Controversy with Cristiano Ronaldo: Capello's damning statement

Fabio Capello, one of the most respected football managers in the world, recently shared his thoughts on Cristiano Ronaldo's claim to be the greatest player in history. In an interview that quickly gained attention, the Italian coach made it clear where he stands on the Portuguese star, acknowledging his immense talent but also questioning Ronaldo's position in the debate about the greatest players of all time.

Cristiano Ronaldo: An Extraordinary Player, but with Nuance

Capello didn't hesitate to recognise Cristiano Ronaldo as an "extraordinary player, built with desire, with willpower, very good". However, his opinion on Ronaldo's self-proclamation as the best in history was less enthusiastic. According to the manager, while Ronaldo has enjoyed great individual success, he believes there are other players who have had an even greater impact on football history.

The former manager of clubs like Juventus and Real Madrid emphasised that, in his view, the true "phenoms" of football are others. "When I talk about phenoms, I mean Messi, Pele, Maradona," Capello said, making it clear that, although Ronaldo is among the best, he does not place him on the same level as these icons.

A Cristiano Ronaldo "Just Below" the Greatest

Capello also clarified that, while Ronaldo is a global football figure, he sees him as "just below" players like Messi, Pele, and Maradona, whom he considers in the same group of the greatest. "I put him alongside these, Ronaldo 'the Fat', but just a bit below. And I mean just a hair below," he added, a phrase that makes it clear that, for Capello, even though Ronaldo has made his mark, the comparison to other football legends does not entirely favour him.

The Italian manager stressed that Ronaldo, like other great players, has developed through hard work, but he felt that his claim to be the greatest of all time was a step too far, pointing out that there are other factors beyond individual achievements that play a role in this debate.

In summary, Capello expressed great admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo, but with the understanding that, no matter how brilliant the Portuguese player is, he doesn't reach the level of the greatest of all time, such as Messi, Pele, or Maradona.