Iconic German goalkeeper Oliver Kahn has ignited fresh debate over football’s greatest player by omitting Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo from his top pick.
The former Bayern Munich shot-stopper, revered for his fearless goalkeeping and decisive contributions, placed Ronaldo Nazario of Brazil above both Messi and Ronaldo. He asserts that the Brazilian embodied a level of footballing brilliance unmatched by his successors.
Speaking to TNT Sports, Kahn explained, as quoted by Sportskeeda: “For me, he was much better than Messi and Cristiano.”
His acknowledgement underscores that even in a football era dominated by Messi and Ronaldo’s remarkable rivalry, earlier legends still hold a unique reverence.
Ronaldo, who twice lifted the Ballon d’Or, left a legacy of clinical finishing, extraordinary pace, and technical flair, earning him the respect of many within the sport, per 90Min.
Kahn, himself a celebrated figure with numerous accolades, including a historic Golden Boot at the 2002 World Cup (the only goalkeeper ever to claim the honour), appreciates qualities in Ronaldo that perhaps only a peer could fully recognise.
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As fans, analysts, and players continue to be split between Messi and Ronaldo, Kahn’s admiration for Ronaldo Nazario underscores the various perspectives on who the GOAT is.
Similarly NigeriaMedia reported that Brazilian legend Ronaldinho was once asked to list the greatest football players of all time.
While he recognised Lionel Messi as one of the top players, Ronaldinho refrained from declaring him the absolute greatest in history.
Still on the GOAT debate, Legit.ng reported that former Real Madrid and Arsenal star Mesut Ozil offered a surprising response when asked to choose between Messi and Ronaldo as football’s greatest.
Despite both players nearing the end of their careers, they’ve dominated the sport for two decades, amassing a combined 13 Ballon d’Or titles and fuelling endless discussions among fans.
