The debate surrounding soccer’s greatest of all time—Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi—has echoed across stadiums, panel discussions, and social media threads for nearly two decades. These two titans of the sport have reshaped modern soccer with breathtaking consistency, winning every conceivable title while breaking records once deemed untouchable. But for one legendary figure, the choice between the two is clear.
It’s not just about goals, assists, or Ballon d’Ors. It’s about something deeper—something a World Cup winner experienced firsthand in the pressure cooker of elite competition. And when this goalkeeper finally revealed his answer, it was rooted in more than admiration—it came from painful personal experience.
The face of relentlessness
In an interview with The Hindu, Roman Weidenfeller, a former Borussia Dortmund and Germany goalkeeper who lifted the World Cup in 2014, revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo was the toughest opponent he ever faced.
“Cristiano Ronaldo was incredibly difficult to read because of his relentless work ethic and confidence,” said Weidenfeller. “I played against him many times, at Real Madrid and later at Juventus.”
While Messi’s brilliance is universally acknowledged, Weidenfeller made a strong case for Ronaldo being on a different level—not just in raw talent, but in his psychological and physical dominance.
“I’ve played against many strong strikers, like Messi, Gonzalo Higuain, and others. But Ronaldo stands out. He’s always the first in the dressing room, working hard in the gym and on the pitch, and the last to leave. His dedication has kept him at the top for so long.”
The former veteran shot-stopper’s words carry weight, not just as a spectator or pundit, but as someone who faced Ronaldo on multiple occasions in the UEFA Champions League, including some high-stakes matchups between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid.
What truly sets Ronaldo apart
Interestingly, the former German international never faced Messi in a competitive match, something confirmed by Transfermarkt. That fact doesn’t diminish Messi’s greatness, but it does explain why Weidenfeller’s choice comes from lived experience rather than comparison at face value. What stood out for him wasn’t just the Portuguese’s thunderous free-kicks or aerial prowess—it was the mindset.
Ronaldo, now 40 years old, remains a prolific scorer for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, with 33 goals and four assists in 39 appearances this season. Even in the twilight of his career, he’s maintained a level of form that most players half his age would envy. “His dedication has kept him at the top for so long, and now he’s continuing his career in Saudi Arabia,” Weidenfeller added.
