We know it’s a divisive topic, and plenty of modern-day fans will argue until the death that Cristiano is a better player than R9. There is no better attacking player for a generation of Gen X and Millennials than the Brazilian Ronaldo. Many believe he’s the most outstanding footballing talent ever, but if we look at the two on paper, it’s much closer than people think.

Like the sports betting companies, everybody sees them as a measuring stick for upcoming markets. While the football betting markets are usually a good idea of how a game or tournament could pan out, they do not always get it right.

More nuance occurs on the pitch, and herein lies one of the main factors that makes the game so enthralling. Thunderpick is one brand, and its sportsbook—https://thunderpick.io/sports

—focuses on various markets, including outright betting markets, ranging from Ballon d’Or winners to outright tournament winners.

On the topic of R9, he’s a player who won them all, and he was instrumental in some of the most magical footballing moments of the late 1990s and early 2000s. With that notion in mind, let’s look at our first point.

#1 – Unequivocally The Best Of His Generation

The 1990s were a hotbed for attacking football talent; there was Stoichkov, Romario, Maradona, who was still in his 30s, Roberto Baggio, Del Piero, Zidane, Rivaldo, we could go on. However, all these players point to one player being the most talented of them all – R9.

In fact, no professional players (aside from his old teammates) believe that CR7 is better than R9. Even Wayne Rooney has said in the past that he believed Messi was a level above CR7.

Although there is no denying that Cristiano is a magical talent and one of the great players of the 21st century, he does not have the footballing brain or IQ that Messi does. The Argentinian would skip between players, leave the world’s best defenders sprawling on the floor, and have a much more creative range of goals.

Cristiano was magical but industrious in his work, often practising morning, noon, and night. With the likes of Messi and R9, it was natural talent. In the 90s, especially between 1995 and 1998, there was no better player in world football, and it wasn’t even close – he was a phenomenon, and it’s hard to describe it to anyone who didn’t live through it.

#2 – Knee Injury Redemption

The 2017 edition of our world player ranking puts R9 at the top of the pile, in front of everyone. Those fortunate to watch him play wouldn’t disagree with this, but one of his crowning achievements was his return from his potentially career-ending knee injury in 2000.

Ronaldo has always had issues with his knees, dating back to his PSV days, when they first originated. Back then, though, he was still managing a goal a game, even despite the seriousness.

The 2000 injury nearly ended his career, but he bounced back, adjusted his game, and achieved a phenomenal strike rate internationally and domestically. Few other players at the elite level have returned from such debilitating injuries to return to the top of world football, and battling through this adversity is another reason why so many analysts and fans consider him the most naturally gifted striker of all time.

He exemplified this in the 2002 World Cup Final when he scored the two winning goals against Germany and captured the Golden Boot. These moments turn great players into GOAT-tier players.

#3 – Marketing Magic

R9 was the first global superstar in marketing; he had his brand of footballing merchandise, a video game that adorned his name, and a presence that transcended the sport of football. He was one of the most recognisable faces in the world.

In the modern market, where the top eSports tournaments of 2025 generate billions of dollars collectively, it’s difficult to believe that video game designers thought taking a punt on the world’s most famous footballer in the 1990s was a gamble that might not have paid off.

Whether it was his hair, the shoes, the kits with his name on the back, his stock showcased how footballers could become commodities in the modern era. While this has pros and cons, it shows just how much of an aura and presence he had in sports marketing.

Conclusion

Football is subjective, so there’s no definitive answer that confirms without doubt that R9 is the best. However, we believe the points from today’s piece are the most compelling argument. While any player who finds themselves compared to R9 is elite, Ronaldo Luis, El Phenomeno, was a freak of the sport.

Blistering speed, uncanny football IQ, and a brain that could see the game three or four paces ahead. Managers, players and pundits all state he’s one of the greats, with many putting him at the top of the podium, so who would we be to argue with them?

3 Reasons Why R9 Is The Greatest Ronaldo