Cristiano Ronaldo Praised by Former Dutch Football Star

One of the most well-known football players in sports history, Cristiano Ronaldo has surprisingly been mentioned by former colleague Rafael van der Vaart.

Rafael was asked, in an exclusive interview with talksport on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, who, in his remarkable 18-year career, was the best player he had ever seen.

“Of course I have to mention Ronaldo because I played for a year at Real Madrid with him,” the 42-year-old namesake dropped the Portuguese player without thinking twice.

Along with No. 7 compliments, Rafael unexpectedly compared Ronaldo to himself saying, “If you ask me who had the better technique, me or Ronaldo, I would say myself in terms of first touch and passing.”

But he soon made clear what distinguishes the five-time Ballon d’Or award winner from his contemporaries: “His way of thinking is the biggest difference.”

He said, “He was so fit and so focused on scoring goals and winning things, you see from really close how special he is, how much effort he puts in every day,” while talking on the mindset and physics of the 40-year-old.

Following his transfer from Manchester United, the footballer participated with Real Madrid during 2009-10, CR7’s debut year in Spain.

“When he scored three, he wanted four, so that was a big quality – and he’s still doing it at his age,” he said, referring to Ronaldo playing for Al Nassr despite having a great career.

Cristiano Ronaldo is slated to reappear on March 7, 2025 against Al-Shabab in the Saudi Pro League; he has scored 25 goals in 30 appearances for Saudi football club.