It’s not Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo or Pelé: Marta reveals who she thinks is the greatest soccer player of all time

The debate among fans, players, and everyone involved in the world of soccer has been going on for years. There’s still no unanimous answer to the question of who the greatest player of all time is. The usual names that dominate the conversation include Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Diego Maradona, and Pelé. However, other legendary players often enter the discussion as well.

Icons like Carlos Valderrama, Marco van Basten, and Paolo Maldini have shared their opinions. But recently, another legend joined the conversation: Marta, the Brazilian forward who stole the show in the Women’s Copa América final against Colombia, where she scored twice.

The player from Dois Riachos didn’t pick Messi or her fellow countryman Pelé, who famously won three World Cups with Brazil. Instead, in a 2017 interview with FIFA’s official website, Marta named Ronaldo as her all-time favorite.

At first, she simply said “Ronaldo,” but quickly clarified to avoid confusion with the Portuguese superstar. “Since the question is about ‘all time,’ the answer is Ronaldo, O Fenômeno.” Still, she had nothing but praise for Cristiano Ronaldo as well.

She said that Cristiano is her favorite current player because of his incredible goal-scoring ability. She explained that she tries to learn from watching him, saying that she admires his playing style and uses it as inspiration on the field.

Ronaldo Nazário’s trophy cabinet

Cruzeiro

• Copa do Brasil: 1993
• Campeonato Mineiro: 1994

Corinthians

• Campeonato Paulista: 2009
• Copa do Brasil: 2009

PSV Eindhoven

• KNVB Cup: 1995–96
• Johan Cruyff Shield: 1996

Barcelona

• Copa del Rey: 1996–97
• Supercopa de España: 1996
• UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup: 1996–97

Inter Milan

• UEFA Cup: 1997–98

Real Madrid

• La Liga: 2002–03, 2006–07
• Supercopa de España: 2003
• Intercontinental Cup: 2002

Brazil National Team

• FIFA World Cup: 1994, 2002
• Olympic Bronze Medal: 1996
• Copa América: 1997, 1999
• FIFA Confederations Cup: 1997