U.S. President Donald Trump has praised Cristiano Ronaldo, saying, “they say he is the greatest player.”
He made this remark during a meeting at the White House with Portugal’s President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa in 2018, as reported by CNN.
When Trump asked how good Ronaldo was, de Sousa didn’t hesitate “He’s the best player in the world,” he replied.
Trump’s comment wasn’t just casual praise but rather a diplomatic context highlighting Ronaldo’s global stature.
The remark sparked discussion among fans and media alike, especially within the ongoing GOAT debate between Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and legends like Pelé.
Interestingly, though, Trump’s more recent comments don’t place Ronaldo at the very top. In 2025, he named Pelé not Ronaldo as his greatest ever.
That shift shows how even public figures’ opinions can evolve as football’s all-time rankings remain hotly contested.
Ronaldo, of course, has built a legacy to match Trump’s early praise: 800+ career goals, multiple Ballon d’Ors, and a reputation as one of the sport’s most marketable icons.
But even with those numbers, whether he’s the “greatest ever” remains deeply subjective.
Still, coming from someone like Trump, the praise highlighted how much Ronaldo transcends sport.
For many fans, the endorsement elevated Ronaldo’s status but for others, it was just another opinion in a long-running debate.
Either way, it emphasize the way Ronaldo’s greatness is measured not just on the pitch, but in influence.
And with decades of success behind him, he continues to invite this kind of heavyweight praise.
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