One of football’s biggest debates in recent times has been on who is the best Ronaldo of all-time. While there have been three big ones with Ronaldinho, it’s mainly been a two-way contest. The problem is which one is better, Cristiano Ronaldo or Ronaldo Nazario?
The younger generation of football fans often state Cristiano is the clear #1 by a long mile. And with his records and goal numbers, who can blame them? But even that isn’t enough to convince everyone. Especially those who witnessed Ronaldo Nazario at the peak of his abilities in the 90s.
The Brazilian was magnificent back in his day, often delivering mind-blowing performances that left defenders awe-struck.
Club level
| Cristiano | Ronaldo | |
| Games | 836 | 425 |
| Goals | 626 | 296 |
| Assists | 219 | 59 |
| Goal Ratio | 0.75 | 0.70 |
| Penalties | 110 | 39 |
International
| Cristiano | Ronaldo | |
| Games | 164 | 98 |
| Goals | 99 | 62 |
| Assists | 38 | 12 |
| Goal Ratio | 0.60 | 0.63 |
| Hat-tricks | 9 | 3 |
Domestic Leagues in Europe
| Cristiano | Ronaldo | |
| Leagues played | Liga NOS, Premier League, La Liga Serie A | Eredivisie, La Liga, Serie A |
| Titles | 6 | 2 |
| Games | 566 | 298 |
| Goals | 440 | 217 |
| Assists | 115 | 38 |
Champions League (Excluding qualifiers)
| Cristiano | Ronaldo | |
| Games | 169 | 40 |
| Total Goals | 128 | 14 |
| Assists | 46 | 9 |
| Titles | 5 | 0 |
| Hat-tricks | 8 | 1 |
| Goal Ratio | 0.76 | 0.35 |
World Cup
| Cristiano | Ronaldo | |
| Nations | Portugal | Brazil |
| Tournaments | 4 | 4 |
| Titles | 0 | 2 |
| Games | 17 | 19 |
| Goals | 7 | 15 |
| Assists | 2 | 5 |
| Goal Ratio | 0.41 | 0.79 |
Trophies won
Cristiano Ronaldo
Club honours
- Premier League titles: 3x
- FA Cup: 1x
- EFL Cup: 2x
- La Liga: 2x
- Copa del Rey: 2x
- Spanish Supercup: 2x
- Champions League: 5x
- UEFA Super Cup: 2x
- Club World Cup: 4x
- Portugal Super Cup: 1x
- Supercoppa Italiana: 1x
- Serie A: 1x
International honours
- European championship: 1x
- Nations League: 1x
Ronaldo Nazario
Club honours
- Campeonato Mineiro: 1x
- Copa do Brasil: 2x
- KNVB Cup: 1x
- Johan Cruyff Shield: 1x
- Copa del Rey: 1x
- UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup: 1x
- Spanish Supercup: 2x
- UEFA Cup: 1x
- La Liga: 1x
- Intercontinental Cup: 1x
- Campeonato Paulista: 1x
International honours
- World Cup: 2x
- Copa America: 2x
- FIFA Confederations Cup: 1x
Individual awards
As they both played in different eras we have only kept it to these two awards.
| Cristiano | Ronaldo | |
| Ballon d’Or | 5 | 2 |
| European Golden Shoe | 4 | 1 |