered as one of football’s greats, having played in four World Cups and leading Argentina to victory in 1986. At club level, he inspired Napoli to their first Serie A title in 1986/87 and later secured another league win. In Naples, he is revered almost like a deity, thanks to his extraordinary skill and charismatic presence. That famous goal against England remains one of football’s most iconic moments.

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

Lionel Messi (Argentina - Forward)

Messi might just be the best player ever. Now playing for Inter Miami, he has won practically every trophy and his 2022 World Cup victory may have sealed his legacy. With 672 goals in 778 appearances for Barcelona alone, his records are staggering. Beyond goals, he stands out as a master playmaker and dribbler. No player has won more Ballon d'Or titles than his incredible eight.

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

Johan Cruyff (Netherlands - Attacking Midfielder)

Cruyff may not top many lists as the absolute best, but his impact on football is undeniable. Winning three Ballon d'Or awards, he became a legend at Ajax and Barcelona. He created the 'Cruyff turn,' a move still widely used today to evade defenders. His influence extended beyond playing, as he became an esteemed manager for those same clubs.

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

Franz Beckenbauer (Germany - Defender)

Often called the greatest defender, Beckenbauer was the only defensive player on Ronaldo’s list. Known for inventing the modern sweeper role, he is among a select few who have won the FIFA World Cup, European Champions Cup, and Ballon d'Or. His nearly 600 games for Bayern Munich brought numerous titles and redefined defensive excellence.

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

Pele (Brazil - Forward)

Pele’s greatness is hard to compare across eras. Few witnessed his prime firsthand, but his legend speaks volumes. FIFA credits him with 1,281 goals in 1,363 games, though exact numbers vary. He remains the only player to win three World Cups—in 1958, 1962, and 1970—and is a Santos icon. Pele’s influence on football is immense and lasting.

• Appearances: 1363
• Goals: 1281

Marco van Basten (Netherlands - Forward)

Van Basten is recognized as one of the finest strikers despite retiring at just 28 due to injury. He won the Ballon d'Or three times and achieved major successes with Ajax and AC Milan, including multiple league titles and European trophies. Internationally, he scored 24 goals and led the Netherlands to Euro 1988 glory with a memorable volley in the final.

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

Ronaldinho (Brazil - Winger)

Though rarely included in GOAT conversations, Ronaldinho’s brilliance at his peak was unmatched. Winning the Ballon d'Or in 2005, his performances for Barcelona in the mid-2000s were joyous displays of skill and creativity. His peak years may have been brief compared to others, but his style and flair left a lasting impression on football fans worldwide.

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

Ronaldo Nazario (Brazil - Forward)

Ronaldo included himself among the greatest, and it’s understandable. He revolutionized the striker role with his speed and technique before knee injuries affected his career. Starting at PSV and then moving to Barcelona, Inter, Real Madrid, AC Milan, and Corinthians, he racked up impressive stats. He was the youngest Ballon d'Or winner at 21 and known as one of the deadliest forwards in football history.

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

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