Oleksandr Zinchenko recently weighed in on the GOAT debate between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, naming Messi in his top five favorite footballers of all time. The Arsenal defender’s list, revealed in an interview with Sky Sports, included a blend of modern icons and legends of the past:
Zinchenko’s Top Five Footballers:
- Ronaldo Nazário (R9): The Brazilian striker is renowned for his explosive pace, technique, and goal-scoring prowess, making him one of football’s greatest forwards.
- Thierry Henry: Arsenal’s all-time leading scorer and a Premier League legend, Henry combined elegance with efficiency during his illustrious career.
- Ronaldinho: Known for his flair, creativity, and love for the game, Ronaldinho remains one of the most skillful players to ever grace the pitch.
- Cristiano Ronaldo: A five-time Ballon d’Or winner, Ronaldo is celebrated for his athleticism, versatility, and longevity.
- Lionel Messi: A seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, Messi is often regarded as the most naturally gifted footballer in history.
Messi vs. Ronaldo: A Legendary Rivalry
The debate over who is the greatest of all time (GOAT) between Messi and Ronaldo remains one of football’s most enduring discussions. Here’s a quick comparison:
Lionel Messi:
- Club Success: Won numerous trophies with Barcelona, including four Champions League titles, before moving to PSG and later Inter Miami, where he continues to impress.
- International Achievements:
- Two Copa América titles (2021, 2023).
- FIFA World Cup winner in 2022.
- Finalissima winner (2022).
- Individual Records: A record six European Golden Shoes and the highest single-season league goal tally (50 in 2011-12).
Cristiano Ronaldo:
- Club Success: Shined at Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, with five Champions League titles and league titles in three different countries.
- International Achievements:
- UEFA Euro 2016 champion.
- UEFA Nations League winner (2019).
- Individual Records: Four European Golden Shoes and the all-time leading scorer in men’s international football (135 goals).
Legacy of R9, Henry, and Ronaldinho
- Ronaldo Nazário: Considered one of the best strikers in history, R9 was a two-time Ballon d’Or winner and a two-time FIFA World Cup champion.
- Thierry Henry: An Arsenal icon and one of the most influential players in Premier League history, Henry also won a World Cup and a European Championship with France.
- Ronaldinho: Revered for his skill and passion, Ronaldinho was instrumental in Barcelona’s revival in the mid-2000s and won both the World Cup (2002) and Ballon d’Or (2005).
Zinchenko’s list reflects a mix of personal admiration for entertainers and game-changers who defined their eras in football history.
