'I know complete footballer much better than Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi'

Oliver Kahn has crowned Ronaldo Nazario as the greatest footballer of all time, snubbing both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the GOAT debate. The argument over the best-ever footballer rages on, even after Messi’s 2022 World Cup win.

However, former Bayern Munich and Germany goalkeeper Kahn believes that Ronaldo Nazario eclipses both current stars. Having encountered a host of formidable strikers throughout his time between the posts, it was the so-called original Ronaldo who left an indelible mark on Kahn.

He said: “For me, Ronaldo was much better than Messi and Cristiano. I still consider him the most complete player of all time. The Brazilian was the best player I have ever seen.”

Ronaldo proved to be a thorn in Kahn’s side during the 2002 World Cup final, netting twice to lead Brazil to their fifth trophy – and leaving a bitter memory for the German goalkeeper. Despite Messi’s recent World Cup glory and Cristiano’s Euro 2016 success, Kahn places the Brazilian above them when it comes to being named the ultimate football legend.

Ronaldo made 481 professional appearances, scoring 309 goals and assisting 75 times. His trophy haul includes two Ballon D’Ors, two La Liga wins, two Copa Americas, and that cherished World Cup victory. However, unlike Messi’s haul of four Champions League titles and Cristiano’s record-setting five, the coveted trophy eluded him.

Kahn might revere Ronaldo as the greatest of all time, but it’s not the Brazilian phenomenon who gave him the most grief. Instead, he named AC Milan legend Filippo Inzaghi as the most frustrating striker to face.

With accolades like a World Cup win and two Champions League titles with Milan, it’s no surprise Inzaghi was a real pain for Kahn, who said: “Ronaldo was the best, but Inzaghi irritated me more. He wasn’t a super champion, but he always scored against me. Always. How annoying.”

While Kahn bowed out of football in 2008, Inzaghi played on until 2012. Ronaldo Nazario retired in 2011, with his final years marred by injuries.

Messi and Ronaldo continue to contest the GOAT title as they play out their final years in the United States and Saudi Arabia respectively. And there’s little doubt that the debate will carry on captivating fans for generations after their retirement.