Riyadh: Cristiano Ronaldo has declared that his legacy in football will not be defined by whether or not he wins a FIFA World Cup, emphasizing that one tournament cannot measure the greatness of a player’s entire career.
In an upcoming interview with Piers Morgan, a preview clip of which was released on Thursday, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner reflected on his extraordinary journey and the constant comparisons with long-time rival Lionel Messi.
“The World Cup Won’t Define Me,” Says Ronaldo
“The World Cup is not a dream,” said Ronaldo, 40, in the interview. “If you ask me, Cristiano, is it a dream to win the World Cup? No, it’s not.
“To define if I’m one of the best in history based on one competition — six or seven games — do you think it’s fair?”
Ronaldo, who has scored 952 career goals and holds the record for most international goals in men’s football (143), believes that greatness should be judged over a career of consistency and longevity rather than a single tournament.
Ronaldo vs Messi: The Eternal Debate
The Portugal and Al Nassr captain has spent nearly two decades being compared with Lionel Messi, who finally fulfilled his lifelong dream by winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina — a triumph that cemented his legendary status among fans and critics alike.
Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, described that victory as “the dream of my life.”
Ronaldo, however, remains firm in his belief that his accomplishments — including five UEFA Champions League titles, Euro 2016, and the inaugural UEFA Nations League — stand on their own.
“Is Messi better than me? I disagree,” Ronaldo said with conviction. “I don’t want to be humble.”
Portugal Legend’s Unmatched Records
Ronaldo’s impact on international football remains unmatched. He is the only player to appear in six UEFA European Championships and holds the record for most goals (14) in the competition’s history.
His leadership has brought Portugal two major trophies — the Euro 2016 title and the UEFA Nations League in 2019 — while he continues to serve as captain heading into the next World Cup cycle (2026), which will be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Emotional Tribute to Diogo Jota
The interview also saw Ronaldo express his grief over the tragic death of Portugal teammate Diogo Jota, who passed away in July following a crash in Spain.
“I didn’t believe it when I first received the messages,” Ronaldo said. “I cried a lot. It was a very difficult moment for everyone — for the country, the families, the teammates. Devastated. It was very, very sad news.”
Legacy Beyond Titles
Even without a World Cup to his name, Ronaldo’s statistics and longevity continue to make him one of football’s greatest icons. His career, spanning over two decades, includes record-breaking achievements across Europe and beyond — proof, as he insists, that his legacy transcends trophies.
