What is the big deal about Cristiano Ronaldo? Aren’t there players better than him

are. Personally, I do not view Cristiano Ronaldo as a Top 5 player in the world any more. He is 35 years old already, and despite his work ethic and physical capabilities, “Father Time” is ruthless and doesn’t really forget any professional athletes. Still, his declining abilities should not take anything away from his past accomplishments, as there are many.

He won the UEFA Champions League on 5 occasions, and he also conquered Europe in 2016, when he won the European Championship with Portugal. While he wasn’t the most impressive Portuguese player from that 2016 squad, his merits in that win shouldn’t be contested. In terms, of the Champions League he was arguably the most important player of every team that he won it with.

Football fans make such a big deal about Ronaldo, because he has one of the most impressive trophy cabinets of all-time. I would say that the only player who can compare his trophy cabinet with him might be Pele, but in my opinion, Ronaldo’s case is even stronger than his. He is one of the most prolific goalscorers that this world has ever seen, and I would take his 2012–2018 version on my team, at any point. His work ethic is just a bonus, as he constantly defied the odds, and is still one of the best football players in the world at 35 years old. Not many elite players can say that. Ronaldo has been considered a great football player since around 2004, and for 16 years to maintain a great level of play is almost unheard of.

He is the only player from the last decade who can be realistically compared to Lionel Messi. His fans, actually have good arguments to show his superiority, when comparing him to the Barcelona player. While I believe he is a bit overrated by some people, he is certainly the second best player of his generation, and considering the talent involved, that is still great praise.