Renato Gaúcho, the esteemed Brazilian footballer and former coach, has reignited his long-standing assertion of superiority over the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo. During a recent interview on the Charla Podcast, Renato boldly claimed, "I don’t joke, I speak seriously. I played more than him... Cristiano gave an interview recently saying he is the greatest of all time, so I was the greatest of his time because I played more than he did.” This statement has sparked both interest and debate within the football community as Renato has consistently made similar declarations for over a decade.
The 60-year-old former player, who is widely regarded as one of the finest South American forwards of his era, pointed out the varying circumstances surrounding their careers. He expressed admiration for Ronaldo but challenged the Portuguese star's narrative, stating, "I have always praised Cristiano Ronaldo, he is an exceptional professional. But I wanted to see him playing here in Brazil, at the clubs where I played, with delayed salaries, and me playing instead of him at Real Madrid, earning what he earns and playing with the same teammates he had." This condition poses compelling hypotheticals about career outcomes.
Renato’s comparisons date back to 2013 when he first made the claim during the now-defunct program "Bem Amigos." He reiterated on multiple occasions, stating his versatility as a player was key. "I played more. He likes to play on the left side. I played on the left, with all humility, through the middle, and on the right. You see talent when he plays multiple positions and holds his own. Kudos to him for the position he plays, but I want to see him perform well elsewhere," he argued.
His critiques extended to Spanish media after the 2017 FIFA Club World Cup, where he was questioned about the disparity between their careers. Renato response was dismissive of the accolades Ronaldo received, stating, "It's very easy for you, [Spaniards] who did not see me play, to only praise Cristiano Ronaldo. To determine who played more, you would have to consult many people who saw me play. That's my opinion. Everyone has theirs, and he has his as well.”
The tension between these two iconic figures of football continues to intrigue fans. Renato’s personal statistics are impressive, having played 609 matches and scored 186 goals throughout his career at numerous clubs, including Bangu, Flamengo, Fluminense, and Grêmio. Conversely, Cristiano Ronaldo’s career stats are monumental; he has played 1,265 matches and scored 923 goals for clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and Al Nassr. Currently, he stands as the all-time leading goal scorer among official matches.
The disparity between their statistics is notable but fails to capture the broader narrative of their career choices and different eras of football. Renato’s fervent defense of his legacy reflects not just personal pride but the passion inherent to football—a sport where the past continuously collides with the present.
Ronaldo, undeterred by Renato's claims, dismissed them with humor, stating, "What do you want me to say? Some things don't deserve answers... The best response is to laugh. If he thinks like this, what can I say? He has to listen. They also told me. I was curious to see his resume. He has had a beautiful resume," adding a sardonic remark about Renato’s time playing one year with Roma.
The debate captivates because it taps deep-seated feelings about greatness and legacy within football. While one may argue over statistics, several intangibles must be taken under consideration—context, culture, and the era effect. Renato's inclination to assert dominance over Cristiano Ronaldo may stem from the authentic emotions linked to his roots and experiences, ones familiar to many who followed his career.
Today, both men continue to carve out their paths within the football domain—Renato as a still-active managerial figure, recently commented on his willingness to coach São Paulo, stating, "Down south, there are no beaches. Paraná has no beaches. I am professional. São Paulo is a big club." Ronaldo, at the age of 40, is closing in on 1,000 career goals, maintaining his status as one of the most recognizable athletes worldwide.
Whether one regards Renato’s claims as self-aggrandizement or valid commentary on different football cultures, they undeniably showcase the vibrant passion and pride embedded within the sport. Football transcends mere numbers, asking not just who scored more, but how each player’s legacy resonates with the beautiful game itself.