The GOAT debate rages on, but Cristiano Ronaldo’s former agent, Jorge Mendes, has no doubts about where the Portuguese star stands.
For Mendes, Cristiano Ronaldo is, and always will be, the greatest football player of all time—surpassing even Lionel Messi.
Jorge Mendes declares Cristiano Ronaldo the greatest player in football history
In a recent interview with Tuttosport, Mendes praised Ronaldo’s relentless pursuit of success and his unmatched consistency on the field.
As quoted by GOAL, Mendes declared confidently: “Cristiano continues to score goal after goal, break record after record and enjoy what he does so well.
It’s not the first time I’ve said it, nor will it be the last: for me, he will always be the best player of all time in the history of football.”
Ronaldo’s glittering career speaks for itself: numerous titles, record-breaking achievements, and an unmatched work ethic that has kept him at the top of his game for two decades.
Even now, at 39, Ronaldo remains a driving force for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.
Mendes didn’t stop at praising Ronaldo’s legacy. He also used him as an example for young talents, particularly 17-year-old Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal, whom Mendes now represents.
“Cristiano is undoubtedly a good example to follow, not only for Lamine but for all young players,” Mendes explained. “If he follows his example on and off the pitch, he will certainly be at the top of world football in the next 20 years.”
Mendes predicted an extraordinary future for Yamal, emphasizing that the teenager’s talent is phenomenal.
He even suggested that the youngster could win the Ballon d’Or multiple times if he stays grounded and avoids distractions.
Cristiano Ronaldo hasn’t only received praise from Jorge Mendes recently; William Troost-Ekong also praised the Portuguese in a viral interview question.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s latest achievements and stats
While the debate over football’s greatest player continues, Ronaldo’s influence is undeniable. His achievements have set a gold standard for future generations.
Recently Cristiano Ronaldo reached yet another milestone in his illustrious football career this Thursday, scoring his 900th career goal.
This goal adds to the remarkable tally of 900 goals Cristiano Ronaldo has scored across 1,238 official matches, boasting an impressive average of nearly 0.73 goals per game.
With this in mind, Mendes’ words highlight not only Ronaldo’s brilliance but also his role as an inspiration for emerging stars like Yamal.
With Ronaldo preparing to return to action with Al-Nassr in January, his legacy as a football icon—and blueprint for greatness—remains stronger than ever.
Here are Ronaldo’s statistics for the 2024/2025 season.
| Competition | Matches | Goals |
| Saudi Pro League | 12 | 10 |
| UEFA Nations League | 5 | 5 |
| AFC Champions League Elite | 4 | 4 |
