Vieri Rates Brazilian Ronaldo Above Cristiano Ronaldo

Vieri played with the Brazilian between 1999 and 2002 before Ronaldo moved back to La Liga to play for Real Madrid.

Ronaldo became a household name in football from the late 1990s to mid-2000s, having cemented himself as one of the deadliest marksman of his time.

He won two World Cups with Brazil and personally won three FIFA best player of the year awards.

His brilliant goalscoring exploits with clubs like PSV, Barcelona, and Inter Milan rightfully earned him the nickname El Fenomeno.

His name sake Cristiano Ronaldo rose to prominence during the dying embers of the former AC Milan man’s career.

Just like the Brazilian, the Portuguese has defined the art of goalscoring for the past 15 years and has raised the bar of individual brilliance by winning five Ballon d’Ors; only Barcelona’s Lionel Messi has more.

Vieri was asked to make his pick by Daily Mail and the Italian opted for the legendary Brazil number nine, who he calls a friend.

“I am a friend of Ronnie and I was lucky enough to have him as a striker with me. He had it all. He was explosive, powerful and fast. He looked like a dancer, he seemed to dance with the ball,” 46-year-old said.

“I say that Brazilian Ronaldo is better than Cristiano Ronaldo.”

“CR7 is a war machine, he is admirable for everything he does and for all the things he continues to do. Cristiano can play up to 40 years with a cigarette between his lips, as they say in Italy.”

“He has a sculptural physique.”