Paolo Maldini named the three best players he has seen in his football career, leaving out Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo.
Speaking in O Fenomeno Documentary, the AC Milan legend named Lionel Messi, Ronaldo Nazario, and Diego Maradona as his best players.
“The three greatest players I saw in my career were Messi, Maradona and him [Ronaldo Nazario],” Paolo Maldini said.
The three players listed by Paolo Maldini are great players but the omission of Cristiano Ronaldo calls to question his criteria.
Below, we take a look at Paolo Maldini’s three great guys in the game, including the omitted name, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Lionel Messi
Paolo Maldini mentioned Lionel Messi first before any other. Undisputably, Lionel Messi has taken the shine in modern football.
After his legendary spell with Barcelona, Messi ended his 18 years career wait for the World Cup in 2022, to complete his trophy locker room with Argentina national team.
Currently plying his trade with French giants, PSG, Lionel Messi is still regarded as one of the best players in the world.
Lionel Messi has won the Ballon d’Or more than any other player in the history of the award. He has won it seven times while his rival Cristiano Ronaldo won it five times.
Messi has won all major club and international trophies with Barcelona and Argentina.
Ronaldo Nazario
Ronaldo Nazario made the three best players for Paolo Maldini. Nazario was another legendary figure in football. Now, an investor in football, the Brazil international had a great club and international career.
He won the UEFA Cup, the LaLiga, Copa Del Rey and other major club trophies.
Ronaldo Nazario also towered high on the international scene. He is a two-time World Cup winner with Brazil and a two-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Before his retirement, Ronaldo Nazario hit 280 club goals in 384 appearances, and 62 goals in 98 international appearances.
Diego Maradona
Third on the list of Paolo Maldini is Diego Maradona. Nicknamed, “the Golden Boy,” Diego Maradona was one of the greatest names in football. He was a perfect playmaker with an unrivalled dribbling and passing skills.
He was also referred to as a specialist in freekick. Just like Lionel Messi, his short height matched with speed made him a good dribbler and difficult to mark.
Diego Maradona won the UEFA Cup, Serie A, Copa Del Rey, and FIFA World Cup.
He retired with 259 club goals in 491 games, and 31 International goals in 91 games. Diego Maradona bagged several individual awards.
Cristiano Ronaldo off Paolo Maldini list
Surprisingly, Cristiano Ronaldo did not make Paolo Maldini best three.
Ronaldo is one of the big names in modern football with five Ballon d’Or, Premier League, LaLiga, and Serie A titles, including Champions League trophies with Manchester United and Real Madrid.
Who do you think Cristiano Ronaldo should replace in Paolo Maldini’s list?
