Why Cristiano Ronaldo is the greatest of all time – 6 undeniable reasons that made the Portuguese legend great
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Why Cristiano Ronaldo is the greatest of all time

Why Cristiano Ronaldo is the greatest of all time – 6 undeniable reasons that made the Portuguese legend great

Stephen Oladehinde 16:34 - 28.05.2025

For two decades, Cristiano Ronaldo's name has been etched in the history of football, significantly impacting the sport.

Beginning with considerable talent at an early age, he rapidly exhibited exceptional skill, speed, and a notable scoring ability.

Having played for the likes of Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and his current team, Al-Nassr, his name has been attached to the greatest of all time tag.

His achievements extend to international play, where he led Portugal to victory in the 2016 Euros and the 2019 Nations League. 

He serves as a benchmark for aspiring players and is frequently cited in discussions of the greatest players of all time. 

Let's take a look at Cristiano Ronaldo's incredible career, focusing on the qualities that everyone points to when they talk about how great he is and why fans debate whether he's the best ever.

6 reasons why Cristiano Ronaldo is the GOAT

Leadership

Cristiano Ronaldo's leadership prowess is clearly evident in his consistent role as captain for both his club and national teams, guiding them to numerous trophy victories. 

This demonstrates his inherent ability to lead not merely through positional authority but by actively setting a high standard and inspiring his teammates through his actions and dedication. 

Furthermore, Ronaldo has cultivated a well-deserved reputation for his exceptional performance under duress. He consistently rises to the occasion in high-stakes scenarios, delivering crucial goals and executing decisive plays that have often determined the outcome of significant matches.

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal is the highest goal scorer in football history | Credit: Imago
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal is the highest goal scorer in football history | Credit: Imago

Longevity and Consistency

Cristiano Ronaldo has remarkably sustained an exceptional standard of play throughout his illustrious career. 

This sustained excellence is evidenced by his successful transitions and high-level performances across various leagues, where he has adapted his game to the nuances of different teams and the challenges posed by diverse opponents. 

Throughout his journey, Ronaldo has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to self-improvement, consistently striving to elevate his skills and maintain his position among the elite in the world of football. 

His ability to continuously push his boundaries has been a key factor in his enduring success and longevity at the pinnacle of the sport.

Cristiano Ronaldo won his first-ever Golden Boot for Manchester United in 2008
Cristiano Ronaldo won his first-ever Golden Boot for Manchester United in 2008

Goal-Scoring Prowess

The Portuguese legend is the all-time leading scorer in the UEFA Champions League and the Portuguese national team. He has 940 career goals and wants to make it to 1000 goals before hanging up his boots.

His ability to score with both feet, his head, and from various angles is remarkable. Ronaldo's athleticism, speed, strength, jumping ability, and agility make him a nightmare for defenders. His technical skills, including dribbling, passing, and shooting accuracy, are unparalleled

Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid (Credit: Imago)
Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid (Credit: Imago)

Trophies and Accolades

Ronaldo has won the prestigious Ballon d'Or award five times, recognising him as one of the best players in the world. He has also won numerous titles, including five Champions League trophies, and has consistently performed under pressure in big matches.

Ronaldo holds numerous individual and team accolades, including a record five European Golden Shoe awards, the UEFA Best Player in Europe, the FIFA Puskás Award, and the UEFA Team of the Year multiple times.

Cristiano Ronaldo at Juventus | Imago
Cristiano Ronaldo at Juventus | Imago

Speed

Ronaldo is one of the fastest players in the world of football and his speed and agility can't be compared to any other.

The 40-year-old’s remarkable speed, combined with his impressive agility and deftness on the field, creates a dynamic playing style. These attributes are so distinctive and effectively executed that they are often considered unparalleled when compared to other athletes in the sport. 

His pace allows him to outmanoeuvre opponents, create scoring opportunities, and contribute significantly to his team's offensive and counter-attacking strategies. 

Al Nassr superstar Cristiano Ronaldo (Credit: Imago).
Al Nassr superstar Cristiano Ronaldo (Credit: Imago).

Clutch moments on the field

Ronaldo’s influence in the game has been a key factor in many calling him the greatest player of all time. There are many moments where the Portuguese legend has single-handedly won a game of football for his team and also trophies.

At Manchester United, Ronaldo scored the opening goal for the Red Devils in the 2007/2008 UEFA Champions League final and went on to lift the trophy.

During his time at Real Madrid, Ronaldo scored against Atlético Madrid in the 2014 final of the UCL to win the trophy for his team.

While at Juventus, the Ballon d’Or winner scored a hat-trick against Atlético Madrid to send his team to the next round of the UCL after losing the first leg.

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