Karim Benzema (37) publicly humiliates Cristiano Ronaldo: “If he thinks that he…”

The rivalry between two of the greatest players to have ever graced the footballing world, Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo, continues to unfold. Both were once teammates at Real Madrid, lifting countless trophies together, but now their careers have taken them to Saudi Arabia. As both players enjoy successful spells at Al-Ittihad and Al Nassr respectively, the debate over who is the greatest footballer of all time is reignited in a rather surprising manner.

Real Madrid’s Glory Days

Over the years, Real Madrid has been home to some of the most legendary footballers in history. Names like Di Stéfano, Zinédine Zidane, and Roberto Carlos have all etched their place into the annals of the club’s history. Fast forward to the more recent era, and Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, and Karim Benzema are also part of that prestigious lineage. Their contributions helped guide the club to glory, both domestically and internationally, with multiple Champions League trophies and La Liga titles. However, as time passes, these giants of the game have ventured beyond Madrid’s famous white jersey.

Both Ronaldo and Benzema made the move to Saudi Arabia, a choice that reflects their desire to extend their careers while also securing lucrative financial packages. However, their paths have now diverged into a heated rivalry that is playing out on the Saudi Pro League stage.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Bold Claim

Cristiano Ronaldo, at the age of 40, recently made headlines when he boldly declared himself the greatest footballer of all time. With over 800 career goals, five Ballon d’Ors, and a vast array of personal and team accolades, Ronaldo’s claim certainly has merit. His statement came after a scintillating display of his skills on the pitch, where he continued to chase the mythical 1,000-goal milestone—a feat no other player has achieved in modern football.

Ronaldo’s assertion has sparked debates across the globe, with fans and pundits alike weighing in on whether he truly deserves the title of “GOAT.” Among those expressing their opinions is none other than his former Real Madrid teammate, Karim Benzema.

Benzema’s Public Disagreement

In an exclusive interview with Brazilian channel TNT Sports, Karim Benzema gave his honest thoughts on Ronaldo’s bold statement. When asked about his former teammate’s claim of being the greatest and most complete footballer, Benzema offered a response that raised eyebrows. “What do I think about Cristiano Ronaldo saying he is the greatest footballer of all time, the most complete? I think everyone is entitled to their own opinion. If he thinks he is the greatest in history, then that’s what he believes,” said Benzema.

However, the French striker did not stop there. He went on to name another player whom he considers to be more complete than Cristiano Ronaldo: Brazilian Ronaldo, or Ronaldo Nazário. “For me, for example, it’s the Brazilian Ronaldo (R9), but well, Cristiano is Cristiano!” Benzema declared, referencing the legendary forward who dominated the game during the late 90s and early 2000s.

Benzema’s statement, which subtly undermined Ronaldo’s self-proclaimed greatness, left many questioning the underlying tension between the two former Madrid teammates. While the French striker’s admiration for Ronaldo Nazário is undeniable, his choice to bring up R9 in the context of this debate adds fuel to the fire of the Ronaldo vs. Ronaldo (Cristiano) rivalry.

A Softened Stance

Despite his strong words, Benzema did take a step back from making a direct comparison. “I don’t like making comparisons between players. I believe everyone has their own story, and he (Cristiano) also has a very beautiful one,” Benzema added. This final remark was an attempt to soften the impact of his earlier comments, though it did little to quell the growing divide between the two footballing giants.

The fact that Benzema could praise R9 while acknowledging Ronaldo’s own legacy raises important questions about his perspective on the greatest footballer of all time. Is Benzema simply expressing a personal preference, or does his choice reflect a deeper sentiment of rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo?

The Friction Between the Two Stars

It’s no secret that the relationship between Benzema and Ronaldo was somewhat complex during their time together at Real Madrid. While both players enjoyed success, with Ronaldo often grabbing the headlines, Benzema was frequently overshadowed by the Portuguese forward’s monumental achievements.

Benzema, however, always played a crucial role in Madrid’s success. His selfless style of play, work rate, and ability to score vital goals in big moments were central to the team’s success, particularly in the latter stages of Ronaldo’s time at the club. Yet, Ronaldo’s fame and influence often meant Benzema’s efforts went underappreciated by the broader footballing world.

Now, both players find themselves in a different part of the world, continuing to perform at a high level in Saudi Arabia. But despite their shared past, the tension between them seems to have carried over into their respective careers.

A Divided Fanbase

Benzema’s comments have sparked strong reactions from both sides of the debate. Many of Ronaldo’s loyal fans, particularly those who still identify with Real Madrid’s recent golden era, have labeled Benzema’s remarks as bitter and envious. They argue that Benzema, despite his impressive achievements, will always be seen as second fiddle to Ronaldo in the eyes of Madridistas.

On the other hand, some supporters of Benzema have expressed solidarity with the French striker, applauding his honest opinion and his decision to acknowledge the greatness of Ronaldo Nazário. The debate over who is truly the greatest player of all time is likely to continue, with fans from both sides defending their respective icons.

A Matter of Personal Preference

At the end of the day, Benzema’s words serve as a reminder that football is subjective, and the question of who is the greatest will always come down to personal preference. Whether it is the relentless drive and skill of Cristiano Ronaldo, the magic and flair of R9, or the understated brilliance of Benzema himself, each player has left an indelible mark on the world of football.

While Benzema may not agree with Ronaldo’s self-proclamation, he certainly respects his former teammate’s career. However, for Karim Benzema, the mantle of the greatest player may not belong to Ronaldo, but to another legend—one who transcended the game in his own unique way.

The Future of the Rivalry

As both Benzema and Ronaldo continue to play in Saudi Arabia, their rivalry is far from over. Whether it’s on the pitch or in the ongoing debate over who is the greatest of all time, these two footballing icons will continue to be at the center of attention. Benzema’s latest comments will no doubt add another layer to their already complicated relationship, but it’s clear that this rivalry is far from reaching its conclusion.

For now, football fans around the world will continue to debate the merits of each player, comparing their skills, achievements, and legacies. In the end, though, it is the passion and love for the game that unites them all—whether they are Team Ronaldo, Team Benzema, or supporters of football’s many other greats.

Conclusion: An Ongoing Debate

Karim Benzema’s candid remarks on Cristiano Ronaldo’s claim to the title of the greatest footballer ever have sparked a wide range of reactions. The debate over who deserves the honor of being called the greatest will undoubtedly continue to rage on, with each player’s individual qualities and achievements fueling the discussion. As long as these footballing titans continue to grace the pitch, the rivalry between them will remain one of the most compelling storylines in modern football.

With both Benzema and Ronaldo striving to add to their legacies in Saudi Arabia, it will be fascinating to see how this rivalry evolves in the coming years. Whether it’s through their performances on the field or their outspoken opinions off it, the story of Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo is far from over. And as always, fans will be watching closely, eager to see who will ultimately come out on top in this battle for footballing supremacy.