Does Ronaldo’s goal record prove his GOAT status?

Cristiano Ronaldo called himself “the most complete player to have existed,” respecting those who like Lionel Messi, Pele, or Diego Maradona but citing numbers.

The 39-year-old five-time Ballon d’Or winner is the highest-scoring men’s footballer ever with 923 goals, including a brace in Al Nassr’s 4-0 AFC Champions League triumph over Al Wasl on Monday.

The greatest goal scorer ever? About numbers. On Monday, Ronaldo gave a lengthy interview to Spanish television show El Chiringuito.

“Who has scored the most goals with their head, left foot, penalties, and free kicks? I found out the other day that I’m one of the top 10 left-footed goal scorers in history. With my head, right foot, and penalties. All of them.”

Ronaldo has always been compared to Messi as they compete for world’s finest player.

“I’m talking numbers,” Ronaldo stated. Maybe I’m the most complete gamer ever. I think it’s me. My head, free kicks, and left foot are all good in football. I’m powerful and swift.

Ronaldo, 39, isn’t considering retiring from club or international football.

He admitted, “I’m so competitive that sometimes I forget what I’ve achieved,” but added, “It motivates me to go better each year. Not like others, I think. Someone in my position would have quit football 10 years ago. My difference is complete.”

Ronaldo joined Al Nassr from Manchester United in 2023, becoming one of the first elite players to join the Saudi Pro League.

“People don’t know, they give their opinion, they talk too much,” he remarked of the Saudi league.