Cristiano Ronaldo vs Ronaldo Nazario: The Only Time the Two Stars Met in a Football Match

• Cristiano Ronaldo is widely considered one of the greatest footballers in history
• There's an age-old debate over who's the better Ronaldo: 'CR7' or Ronaldo 'R9'
• The two iconic Ronaldos have only met once in a football match, back in 2005

When it comes to the debate on who is the better player between Cristiano Ronaldo and Brazil’s Ronaldo Nazario, it really comes down to personal preference as a football fan.

Both players were a joy to watch in their prime. One dazzled with his natural Brazilian flair and trickery, while the other, equally skilled on the ball, excelled as a top-tier goal scorer.

Comparing the two ‘Ronaldos’ is practically impossible, especially since there are so many contrasting attributes between them.

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The fact that they played in slightly overlapping eras of the game makes it more challenging to directly compare them.

Ronaldo Nazario’s era

Ronaldo Nazario was arguably at the peak of his powers in his late teens to early 20s, playing for clubs such as PSV, Barcelona, Inter Milan and Real Madrid.

In a career that was plagued by serious injuries, Ronaldo scored 298 goals in 454 appearances; stats that could have been much more outrageous if he managed to keep fit.

Regardless, the Brazilian is still spoken of in high regard to this day.

Cristiano Ronaldo bursts onto the scene

In 2002, Cristiano burst onto the scene as a promising teenager.

Despite an initial slow start, the Portuguese winger grew into his game thanks to a combination of determination, talent and outright hard work.

Ronaldo went on to become a serial winner and one of the best players in history after spells with Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus.

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He continues to ply his football trade to date, playing for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League at the age of 39.

When CR7 and R9 met in a football match

Because of their overlapping career timelines, the two ‘Ronaldos’ never met in an competitive football match.

They did, however, face each other in a game organized by Luis Figo in 2005.

The pair were in opposing teams for a charity match organized by Figo, who was a teammate of both players.

R9 represented Luis Figo’s foundation, while Cristiano represented Ronald McDonald House Charity, according to Give Me Sport.

Neither player was at the peak of their powers as CR7 was a rising star, while O Fenomeno was heading to the twilight years of his footballing stint.

There was a Ronaldo on the scoresheet in that game, with the Brazilian ace netting twice as Figo’s foundation won 2-0.

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Cristiano did not get onto the score sheet, but he was in his showboat and step-overs era, as seen in the video below:

R9 on CR7 vs Messi debate

Sports Brief also reported on Ronaldo Nazario’s take on the age-old Messi vs Ronaldo debate.

In an interview with Mail Sports, the two-time World Cup winner didn't hesitate to select Messi when tasked with choosing between the Argentine and Ronaldo.

His pick came as no surprise, as R9 has always been coy when it comes to acknowledging Cristiano’s brilliance.