Roberto Carlos Snubs Both Cristiano Ronaldo And Lionel Messi In GOAT Debate

Roberto Carlos has named fellow legendary Brazilian Ronaldo ahead of both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in the GOAT debate.

The 47-year-old Brazilian former right-back played alongside the 'Phenomenon' both at Real Madrid and for country.

And Carlos has insisted that Ronaldo, 43, always "stood out in training" and not even the likes of Messi, Cristiano or Neymar could be compared with him.

The World Cup winner told Goal: "Ronaldo stood out in training. He was the best. There will never be another Ronaldo 'Fenomeno.'

"Not Neymar, Cristiano or Messi -- Ronaldo is unique.

"I think in our generation it was harder to score goals. It was more physical back then and attackers were less protected. But Ronaldo could do everything."

Ronaldo is widely regarded as one of the best strikers in the history of football and enjoyed a prolific career both at club and international level.

Messi, 32, has previously revealed that the two-time Ballon d'Or winner remains the best striker of all time.

"Ronaldo was a phenomenon, of all the strikers I ever saw, he was the best," the Barcelona captain said.

"He was seriously impressive."

Carlos isn't alone in snubbing both Cristiano and Messi in the GOAT debate in favour of naming Ronaldo as the best in football history.

Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho suggested that 'nobody surpassed' the former Inter Milan and Madrid striker for "talent and skill."

The 57-year-old Portuguese manager explained: "Ronaldo, El Fenomeno. Cristiano Ronaldo and Leo Messi have had longer careers, they have remained at the top every day for 15 years.

"However, if we are talking strictly about talent and skill, nobody surpasses Ronaldo.

"When he was at Barcelona with Bobby Robson, I realised that he was the best player I'd ever seen take to the field.

"Injuries killed a career that could have been even more incredible, but the talent that 19-year-old boy had was something incredible."

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Football News, Football, Barcelona, Serie A, Lionel Messi, Ronaldo, Juve, Juventus, Roberto Carlos, Cristiano Ronaldo, La Liga, Barca

Adnan Riaz

Adnan Riaz is a journalist for SPORTbible. He studied for a B.A. in History at the University of York and followed it up with an M.A. in Multimedia Journalism at MMU. Before he started writing about sports, he spent over four years in the gaming press. He has worked for several publications, including Hardcore Gamer, LADbible and the Manchester Evening News. Follow him on Twitter to find out what he is working on next. Got a story tip for Adnan? Email him: [email protected]

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