Roberto Carlos smashes the myth: Brutal reason Ronaldinho failed to reach Ronaldo and Messi's GOAT level

Real Madrid legend Roberto Carlos has delivered an honest assessment on why Ronaldinho, despite his magical peak at clubs like Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, and AC Milan, doesn't rank alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in the GOAT debate.

Speaking on Super Eagles icon John Mikel Obi's podcast, Carlos pinpointed Ronaldinho's shift from professionalism to prioritising joy as the key factor.​

Carlos explained Ronaldinho's brilliance during his Ballon d'Or-winning 2005 season at Barcelona, where he dazzled with flair and creativity, but noted a critical turning point.

"Ronaldinho knew his limits. For how long he could play at the highest level I think that when he reached his peak... He just wanted to have fun, not to be a professional anymore," Carlos revealed, emphasising how Ronaldinho chose happiness over sustained elite performance after stints at Flamengo and Atlético Mineiro later in his career.​

When former Chelsea midfielder Mikel probed if parties were the culprit, Carlos, who is facing a messy divorce pushed back thoughtfully.

"No, I don't think about that. I think it was more like I achieved everything with football. People are happy with me now. I have to slow down a bit, enjoy a little bit more about life, but not just parties," he clarified, suggesting Ronaldinho grew weary of constant pressure to remain the world's best after wins at Gremio and earlier European success.

This lack of enduring professionalism, Carlos argued, separated him from Ronaldo, who despite hitting 40, continues to smash and chase records at Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr and rival Messi's relentless consistency.​

The revelation from one of the GOAT defenders is a deeper insight on why Ronaldinho's joy-infused legacy at those iconic clubs captivates, yet falls short of the GOAT debates.