Admit it - sports fans love comparing players from different generations.
So what better than a comparison between 2 footballing greats from different eras, who share the same name!
And while we’re at it, how about we throw in a few other legends.
Cue debate.
Someone who has played alongside and against Cristiano Ronaldo and the Brazilian Ronaldo is Gilberto Silva. The World Cup winner, speaking on Astro SuperSport’s live coverage of the Champions League suggested that the Portuguese is still playing catch up to his former national teammates: ”He (Cristiano) is close to them (Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho). What he is missing is the World Cup - being World champion. Apart from that he has played fantastic football in the past few years. We can say he’s not achieved the same level as them but is very very close”.
Former Man Utd defender Paul Parker took the hypothetical argument a step further.
“I see Ronaldo (Cristiano) not as a natural footballer. Those players, the Real Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo – he was not as natural a footballer as them. He’s had to work hard to become what he is now, Ronaldo. Those players (Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo) were born with natural ability and they really expressed that” Parker said.
For argument’s sake, let’s list down the main achievements of the names in question:
Cristiano has scored 93 Champions League goals, 10 more than second place Lionel Messi – making him the all-time leader. The Portuguese also has won 4 league titles and 2 European Cups in his career and 3 Ballon d’Or awards.
Brazilian Ronaldo has 2 World Cups but his club honours do not look as colourful - winning only 1 league title in Europe. Individually he has been named FIFA World Player of the Year 3 times.
Ronaldinho on the other hand, has won league titles in Spain, Italy and Brazil. And also has 1 Champions League crown in his CV. The former Barcelona star was also part of Brazil’s 2002 World Cup winning team.
How about Rivaldo? He was also part of the World Cup squad with Ronaldo and Ronaldinho of course. He also won 2 league titles with Barcelona, and captured the Champions League title with AC Milan.
What do you think? Have your say on Stadiumastro.com!
*Gilberto Silva is in Malaysia as part of Astro SuperSport’s football coverage of the Premier League and Champions League.
