Ibrahimovic points out three players as the GOATs, excluding Ronaldo

14/10/2025 17:20:00 SportScoop

Legendary Zlatan Ibrahimovic named the three best footballers ever in his opinion, but surprisingly Cristiano Ronaldo was not included.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, known for his confidence and bluntness both on and off the pitch, has never hesitated to share his views on football and the greatest players (GOAT). Recently, the Swedish legend revealed the three names he considers the best of all time, a list that surprisingly omits Cristiano Ronaldo.

In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Ibrahimovic explained his reasons for choosing these three players and provided convincing arguments. “In my opinion, Ronaldo ‘The Phenomenon’ Nazario is football itself. He’s the kind of player you want to learn from and emulate,” Zlatan said, referring to the Brazilian football icon as his greatest inspiration.

“I would rank second Maradona. To me, he is the most genuine; everything he did came from the heart and emotions,” Ibrahimovic added, placing the Argentine legend second and highlighting the qualities he admires.

“For third place, I choose Messi. He has won… I’m not sure what else he can still conquer,” Zlatan said, putting his former Barcelona teammate in third place. This list perfectly reflects Zlatan’s perspective, showing respect for the legends while surprisingly excluding Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ibrahimovic chỉ thẳng 3 người là GOAT, không có Ronaldo 722037 — Zlatan Ibrahimovic picks Ronaldo Nazario, Maradona, and Messi as the three greatest players

One reason for Ronaldo’s absence could be the long-standing rivalry between the two. The tension between Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan mainly stems not from on-field clashes but from verbal battles driven by their big egos and unwavering self-confidence.

Zlatan has downplayed Ronaldo’s achievements, suggesting that although Ronaldo succeeded in many leagues, his accomplishments at Real Madrid and Juventus were partly supported by world-class teammates around him.

Nevertheless, they have had memorable encounters, especially in Serie A and international competitions. The most notable clash was the 2014 World Cup playoff, when Ronaldo’s hat-trick in the second leg eliminated Zlatan’s Sweden. Even then, Ibrahimovic showed respect by acknowledging Ronaldo’s talent with a simple but meaningful gesture.

Ibrahimovic chỉ thẳng 3 người là GOAT, không có Ronaldo 722042 — Ibrahimovic and Ronaldo have faced each other many times throughout their careers

Regarding Ibrahimovic’s choices, it’s clear why these three legends are special to him. Ronaldo Nazario is Zlatan’s biggest role model, and despite his large frame, he often displayed Brazilian-style technique and creativity inside the box. Maradona’s passion, fighting spirit, and pride reflect Zlatan’s mindset, while Messi represents excellence and consistency—the standard of success every player dreams of achieving.

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