Former England manager Fabio Capello has reignited the long-standing debate over football’s greatest player after naming three legendary figures he believes rank above Al-Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo.
The experienced Italian coach stated that Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona and Brazilian icon Ronaldo Nazario possess a level of natural genius that sets them apart from the Portuguese superstar.
Capello made the remarks during a recent appearance on Egyptian broadcaster ON Sport’s Hat-trick programme, where he was asked to share his view on the debate surrounding the greatest footballer of all time.
While acknowledging Ronaldo’s remarkable achievements and extraordinary professionalism, Capello argued that greatness in football extends beyond numbers and physical excellence.
“Cristiano is a great goalscorer and an incredible athlete,” Capello said. “But he doesn’t have the genius of Messi, Maradona or Ronaldo Nazario. That genius that the others possessed is absent in Cristiano. He can’t be compared to those three.”
The former Real Madrid coach worked with Ronaldo during his time in Spain and witnessed firsthand the forward’s relentless drive and work ethic. However, Capello suggested that football genius — the natural, almost instinctive brilliance displayed by players such as Messi and Maradona — is a rare quality that cannot be developed through training alone.
Lionel Messi is widely celebrated for his vision, creativity and ability to control games with effortless precision. The Argentine captain has won multiple Ballon d’Or titles and led his country to major international glory, further strengthening his claim in the debate.
Diego Maradona, regarded as one of football’s most iconic figures, inspired Argentina to World Cup triumph in 1986. His individual brilliance, particularly during that tournament, remains one of the defining moments in football history.
Ronaldo Nazario, the Brazilian striker often referred to as “The Phenomenon,” dominated world football in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Despite injuries that affected parts of his career, his explosive pace, technical skill and finishing ability earned him global admiration and multiple major honours.
Cristiano Ronaldo, meanwhile, has built his legacy on consistency, discipline and unmatched dedication. The Portugal captain has won league titles in England, Spain and Italy, as well as five UEFA Champions League trophies. He has also claimed five Ballon d’Or awards and remains one of the highest goal scorers in football history.
Now 41, Ronaldo has scored 961 career goals and continues to add to his tally in Saudi Arabia. He has previously described himself as the most complete player in football history, citing his achievements, longevity and adaptability across leagues as evidence.
Capello’s assessment, however, draws a distinction between statistical dominance and creative genius. In his view, Messi, Maradona and Ronaldo Nazario possessed an innate flair that allowed them to change the rhythm and direction of matches through moments of spontaneous brilliance.
The debate over football’s greatest player has intensified over the past two decades, particularly during the rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo at Barcelona and Real Madrid. While Ronaldo’s supporters point to his physical strength, aerial ability, goal-scoring records and competitive mentality, critics often argue that Messi’s natural playmaking instincts give him the edge.
Maradona’s legacy remains deeply emotional for many fans, especially in Argentina and Naples, where he transformed Napoli into a European force. Similarly, Ronaldo Nazario’s peak years are still regarded as some of the most electrifying in modern football.
Capello’s comments are unlikely to settle the argument, but they reflect the perspective of a manager who has coached elite talents across generations. His view highlights the subjective nature of greatness in football, where statistics, trophies, artistry and emotional impact all play a role in shaping legacy.
Ultimately, comparisons across eras remain complex. Football has evolved in terms of tactics, athletic demands and global exposure. What remains constant, however, is the passion surrounding the discussion.
As Ronaldo continues his career and Messi adds further chapters to his own remarkable story, the debate shows no sign of fading. Capello’s intervention simply adds another respected voice to one of football’s most enduring conversations.
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