What Made Cristiano Ronaldo ‘The Best’? Insights from Ryan Giggs Revealed
In the pantheon of football legends, few names spark as much debate as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. As fans around the world would agree, the rivalry between these two has dominated the sport for over a decade. Amidst this discourse, Ryan Giggs, a Manchester United icon, has shared his insights into why he believes Ronaldo stands out as ‘the best’ player he has ever played with.
Giggs, who played alongside Ronaldo from 2003 to 2009, recently recounted a memorable incident during training where he tackled the Portuguese forward. In an episode of 'Rio Ferdinand Presents', Giggs reflected on the moment, saying, "I remember sprinting across in one game in the winter, and I took Cristiano out. The manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, went mad. I was like, ‘It’s a tackle, gaffer,’ and he responded, ‘I know, yeah, but just take care. He’s a special player.’" This encapsulated not only Ronaldo's importance to the team but also the understanding that he was a player who required special treatment due to his immense talent.
Reflecting on Ronaldo's evolution, Giggs noted that the first year was particularly challenging for the young star as he adapted to English football. "The more I think, and you've seen it, if he took too many touches, he’d end up getting kicked, and the gaffer wasn’t giving fouls," Giggs explained. This tough love, he suggests, was crucial in Ronaldo’s development, pushing him towards the heights of professionalism and performance that he would reach later in his career.
Notably, Ronaldo himself has credited his former teammates, including Giggs, as significant influences during his formative years at United. Speaking to France Football in 2018, he acknowledged, "If you don’t learn from guys like that, you’re an imbecile," highlighting the adaptability and intelligence he sought to develop during his early days. "Sir Alex Ferguson also taught me a lot, and I realised I had the potential to score, not only dribble and pass," he added, underlining his growth into a complete player.
Today, at 40 years old and playing for Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, Ronaldo's pursuit of personal milestones continues. Currently, he stands at an impressive 933 career goals, with aspirations to hit the landmark 1,000. As he still performs at a high level, questions arise about when the footballing phenomenon will decide to retire.
Giggs' admiration for Ronaldo is clear, and his insights resonate with those who witnessed the evolution of the Portuguese forward. As we reflect on this legendary friendship on the pitch, it prompts us to ask: What legacy will Ronaldo leave for future generations? Can any player ever replicate his journey and impact on the game?
We invite readers to share their thoughts on Ronaldo’s legacy and Giggs’ comments in the comments section below.
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