Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent claim that he is ‘the best player ever’ has sparked widespread debate about his football abilities. The Portuguese superstar holds the record as football’s greatest-ever goalscorer, with 450 of his club goals netted during an iconic nine-year stint at Real Madrid.

Ronaldo reached the peak of his career in Madrid, forming a lethal attacking trio alongside Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale. His powerful right foot, athletic physique, and exceptional heading skills made him a complete forward feared by La Liga defenders.

However, Angel Di Maria disagreed with Ronaldo’s statement, arguing that Lionel Messi deserved the title of the most complete player. Another former Madrid teammate, Rafael van der Vaart, also challenged Ronaldo’s claim, suggesting that he possessed better technical ability than the Portuguese forward.

Van der Vaart, who played a season alongside Ronaldo at Madrid, was a creative midfielder known for his elegance and versatility. He played with renowned playmakers like Luka Modric, Xabi Alonso, Kaka, and Toni Kroos, who orchestrated Madrid’s attacking play. The Dutchman was highly regarded for his passing and control on the ball.

In an interview with talkSPORT, Van der Vaart reflected on his time at Madrid and compared his technique to Ronaldo’s. He admitted Ronaldo’s relentless winning mentality but claimed his own first touch and passing were superior. He added that Ronaldo’s focus on scoring set him apart, while Van der Vaart preferred entertaining matches over narrow victories.

This wasn’t the first time Van der Vaart had criticized Ronaldo. In December 2024, he labeled him ‘incredibly selfish’ on the pitch, prompting Ronaldo to fire back on social media, sarcastically asking, ‘Who is that guy?’. Van der Vaart made 21 appearances alongside Ronaldo, helping Madrid win the Supercopa de Espana — his only trophy with the club.

Ronaldo’s arrival in 2009 coincided with Van der Vaart’s turbulent time at Madrid. The Dutchman clashed with coach Manuel Pellegrini, who often left him on the bench. Speaking to Dutch outlet AD, Van der Vaart expressed frustration at his limited opportunities, saying he no longer expected anything from the manager.