It can appear as though the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is from another galaxy at times, with the iconic forward still going strong at 38 years of age. He has broken countless records down the years – including becoming Real Madrid’s, the Champions League’s and men’s international football’s all-time leading scorer – and posted a world-leading 54 goals for club and country in 2023.
Ronaldo continues to set the standard whenever he turns out for Al-Nassr and Portugal, with Santos telling FIFA’s official website of getting the opportunity to rub shoulders with an almost mythical creature: “I couldn’t believe I was near him. It was incredible. I asked him for a photo as soon as I could to make sure I didn’t miss out! He hugged me. It was a real hug. That was the moment I realised he is a human being, because I doubted he was born on the same planet as the rest of us. He’s one of the greatest athletes not just in football history, but in the whole of sport. He’s a big inspiration. He’s also a really nice person. It was a dream to be near him.”
Unsurprisingly, Santos considers fellow countryman Ronaldo to be the best in the business, but added on the long-running GOAT debate that has to see Lionel Messi figure somewhere: “I love Messi too. I’d put him in the top three players I’ve ever seen play. I’m not saying Cristiano is the greatest because he’s Portuguese – honestly I’m not – but because of everything he’s achieved over all these years, the success he’s had playing for different teams. I think, for every side he’s played for, Cristiano has been more decisive than Messi. I have great admiration for Messi, but I would choose Cristiano.”
