FC Barcelona legend Ronaldinho reveals his choice for the greatest footballer in history

Ronaldinho is undeniably one of the greatest players in FC Barcelona history, credited with transforming the club’s modern era. His tenure brought joy to the fans and ended a 14-year UEFA Champions League drought. Throughout his career he played alongside legendary names such as Cafu, Rivaldo, Kaka, Ronaldo Nazario, Andres Iniesta, Lionel Messi and others. However, when asked to name the greatest player in history, his answer left many stunned.

Ronaldinho recently participated in a Brooklyn Nets game and took part in a TikTok challenge where he was asked to remain silent until the name of the player he considers the greatest of all time was mentioned. When names like Zinedine Zidane, Neymar, Ronaldo and Diego Maradona were listed, Ronaldinho remained silent. But when he heard the name Pele, he confidently confirmed that the Brazilian legend is the greatest.

However, the Brazilian had stated in 2022 in an interview with Eleven Sports TV that it is difficult to choose Messi as the best ever: “If Messi is the best of all? It is difficult because there are so many players. I don’t like to compare. There is Pele, Maradona… Each one was the best in his time…I can’t say that Messi is the best in history, but I can say that he is the best of his time.”

Ronaldinho does not aim to diminish the legacy of Maradona, Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, acknowledging the unique talent each brought to their era. However, his recent statements on TikTok highlight the importance of his rootsas the Brazilian legend declared it In his opinion, Pele is the greatest player of all time.

Ronaldinho of Barcelona kisses his mother as he holds the Ballon D’Or award for European Footballer of the Year on the pitch before the Primera Liga match between Barcelona and Sevilla on December 11, 2005 at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, ​​Spain.

Ronaldinho stands out as one of the most important players in FC Barcelona’s recent history

When Ronaldinho joined FC Barcelona in the 2003/04 season, the club was far from the dominant force it is today. Barcelona had finished sixth in LaLiga the previous season and had not won the league for five years. However, the arrival of the Brazilian, combined with the Dutchman Frank Rijkaard’s takeover as head coach, triggered a transformation.

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The team finished second in Ronaldinho’s debut season before dominating LaLiga with back-to-back league titles in his second and third campaigns. His transformative impact on the club was undeniable, earning him the FIFA World Player of the Year award twice (2004 and 2005) and the prestigious Ballon d’Or in 2005.

Ronaldinho’s presence revitalized the team, instilling a winning mentality and a refusal to settle for mediocrity. As a mentor, he played alongside a young Lionel Messi and offered guidance and support. Messi would later take on the mantle as the team’s leader and dominated world football for decades.