Former Watford captain Troy Deeney has cast doubt on Cristiano Ronaldo’s place in the “Greatest of All Time” (GOAT) debate following Portugal’s exit from the FIFA World Cup.
Portugal were knocked out in the Round of 16 after a defeat to Spain, prompting renewed discussion around Ronaldo’s legacy. Speaking to Sun Football, Deeney acknowledged the 41-year-old’s remarkable career but argued that the absence of a World Cup title weakens his case among football’s all-time greats.
“For purists of football, we can appreciate how great he’s been,” Deeney said. “But I don’t know if you’d put him among the very greatest of all time, especially when he’s never won the World Cup.”
Deeney also suggested that the Al-Nassr forward has often relied on teammates to create scoring opportunities, further differentiating him from other players in the GOAT conversation.
Ronaldo, widely regarded as one of football’s most prolific goal scorers, has won multiple league titles, UEFA Champions League trophies, and the European Championship with Portugal. However, the World Cup remains the only major accolade missing from his career.
