UEFA President Ceferin Ranks Cristiano Ronaldo Among Top Three Footballers of All Time

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin has ignited the perennial “Greatest of All Time” (GOAT) debate by naming Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo among the top three best footballers in the sport’s history. The head of European football’s governing body made his definitive assertion during a one-on-one interview, commending the Al Nassr captain for his prolific goal-scoring and extraordinary silverware collection over two decades. Ceferin’s comments place Ronaldo alongside other legendary figures widely considered to be football royalty, such as Lionel Messi, Pelé, and Diego Maradona.

Dependable NG reports that Ceferin, 57, described Ronaldo as an amazing footballer whose career achievements would require “over two hours to cover,” emphatically concluding that the veteran forward is “one of the best players of all time for sure, certainly in the top three.” This strong endorsement from the highest office in European football carries significant weight, acknowledging the player’s unparalleled dominance in the UEFA Champions League, the continent’s most prestigious club competition. Ronaldo remains the tournament’s all-time top goalscorer and has lifted the iconic trophy a record five times.

Ronaldo’s case for inclusion in the elite bracket is built on a foundation of staggering statistics and unmatched longevity at the highest level. His remarkable trophy haul includes five coveted Ballon d’Or awards, league titles won across England (Premier League with Manchester United), Spain (LaLiga with Real Madrid), and Italy (Serie A with Juventus), in addition to the numerous cup and international honours with Portugal, including the UEFA European Championship in 2016 and the UEFA Nations League in 2019. His status as the all-time leading goalscorer in men’s international football further solidifies his standing as a generational talent.

The conversation about the greatest footballers ever typically revolves around a core group of players, including the aforementioned Argentine great Lionel Messi—Ronaldo’s long-time rival—and the late Brazilian legend Pelé. Ceferin’s decision to openly rank Ronaldo in his personal top three comes at a point in the player’s career where he continues to feature prominently for both club and country despite moving outside of Europe. The 38-year-old forward currently captains Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr and remains a vital part of the Portugal national team setup.

Ronaldo is presently on international duty with the Seleção das Quinas as they prepare for a pair of crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in the October international window. Portugal, who currently lead their qualification group with a flawless record, are scheduled to host the Republic of Ireland on Saturday, October 11, at the Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon, followed by a match against Hungary on Tuesday, October 14, also on home soil. These upcoming matches will offer Ronaldo a new opportunity to extend his international goal-scoring record and help secure Portugal’s qualification for the next World Cup tournament.