Antonio Cassano excluded Cristiano Ronaldo from his top 10 footballers of all time and Cristiano was not happy about it
During a recent episode of the BSMNT podcast, former Italian forward Antonio Cassano made waves by revealing a fiery exchange with Cristiano Ronaldo after the Portuguese superstar was notably absent from his list of the top ten footballers of all time.
Cassano's bold omission has reignited their long-standing rivalry, marked by Cassano's critical remarks about Ronaldo's playing style.
During his podcast appearance, Cassano stated unequivocally that he would not include Ronaldo in his top ten, asserting that the criteria for greatness extend beyond mere statistics.
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"For me, the quality of a player is another thing," he declared, adding that Brazilian Ronaldo holds the top spot in his personal rankings.
This comment did not sit well with Ronaldo, who reportedly took it as a direct affront.
Shortly after Cassano's remarks, Ronaldo sent him a detailed message outlining his career achievements, including a list of trophies and goals that underscored his legacy as one of the game's greats.
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Cassano shared that Ronaldo's response included not just the comprehensive list but also a voice note expressing his discontent: “You disrespected me, don’t do anything like that again.”
In typical Ronaldo fashion, he contrasted his illustrious career with Cassano's, saying, "You only scored 150 goals, you only won four trophies."
In a twist, Cassano recounted his reply to Ronaldo’s message: “Dear Cristiano, listen to me. You think I disrespected you; I just don’t like you as a player. What’s the problem?”
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This candid response highlights the intensity of their exchanges, revealing a personal rivalry that has simmered for years.
This isn't the first time Cassano has taken aim at Ronaldo. Over the years, he has openly criticized Ronaldo’s playing style, famously claiming that he "doesn't know how to play football" during the European Championships.
Cassano even suggested in 2022 that Ronaldo should consider retiring, a statement that added fuel to their contentious relationship.
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Despite the friction, it’s clear that both players share a deep passion for the sport and a fierce competitive spirit.
While Cassano holds a distinct opinion on Ronaldo’s place in football history, the Portuguese legend remains unfazed, continuously striving for excellence on and off the pitch.
The exchange between these two football icons has sparked discussions among fans and analysts alike, with many weighing in on the criteria for greatness in football.
As both men continue their journeys—Ronaldo with Al Nassr and Cassano as a football commentator—their rivalry remains a captivating subplot in the rich narrative of football history.
As the dust settles on this latest episode, one thing is clear: the passion for football runs deep, and debates over legacy and greatness are as fierce as the competition itself.
Whether viewed as a critique or a mere opinion, Cassano's omission of Ronaldo will undoubtedly fuel future discussions about who truly deserves a spot among the greatest of all time.