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'Not even in top five!' - new Al Nassr signing Cristiano Ronaldo NOT on same level as five players

'Not even in top five!' - new Al Nassr signing Cristiano Ronaldo NOT on same level as five players

Former Italy international Antonio Cassano says that five players are "on another level" to Al Nassr superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.

Adnan Riaz

Adnan Riaz

Al Nassr star Cristiano Ronaldo has been left out of the GOAT conversation after claims that five other legendary players are “on another level” compared with him.

Ronaldo dominated the world stage for over a decade alongside Paris Saint-Germain star Lionel Messi, with both players in contention for the GOAT status.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has secured an incredible silverware haul during his prolific club playing career at Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus.

Ronaldo has lifted an incredible five Champions League trophies, as well as three Premier League titles, two La Liga titles and two Serie A titles to his name.

Outside of his glittering club career, Ronaldo secured silverware on the international stage with Portugal with his Euro 2016 triumph and Nations League title.

Despite his illustrious playing career, Ronaldo’s legacy has been hindered in some critics’ eyes after his controversial exit from Manchester United in 2022.

The 37-year-old Portuguese forward has since signed a lucrative contract with Al Nassr, despite previously suggesting that he wanted to keep playing at the top level.

Former Italy international Antonio Cassano once claimed that United and Madrid legend Ronaldo would not make his top five players of all time.

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo will return to club action with Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.
Alamy

The ex-Madrid and Roma man added that Messi, Pele, Diego Maradona, Johan Cruyff and Brazil legend Ronaldo were all on “another level” to the Al Nassr forward.

Speaking on Christian Vieiri’s Twitch channel Bobo TV in 2021, Cassano said: “Enough theatre. Is Cristiano Ronaldo the best in the history of football? He is not even in the top five.

“For me, Messi, Pele, Maradona, Cruyff and Ronaldo [Nazario] are on another level.”

Ronaldo, who inked a deal with Al Nassr until 2025, is expected to pocket an eye-watering $200m salary during his spell in Saudi Arabia.

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“I am eager to experience a new football league in a different country,” Al Nassr quoted Ronaldo as saying.

“Al Nassr club’s vision is very inspiring.”

Featured Image Credit: Al Nassr's Instagram/Alamy

Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr, Football, Saudi Arabia

Adnan Riaz
Adnan Riaz

Adnan Riaz is a journalist for SPORTbible. He studied for a B.A. in History at the University of York and followed it up with an M.A. in Multimedia Journalism at MMU. Before he started writing about sports, he spent over four years in the gaming press. He has worked for several publications, including Hardcore Gamer, LADbible and the Manchester Evening News. Follow him on Twitter to find out what he is working on next. Got a story tip for Adnan? Email him: [email protected]

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