Cristiano Ronaldo reignites the GOAT debate: "I am the best in history"
An interview in which Cristiano Ronaldo declares himself "the best in history" has sparked controversy after CNN Portugal removed it just hours after publishing. The 2025 conversation with Edu Aguirre resurfaced amid the forward's escalating standoff with Portugal's national team following his abrupt departure from camp.
ByJavi
4 min read
Cristiano Ronaldo is back at the center of controversy. An interview in which he states without hesitation that "I am the best in history, period" has gone around the world after CNN Portugal recovered it and The Athletic amplified its reach. The trigger of the uproar is not only what he said: the Portuguese network removed the piece a few hours after airing it because it came from a conversation recorded in 2025.
- Cristiano Ronaldo declares himself "the best in history" in a 2025 interview with Edu Aguirre.
- CNN Portugal published the content and removed it hours later, fueling the controversy.
- The remarks resurface after his abrupt exit from Portugal's Nations League camp.
- The forward demands the same respect afforded to icons like Pelé and Diego Maradona.
- His potential retirement from international football has become a matter of state in Portugal.
What Cristiano Ronaldo said in the interview CNN Portugal removed
In the conversation, conducted by his friend Edu Aguirre for La Sexta, the former Real Madrid star left no room for interpretation. "I am the best in history, period," he asserted. He also complained about the lack of recognition for his current performances: "People don't value the way I am and my goals." At 41, Ronaldo continues to compete at the highest level and believes his legacy is not given the appreciation it deserves.
People don't give the level I offer and my goals the recognition they deserve.
Cristiano Ronaldo's crisis with Portugal and his statement against Jorge Jesus
The fire is not sparked by words alone. The forward left Portugal's camp abruptly during the recent Nations League window. His private jet flew urgently to Denmark to pick him up, an episode that led to a statement accusing new head coach Jorge Jesus of breaking his word. The president of the Portuguese Football Federation attempted to mediate with no apparent success.
Why he demands the same treatment as Pelé and Diego Maradona
Cristiano Ronaldo is not only claiming his status as a footballer: he demands to be respected at the same level as legends such as Pelé and Diego Maradona. That demand, combined with his potential retirement from the national team, has turned the matter into a state issue in Portugal. The country is witnessing a debate over the immediate future of its biggest sporting icon and the role he should play in Jorge Jesus' new project.
Cristiano Ronaldo's uncertain future at 41
In that interview he also left the door open to an unexpected farewell. "I don't know what will happen tomorrow. Maybe one day I will wake up and lose my motivation, and I won't want to play anymore; I really don't know what could happen," he admitted. Those lines, taken out of their original context, have set social media ablaze and reopened all speculation about when and how he will end his career.
The impact of the controversy in Portugal and on social media
The combination of the recovered interview, his departure from camp and the clash with the head coach has created an explosive mix. In Portugal, the story dominates front pages and debate shows. On social media, fans are divided between those who defend his legacy and those who believe his demand for a leading role is holding back the new Portuguese generation.
Frequently asked questions
Why did CNN Portugal remove Cristiano Ronaldo's interview?
CNN Portugal took down the piece a few hours after publishing it because it came from an interview recorded in 2025 by Edu Aguirre for La Sexta, not recent content. The recovery of the material outside its original context sparked the controversy.
What exactly did Cristiano Ronaldo say about being the best in history?
He stated without hesitation that "I am the best in history, period." He also said people do not give his level of play and his goals the recognition they deserve.
Why did Cristiano Ronaldo leave Portugal's camp?
He left abruptly during the Nations League window and his private jet flew urgently to Denmark to pick him up. He issued a statement accusing head coach Jorge Jesus of breaking his word, while the Portuguese Football Federation tried to mediate.