Roberto Carlos has made a stunning claim when choosing his top three players of all-time, as the former Inter star did not select Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi.
Who Did Roberto Carlos Pick As The Best Players Of All-Time?
The soccer icon enjoyed a stellar career, playing for the likes of Real Madrid and Inter Milan, while also establishing himself in the Brazilian national side.
During his incredible career, Roberto Carlos won a plethora of trophies for club and country, winning four La Liga titles, three Champions Leagues, two Brazilian League titles and World Cup with Brazil.
Although his best moments came in the Spanish capital, the Brazilian also enjoyed a spell with Inter Milan before earning his move to Madrid in 1996 – making 34 appearances for the Nerazzurri in the 1995/96 season.
Roberto Carlos was a fan favorite at the San Siro, which Inter are now close to purchasing alongside AC Milan, but the Brazilian was misused by Roy Hodgson and left for Madrid after a year.
Soccer fans often rank the Brazilian as the best left-back in history, holding the position in the infamous Galacticos team and playing side a host of superstars.
Carlos played with the likes of Zinedine Zidane, David Beckham, Ronaldo and many others, which may highlight why his top three players of all-time includes two teammates.
The 52-year-old was recently asked to name his top three players of all-time and shocked a lot of viewers with his answer – not including Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo.
Carlos said: “Ronaldo is a top player. Very fast and very intelligent. He was an example for the younger players, for me he’s the number one. Playing with him for Real Madrid for such a long time (was) magic.
“Maradona was a strong character, a great leader, who enjoyed being with a football. He has always been, and always will be, my reference. People ask if that’s strange, but I’ve never seen Pele play – only pictures. I’ve played against Maradona, too, and he was incredible.
“Zidane was just magical. The world stopped to see Zidane play.”
Did Roberto Carlos Play Against Messi or Ronaldo?
Not choosing either of the two soccer superstars in the best players of all-time list is an interesting choice, as both Messi and Ronaldo have achieved greatness in the sport.
Cristiano Ronaldo is edging closer to becoming the first player (on record) to score 1000 career goals and Messi is the most decorated player of all-time with 46 trophies.
The Argentine is currently playing his football in the US, still showing unfathomable quality for Inter Miami, but Messi has been linked with a move away and Barcelona are favorites to sign their former star on the best betting apps.
As for Cristiano Ronaldo, he currently plays his soccer in the Saudi Pro League for Al Nassr and recently signed a new deal that will earn the Portuguese icon over $17 million each month.
Roberto Carlos never played against the Portuguese icon during his career, but the Brazilian did come face-to-face with Lionel Messi on two separate occasions.
In November 2005, Barcelona thrashed Real Madrid 3-0 in the Santiago Bernabeu and Messi registered an assists for the opening goal by setting up Samuel Eto’o.
The two would battle it out once again in October 2006, as this time Roberto Carlos got his revenge by keeping Messi quiet and helping Madrid win 2-0 at home.
