Cristiano Ronaldo is once again at the center of controversy following his latest interview with Piers Morgan, where a series of bold but implausible claims left many in the world of football perplexed.
The 78-minute conversation, hailed by Goal as “the most intimate interview yet”, aimed to focus more on Ronaldo’s personal perspective rather than past off-pitch dramas. However, it ultimately turned into what many saw as a session of mutual adulation between two friends.
Morgan, known for his quirky journalistic style, spent much of the interview praising Ronaldo’s looks, career and even the fragrance he is currently promoting. Instead of contesting or questioning the statements made, he allowed Ronaldo to speak freely even when many of his statements seemed disconnected from reality.
Now 40, Ronaldo has criticized Manchester United, saying the club “lacks structure” and is not on the right path, despite being under the new leadership of billionaire Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS group, which has launched sweeping reforms. “The club has huge potential, but it has to change,” he said, while insisting that he still loves United.
Indeed, Manchester United have shown signs of rebirth under Rúben Amorim, with a clearer playing style and consistent performances. Amorim himself responded with composure to Ronaldo’s statements: “We are evolving and we must focus on the future. The past should be left behind.”
Ronaldo drew further criticism by comparing the Saudi Pro League to European competitions, stating: “It’s harder to score in Saudi Arabia than in Spain. If I were at a top club in the Premier League right now, I’d still score as many goals.”
He went on to argue that the Saudi league is stronger than the Portuguese La Liga and not inferior to the French Ligue 1. Many find it ridiculous. According to Opta’s rankings, Ligue 1 is the fifth strongest league globally, Portugal is in ninth place and Saudi Arabia is only 29th, behind Ecuador and Cyprus.
Perhaps most surprising was his sudden change of tone regarding the 2026 World Cup. Once dubbed “the greatest goal of my life”, Ronaldo now dismissed it by saying: “A tournament of six or seven games doesn’t define who is the greatest.” Critics believe this is Ronaldo’s way of avoiding failure, especially considering Portugal has the most talented generation of players in recent years.
At the same time, Lionel Messi made a humble statement at an event in the United States: “Winning the World Cup was the highest peak, the last piece of my career. After that, there is nothing greater.” Messi was instrumental in Argentina’s victory at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, contributing 7 goals and 3 assists and earning the tournament’s best player award.
With 40 trophies and 8 Ballon d’Ors, surpassing Ronaldo in both, Messi is widely considered the greatest player of all time. However, Ronaldo confidently declared: “Of course I am the greatest of all time.”
While Ronaldo’s confidence is nothing new, his growing self-importance has sparked public frustration. When Morgan ended the interview by saying, “You’re like family,” many thought the entire exchange was more of a PR stunt than an honest conversation where ego took center stage and the truth took a back seat.
As Goal put it succinctly: “The more Ronaldo talks, the more he makes mistakes.”
Sources: Znews
