Roberto Carlos: “Ronaldo Nazario Would Have Won 15 Ballon d’Ors Without Injuries”
Real Madrid legend Roberto Carlos has once again sparked conversation in the football world after boldly claiming that his former teammate, Ronaldo Nazario, would have collected at least 15 Ballon d’Or titles if not for injuries.
Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, Carlos described the former Brazilian superstar as the greatest footballer he has ever watched, insisting that big names across the game share the same belief.
“For me, he [Ronaldo] has been the best. If he did not have his injuries, he would have had 15 Ballon d’Ors. It is not just me saying this. If you ask Drogba, Maldini, Cannavaro or any coach in the world, they will say it. Mourinho has said it,” Carlos stated.
The Brazilian icon’s admiration is far from an exaggeration. Ronaldo’s brilliance was undeniable: explosive pace, unbelievable dribbling, power, creativity, and a striker’s killer instinct that made defenders tremble. Yet constant knee injuries cut short what could have been the most dominant career in football history.
Carlos further emphasized:
“In my opinion, Ronaldo Nazario, in this era, is the best and will always be number one.”
Opinion: Was Ronaldo the Greatest We Never Fully Saw?
Football fans often debate about who the greatest player of all time is—Messi, Ronaldo (CR7), Maradona, Pelé… the list goes on. But sometimes, greatness isn’t measured in trophies or records—sometimes, it’s about what the world missed out on.
Ronaldo Nazario was a once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon. At just 21 years old, he had already won the Ballon d’Or and was feared by every defence in Europe. Even with his injury setbacks, he still became a World Cup winner, two-time Ballon d’Or holder, top scorer everywhere he went, and an idol to millions.
Imagine a Ronaldo who played injury-free into his 30s…
More World Cups?
Unbreakable scoring records?
A Ballon d’Or haul no one could come close to?
Football fans caught glimpses of genius—but not the full story.
So yes, Carlos may be right. Ronaldo Nazario might not just have been one of the greatest. He might have been the undisputed number one… in a world where his knees did not betray him.
Some legends are measured by achievements. Others, like R9, are remembered for the pure magic they delivered—even in limited time.
