5 legends who think Cristiano Ronaldo is the greatest footballer in history

#3 Iker Casillas | Real Madrid legend, former Cristiano Ronaldo teammate

RCD Espanyol vs Real Madrid CF - La Liga

Legendary Los Blancos goalkeeper Iker Casillas has also picked Cristiano Ronaldo as the greatest player in the game's history. Casillas is arguably one of the best goalkeepers himself to have graced the game. His stint as Madrid's number one saw the team win every major competition.

Although Casillas had to face Lionel Messi often at El Clasico, Cristiano Ronaldo takes the cake for the legend. He said about his former Real Madrid teammate:

"I'd choose Cristiano over Messi because he's a player who gives us so much every season, and he's a player I spend time with every day. I know him, know who he is, know how he trains, know what he wants and where he wants to get to."

---

#2 Zinedine Zidane | France and Real Madrid legend

The Best FIFA Football Awards Show - Zidane (right) and Cristiano Ronaldo

Zinedine Zidane amassed titles and trophies with the Madridistas, both as player and later as manager. Although the former midfield maestro never got the chance to play alongside Ronaldo, he managed the Portuguese star in the last decade.

Zizou's brilliant tactics alongside Ronaldo's penchant for goals saw Madrid win three consecutive UEFA Champions Leagues. It's no surprise Zidane regards Ronaldo as the greatest of all time. He said about Ronaldo:

“Cristiano is the best. Messi is his rival, and it's the rivalry everyone wants to see. But Ronaldo is phenomenal. There are no words to describe him. He is much better than me even though I had a great career. He's the greatest of all time.”

---

#1 Roberto Carlos | Brazil and Real Madrid legend

Roberto Carlos of Real Madrid

Roberto Carlos never played with Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi. However, his rank as one of the legends who redefined the full-back position while at Madrid lends credence to his words.

The legend knows Messi is phenomenal, but has noted that Ronaldo has an advantage:

“I watch him (Cristiano) train every day and the way he works is exciting. He wants to improve every day. That's the difference with Messi. Leo is a phenomenon, but that side of Cristiano, of training, professionalism, focus, motivation, success... Cristiano has an advantage over all the others.”