Usain Bolt, renowned as the fastest man in the world, recently weighed in on the eternal football debate between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. During an engaging TikTok video posted by Complex, Bolt revealed his personal top three footballers of all time, choosing to highlight Cristiano Ronaldo alongside football legends Pele and Diego Maradona.
“Oh my god, I’m just gonna keep it simple. I think Pele & Maradona, my favorite footballer is Cristiano Ronaldo, so those are my top 3. It’s Cristiano Ronaldo,” Usain Bolt declared, choosing the Portuguese star over his longstanding rival, Lionel Messi. This choice reflects not only personal preference but also a nod to Ronaldo’s remarkable achievements and iconic status in the world of football.
The Messi vs. Ronaldo Debate Continues
The rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo has captivated football fans for nearly two decades. Both players have dominated the sport with their extraordinary talents and have amassed numerous accolades. Messi, the record eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, has his own impressive list of titles including La Liga, Ligue 1, the UEFA Champions League,
Copa America, and most recently, the FIFA World Cup. Meanwhile, Ronaldo has garnered five Ballon d’Or awards and has triumphed in leagues across England, Spain, and Italy, not to mention his success in the UEFA Champions League and the European Championship with Portugal.
Despite these achievements, when it came to Usain Bolt’s personal preference, the sprinter favored Cristiano Ronaldo. His admiration for Ronaldo dates back to the player’s time at Manchester United, Usain Bolt’s favorite football club. This loyalty, coupled with Ronaldo’s relentless work ethic, has clearly influenced Bolt’s choice.
Usain Bolt’s Perspective on Talent and Dedication
Previously, Usain Bolt has expressed the difficulty in choosing between Messi and Ronaldo, acknowledging the unique qualities that each player brings to the field. “It is difficult for me to choose because I support Argentina. I admire Ronaldo since he played for Manchester United and I support the Red Devils.
Messi is very talented. From what I’ve learned and listened to over the years, Cristiano had to work to get where he is. I was born with speed and had a lot of talent [like Messi],” Bolt shared in an interview with Omnisport, as reported by Essentially Sports.
This statement highlights Bolt’s appreciation for both players‘ abilities but also his resonance with Ronaldo’s path, which he sees as more aligned with his own experiences in athletics—where talent combined with sheer determination and hard work defines success.
Conclusion: A Personal Take in a Global Debate
As both Messi and Ronaldo approach the latter stages of their illustrious careers, with Messi playing for MLS side Inter Miami and Ronaldo for Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr, the debate over who is the greatest of all time continues to be a subject of global sports discourse. Usain Bolt’s perspective adds a fascinating layer to this discussion, celebrating the merits of hard work and personal connection to athletes’ stories in evaluating greatness.
🎙️ INTERVIEWER: "Top 3 footballers of all time?"
🇯🇲 USAIN BOLT: "Pele, Maradona and my favourite footballer Cristiano Ronaldo."
🎙️ INTERVIEWER: "Over Messi?"
🇯🇲 USAIN BOLT: "Yeah for sure. It's Cristiano Ronaldo." 🐐pic.twitter.com/KOykpmr6zJ
— LLF (@laligafrauds) April 19, 2024
In the end, while opinions like Bolt’s add valuable insights to the conversation, the Messi vs. Ronaldo debate is likely to persist as fans and sports enthusiasts around the world draw from a plethora of memorable performances and personal biases to champion their preferred footballing hero.
