Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have ruled the football world for over a decade, scoring countless goals, shattering records, and amassing numerous trophies. Legendary Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini has weighed in on the long-running debate about who is the greatest of all time (GOAT) between the two, offering a unique perspective on why he believes Ronaldo has the edge.
The debate, which has captivated football fans for years, often pits the two icons against each other based on their incredible careers. Both have battled fiercely on the pitch, most memorably during intense El Clásico clashes when Messi played for Barcelona and Ronaldo for Real Madrid. They’ve also been perennial contenders for the Ballon d’Or, adding to the rivalry.
Chiellini, who played alongside Ronaldo at Juventus and faced both him and Messi during his career, shared his insights during an interview on The Overlap. He praised Ronaldo’s unmatched ability to rise to the occasion in critical moments. “Ronaldo, when you are losing, always had the courage to try to win. He would shoot from anywhere and lead the team. That’s not something many players can do,” Chiellini explained.
The Italian defender admired Ronaldo’s determination, work ethic, and larger-than-life personality, which stood out even when both were past their prime. “Playing with him was amazing. His attention to detail and drive to win were inspiring,” Chiellini said.
While acknowledging Messi’s extraordinary talent, Chiellini highlighted Ronaldo’s mental strength and ability to deliver when it mattered most as key reasons why he stands out. His experiences of facing Ronaldo as an opponent and teaming up with him at Juventus gave him a rare perspective, cementing his belief in Ronaldo’s greatness.
