Cristiano Ronaldo claims the title of the greatest player in history

“The greatest in history is me”: Cristiano Ronaldo made the claim in a deleted interview, and his words have stirred controversy again after being picked up and shared. The interview dated from 2025, and the television channel removed it a few hours after publishing it.

In the same interview, the Portuguese player also said: “I am the greatest in history, full stop,” and complained that his goals and level were not receiving enough recognition. The remarks circulated widely after he left Portugal’s camp abruptly during the recent Nations League window.

The episode adds to the upheaval surrounding his departure: his private plane reportedly flew to Denmark urgently to collect him. A statement accused the new Portuguese coach, Jorge Jesús, of breaking his word, while the president of the Portuguese Federation tried to mediate. The possibility of retirement has also fuelled debate in Portugal. Ronaldo says he wants to be respected at the same level as Diego Maradona.

“People don’t give the level I offer and my goals the recognition they deserve,” he also said. He explained that he was taking things day by day, unsure whether he might wake up one morning having lost the motivation to play.