Topics: Ronaldo Nazario, Brazil, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Inter Milan
Ronaldo Nazario has previously named the six players who deserved to win the Ballon d'Or but never did, including former Real Madrid teammates Roberto Carlos and Raul.
The former Brazil international, who played for Cruzeiro, PSV, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, AC Milan and Corinthians during his trophy-laden career, lifted two Ballon d'Or's in that time.
At the age of 21 years, three months and five days, Ronaldo became the youngest player in history to win the prestigious trophy following a superb campaign with Inter Milan.
And five years later, the Brazilian striker won his second Ballon d'Or following a memorable 2002 World Cup campaign that featured eight goals, including a brace in the final against Germany.
Advert
He could have easily won the trophy more than twice, and was memorably the runner-up in 1996 to Ballon d'Or winner Matthias Sammer, with Alan Shearer finishing third on that occasion.
Looking back, the prolific R9 believes there are six players who deserved to lift the prestigious award but, for a number of different reasons, failed in their attempts to join a list of all-time greats.
As per Spanish publication Marca, he felt that Italian strikers Alessandro del Piero and Francesco Totti deserved to claim the gong, as well as legendary AC Milan defender Paolo Maldini.
Ronaldo also felt former Real Madrid teammates Roberto Carlos and Raul also should have won the accolade.
"Del Piero, Totti, Maldini, Raul Gonzalez... and I think Roberto Carlos, too, because he was twice behind me in the voting. I think these players deserved [the Ballon d'Or]."
As well as the above, the Brazilian believes former Barcelona and Spain midfielder Andres Iniesta deserved to claim the trophy during a career that spanned 24 years.
Speaking to Cadena Ser, Ronaldo said: "Iniesta deserved a Ballon d'Or, but he doesn't need it, he already has an incredible list of trophies and a great career. He is the best Spanish player of all time. I thank him for his quality, his football and his generosity."
So who does R9 rate as the greatest? Speaking at an event hosted by Santander Bank in 2021, Ronaldo declared his picks for the four greatest players he believes have ever graced a football pitch.
"For me, in the classification of the best in history, the four names would be Pele, [Diego] Maradona, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo," he said. "They are the top four in the history of football."
