When Ex Premier League Star Crowned Cristiano Ronaldo As 'Greatest Winger of All Time'

When Ex Premier League Star Crowned Cristiano Ronaldo As 'Greatest Winger of All Time'

Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe
updated at September 28, 2023 at 7:25 AM
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  • Cristiano Ronaldo is undeniably one of the greatest footballers in history
  • The Portuguese star holds a number of goal-scoring records to his name
  • His tricks and flicks during his time as a winger continue to inspire many

Cristiano Ronaldo is the greatest winger of all time, according to Saudi-based former Premier League star, Allan Saint-Maximin.

Starting his career as a skilful winger, the Portuguese veteran transformed himself into one of the greatest goal-scorers the sport has ever seen following his then world record move from Manchester United to Real Madrid in 2009.

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Cristiano Ronaldo trying to evade pressure from Arsenal defenders Emmanuel Eboue (left) and Kolo Toure (right). Photo by Clive Brunskill.
Source: Getty Images

His transition from the flanks to the centre of the opposition's defence birthed a prolific goal-scoring machine and a multitude of records in his name, per GOAL.

Currently standing at 853 career goals for both club and country, as at the time of writing, Ronaldo is 147 strikes shy of an eyewatering 1,000 career goals, per Messivsronaldo.

While the forward's goal-scoring prowess has firmly established him among football's legends, his speed and trickery during his earlier years as a winger continue to inspire others.

One such player is former Newcastle United winger, Saint-Maximin, who recently made the move from Europe to the Middle East by signing with Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League.

Known as one of the best in his position, the Frenchman is a constant challenge for defenders, causing chaos with his blistering speed, delicate touches, and an array of tricks.

When asked about his source of inspiration, the 26-year-old pointed to Ronaldo, once acknowledged the five-time Ballon d'Or winner as the best during his time.

Referring to a clip of Ronaldo attempting to evade an Arsenal defender, Saint-Maximin said:

"I've seen this clip many times, as well. It was, for me, the best Ronaldo I ever saw. All the wingers want to be like him because he was the best."

Ronaldo responds to critics calling him 'finished'

Earlier, Sports Brief reported on Ronaldo firing back at his critics who labelled him as 'finished' as he approaches the later stages of his illustrious career.

Despite consistently delivering top-notch performances in Saudi Arabia, numerous parties have suggested the Portuguese icon is close to retirement.

Authors
Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe photo
Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe
Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe is a Ligue 1, Bundesliga, and La Liga editor with five-year experience. He previously worked with Sports Corna and 360SportsGH.
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