Ronaldo named the EIGHT greatest players of all time, failed to mention Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo Nazario once named the EIGHT greatest players of all time and surprisingly failed to mention Cristiano Ronaldo.

The former Inter Milan, Barcelona and Real Madrid superstar hailed a 'very, very special group' of players when asked about the greatest players of all time.

The Brazilian, who won the World Cup twice during his legendary career, brilliantly included himself, but shockingly snubbed Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Al Nassr man, who has enjoyed prolific spells at Manchester United, Real and Juventus, is widely considered one of the best players ever.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo during the 2014 Ballon d'Or ceremony. Image: Getty

But 'R9' didn't name the Portuguese international when picking his EIGHT greatest players of all time.

He opted for Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona, Johan Cruyff, Franz Beckenbauer, Pele, Marco van Basten and Ronaldinho as well as himself.

Speaking to the Guardian in 2022, he revealed: "I think there is a very, very special group where you have Diego, Messi, Cruyff, Beckenbauer, Pele, Van Basten, Ronaldinho. I would include myself. Let the fans say, let them debate it in the bars. But you can’t rank them, can’t compare generations."

The 46-year-old added: "People call me Original Ronaldo but, bloody hell, there were others - and they weren’t false. I’m not the only one and more will come along and be better than me, in everything.

"I did what I could, the best I could. I’m doing other things now, important things, and I want to keep improving myself. As a footballer I can’t do any more now."

Messi is the only player who is currently still in action, having scored a stunning free-kick on his Inter Miami debut, with Ronaldinho, Van Basten and Franz Beckenbauer no longer in the game.

As for Maradona, Cruyff and Pele, they are no longer with us - but their mark on the beautiful game will never be forgotten.