Sergio Ramos Settles the GOAT Debate After Experiencing Both Sides of Football Royalty
In a twist that few could have predicted a decade ago, Sergio Ramos—the battle-hardened Spanish defender known for his fierce duels and unshakable loyalty to Real Madrid—has chosen Lionel Messi as the greatest footballer of all time. And this verdict comes despite spending the prime of his career alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, with whom he conquered Europe.
For many years, Ramos and Messi represented opposite ends of football’s most intense rivalry: El Clasico. Ramos, the fearless heart of Real Madrid’s defense, was often tasked with containing Messi—the mercurial genius who tormented defenses and rewrote football history in a Barcelona shirt. Their clashes were the stuff of legend, filled with drama, aggression, brilliance, and passion. Ramos was even sent off multiple times for challenges on Messi, a testament to how difficult it was to stop the Argentine.
Yet, in an extraordinary turn of fate, the football world watched in awe as these two once-archenemies became teammates at Paris Saint-Germain. When Ramos signed for PSG in 2021 and Messi joined him a month later, fans expected tension. Instead, what unfolded was something entirely different: mutual respect blossomed into admiration and, eventually, into what Ramos himself called a genuine “enjoyment” of playing with Messi.
“There was suffering for many years playing against Messi. I am now enjoying him,” Ramos said in an interview with PSG TV. “He is the best player football has ever produced.”
This declaration from Ramos—a man who stood shoulder to shoulder with Ronaldo during Madrid’s golden era—shook the football world. For nearly a decade, Ramos and Ronaldo were not just teammates but cornerstones of one of football’s most dominant teams. Together, they won four Champions League titles, numerous La Liga crowns, and a host of domestic and international honors. Their partnership was not just successful; it was iconic.
And yet, after just two years with Messi in Paris, Ramos reached a conclusion that stunned many: Messi is the GOAT.
Why Messi?
Messi’s accolades speak for themselves. He is:
- The all-time top scorer in La Liga (474 goals)
- Barcelona’s highest scorer
- Argentina’s leading scorer
- A World Cup winner
- A record 8-time Ballon d’Or recipient
- A player who has defined generations, inspired millions, and transformed the sport itself
His career has been a blend of consistency, humility, and sheer footballing artistry. Even at Inter Miami, in the twilight of his career, Messi continues to mesmerize fans and elevate those around him. For Ramos, who saw Messi up close daily in training and matches at PSG, it was enough to end years of personal inner debate.
But What About Ronaldo?
Cristiano Ronaldo, no doubt, remains one of the most iconic athletes in football history. A five-time Ballon d’Or winner, Ronaldo has been the face of relentless ambition, power, and professionalism. Even at 39, he continues to break records and lead the line for club and country. His physical dominance, clutch performances, and insatiable hunger for goals have earned him a global fanbase unlike any other.
Ramos spent over 300 matches alongside Ronaldo. They were warriors together, celebrated as leaders and serial winners. That bond runs deep. However, the Spaniard’s unexpected bond with Messi showed him a different side of greatness—one based more on magic than might, more on harmony than hunger.
More Than Just Goals – It’s the Experience
The comparison between Messi and Ronaldo has always divided fans. But Ramos brings a unique perspective—he experienced both legends not as a spectator, but as a teammate. He felt Ronaldo’s presence in the locker room and saw Messi’s brilliance unfold every day at training. His verdict isn’t based on statistics alone—it’s rooted in lived experience.
Ramos Still Pays Tribute to Other Icons
Interestingly, when asked about the most difficult player he ever faced, Ramos didn’t name Messi or Ronaldo. Instead, he picked Ronaldinho, the Brazilian maestro who lit up football with his flair, unpredictability, and samba style.
“For me, the most unstoppable is Ronaldinho. In his best time, hardly any defender could face him.”
He also mentioned Zlatan Ibrahimović and Samuel Eto’o as players who troubled him with their unique blend of power and agility—again highlighting the variety of greatness he’s encountered.
Two Legends. One Legacy.
While Ramos chose Messi as the GOAT, he made it clear that both Messi and Ronaldo are once-in-a-lifetime players. The era in which they battled for supremacy will be remembered as one of the most glorious chapters in football history. Watching them dominate the game for nearly two decades was a gift to fans across the globe.
Regardless of personal preference, Messi and Ronaldo have etched their names into eternity.
